Assessing fast network interfaces

Abstract

Assessing the performance of emerging high-speed networks is difficult. Our communication microbenchmark evaluates design changes in a communications system. Our microbenchmark generates a graphical signature from which we extract communication performance parameters for the hardware-software tandem. We use the LogP conceptual model for communication systems. (LogP stands for the parameters latency, overhead, gap, and processors). We study three important platforms that represent diverse points in the network interface design space: the Intel Paragon, Meiko CS-2, and a cluster of Sparcstation-20s connected by Myrinet switches using LANai SBus cards. Our study views each machine as a gray box supporting Active Messages and conforming to the LogP framework. We devise a simple set of communication microbenchmarks and measure the performance on each platform to obtain the LogP parameters.