The Scalable Coherent Interface and related standards projects

The Scalable Coherent Interface (SCI) (IEEE P1596), which provides bus services by transmitting packets on a collection of point-to-point unidirectional links, is described. Its protocols support cache coherence in a distributed shared-memory multiprocessor model, with message passing, I/O, and LAN communication taking place over fiber optic or wire links. Several ongoing SCI-related projects that apply the SCI technology to new areas or extend it to more difficult problems are also described. Future plans are sketched.<<ETX>>

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