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Cross-platform analysis of fast messages for Myrinet

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Network-Based Parallel Computing Communication, Architecture, and Applications (CANPC 1998)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNCS,volume 1362))

Abstract

Designing high performance communication software requires an in-depth understanding of the role of the components of the underlying machine/network architecture and their reciprocal interactions. The task is complicated by the continuing technological advances in the machine architectures. In this paper we analyze the performance of the Fast Messages (FM) high performance messaging layer on three platforms as different as a Sparc 5, a Ultra 1, and a PentiumPro PC. Using a characterization in terms of the LogP model, we expose how the differences in the machine architectures are reflected in the way the different parts of a communication library like FM behaves and how their reciprocal interaction is affected. Our work shows that the FM implementation is “robust”, tolerating large variations of machine performance while preserving the basic balances of its design. It also shows that a properly extended LogP model can be an invaluable architectural analysis tool.

This work has been partially supported by MURST under funds 40% and 60%, by TELECOM Italia, and by NATO under a Collaborative Research Grant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Informatica e Sistemistica, Université di Napoli Federico II, via Claudio, 21-80125, Napoli, Italy

    Giulio Iannello, Mario Lauria & Stefano Mercolino

Authors
  1. Giulio Iannello
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  2. Mario Lauria
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  3. Stefano Mercolino
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Dhabaleswar K. Panda Craig B. Stunkel

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© 1998 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Iannello, G., Lauria, M., Mercolino, S. (1998). Cross-platform analysis of fast messages for Myrinet. In: Panda, D.K., Stunkel, C.B. (eds) Network-Based Parallel Computing Communication, Architecture, and Applications. CANPC 1998. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 1362. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/BFb0052219

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BFb0052219

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-64140-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-69693-3

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