Patel (1981) proposed a probabilistic approach to analyze the performance of synchronous multistage interconnection networks (MINs) based on a uniform reference model and the assumption of independent requests. Patel's model and analytical results have been widely adopted by numerous researchers as a basis to investigate various aspects of MINs. We study in detail the effects of the independence assumption on the accuracy of system performance and point out the factors which cause an inaccuracy. A new queueing model is then proposed and is shown to be very accurate. Since only six states are needed, independent of the size of MINs, this new model is very efficient computationally.

A new model for the performance evaluation of single-buffered multistage interconnection networks (MINs) is proposed. Previous models proposed in solving this problem are either not accurate enough or only applicable to a special case where the switching elements (SEs) are 2/spl times/2 crossbars. This new model allows the analysis of a MIN with SEs of arbitrary sizes (i.e., a/spl times/a) and, through extensive simulations, has been shown to be very accurate. Since only three states are required at each stage of a MIN, this model is efficient computationally.>

The performance evaluation of processor-memory communications for multiprocessor systems using circuit switched interconnection networks with a hold strategy is performed. Message size and processor processing time are considered and shown to have a significant effect on the overall system performance. A closed queuing network model is proposed such that only (n+2) states are required by the proposed model, in contrast to (n/sup 2/+3n+4)/2 states needed in previous studies, where n is the number of stages of the multistage interconnection network. Since a closed-form solution is obtained, the behavior of a complete cycle of memory access through multistage interconnection networks can be accurately analyzed and various performance bounds can be obtained.>