Random access protocols for high-speed interprocessor communication based on an optical passive star topology

A multiple-instruction multiple-data (MIMD) distributed memory parallel computer system environment is considered. Media access control protocols that maintain good performance with high capacity optical channels are investigated. Three examples of star-coupled structures are introduced, one of which exhibits optical self-routing. Self-routing single-step optically interconnected communication structures can be designed through the incorporation of agile laser diode sources and wavelength tunable optical filters in a wavelength-division multiple-access environment. Intermediary latencies typical of MIMD distributed memory systems are eliminated. The degree and diameter of the resulting structures are dramatically reduced, and the complexity of the communication subsystem is reduced since intermediate buffering and routing of packets are eliminated