The Gemini Interconnect: Data Path Measurements and Performance Analysis

The Gemini interconnect is a dual technology (optical and electrical) interconnection network designed for use in tightly-coupled multicomputer systems. It consists of a circuit-switched optical data path in parallel with a packet-switched electrical control/data path. Here, we present quantitative measurements of optical data path operation from the physical implementation, as well as a discrete-event simulation model of the entire interconnect that includes visualization capabilities. Performance analyses of several aspects of system operation are developed from the simulation model.