Reliability and fault-tolerance in multistage interconnection networks

Reliability and fault-tolerance issues are important in the study of interconnection networks used in large multiprocessor systems because of the large number of components involved. In this paper we study these issues with respect to multistage networks which are typically built forN inputs andN outputs using 2 × 2 switching elements and log2N stages. In such networks, the failure of a switching element or connecting link destroys the communication capability between one or more pair(s) of source and destination terminals. Many techniques exist for designing multistage networks that tolerate switch and/or link failures without losing connectivity. Several approaches for achieving fault-tolerance in multistage interconnection networks are described in this paper. The techniques vary from providing redundant components in the network to making multiple passes through the faulty network. Quantitative measures are introduced for analysis of the reliability of these networks in terms of the component reliabilities. Several examples are given to illustrate the techniques.