Parallel fiber-optic SCI links

Abstract

Parallel fiber-optic links promise to be a key enabling technology for distributed computing, substantially increasing transmission distance and bandwidth. The drive to include more and more processors and I/O devices in parallel-processor complexes has created a need for box-to-box interconnection links capable of delivering bandwidth comparable to system backplanes. Point-to-point links overcome the speed and cost constraints of shared buses. However, copper-based point-to-point links can reliably carry high-speed data only a limited distance. Parallel fiber-optic links substantially increase transmission distance and surpass copper's bandwidth capability. Our research addresses the integration of parallel fiber-optic data links into system designs that require a high-bandwidth link over moderate distances. To demonstrate the feasibility of using parallel fiber-optic technology as a fundamental building block in large-scale commercial and parallel machines, we constructed a link testbed.