1. Topology What are the consequences of using fewer than n2 connections?
Fewer interconnects make it practically feasible
Contention likely – lower bisection bandwidth
Other Topologies & worst case distances
Token Ring – N (N is no of nodes)
2D torus - N
Fat tree – 2logN
2D meshes 2N
Hypercube – Log(N/2)
Routing
Usually a random choice from no of equally good paths
Store-and forward vs. cut-through & wormhole forwarding

2. MPP, LAN, WAN Compare and contrast the features. MPP LAN WAN
Networks specifically designed, no standards
Use more novel and regular topologies
Smaller distances, high bandwidth and low overheads
Eg. CM-5
LAN
Based on standards
Haphazard topologies evolved over years
Longer distance, emphasis on fault tolerance, large overheads
Eg. Ethernet
WAN
Simpler topologies than MPP
Very long distances, fault tolerant, large overheads
Eg. ATM