VHDL modeling for the performance evaluation of multicomputer networks

This paper describes the use of VHDL for performance evaluation. VHDL simulation is coupled with support programs that supply statistical workloads and derive performance results for multicomputer networks. Models for node processing and communication using wormhole routing are described. Methods for extracting performance data from simulation results are presented. Example results are provided to illustrate the utility of the approach. For clarity, the discussion in this paper focuses on a model of a 16-node, or 4-dimensional, hypercube network. The adaptation of the models to other networks is also discussed