1. Networking What are the basic concepts of networking? Three classes
MPP (Massively parallel processor network)
LAN (Local area network)
WAN (Wide area network)
Common paradigm
Messages/packets are transferred between a sender and a receiver
Header
Request, reply, acknowledge request, acknowledge reply
Info
Actual data being transferred

2. Networking Performance measures Checksum
Ensures reliability (no scrambling of message)
Performance measures
Bandwidth – maximum rate of data propagation
Transmission Time – size of message/bandwidth
Time of Flight – time for first bit of message to arrive at the receiver
Transport Latency – time of flight + transmission time
Sender Overhead - adding of headers
Receiver Overhead – stripping of headers (may cause an interrupt), is generally larger than sender overhead

3. Connecting Computers
What techniques are used to interconnect computers for MPPs?
Where do you connect the network within the computer?
I/O bus vs. memory bus
MPPs are the only type of network that usually connect to the memory bus
Interconnection Media
Twisted pair
Coaxial cable
Fiber