Parallel Computer Architecture

468 CHAPTER 7 Scalable Multiprocessors

achieved by integrating the network more closely with the processor. However, this

may increase cost or compromise performance, either by increasing the latency to

memory or increasing design time, and thus might not be the most effective choice.

With processor performance improving rapidly over time, a more rudimentary

design starting later on the technology curve might be produced at the same time

with higher computational performance but perhaps lower communication perfor-

mance. As with all aspects of design, it is a question of balance.

What the entire spectrum of large-scale parallel machines hav