This text covers the subjects of computer architecture and parallel and high-performance computing. Topics include: free-space optical interconnect systems; design and analysis of optical interconnects; interconnect system analysis; and fiber-based interconnects.

This workshop was a continuation of the PCRCW ’94 workshop that focused on issues in parallel communication and routing in support of parallel processing. The workshop series provides a forum for researchers and designers to exchange ideas with respect to challenges and issues in supporting communication for high-performance parallel computing. Within the last few years we have seen the scope of interconnection network technology expand beyond traditional multiprocessor systems to include high-availability clusters and the emerging class of system area networks. New application domains are creating new requirements for interconnection network services, e.g., real-time video, on-line data mining, etc. The emergence of quality-of-service guarantees within these domains challenges existing approaches to interconnection network design. In the recent past we have seen the emphasis on low-latency software layers, the application of multicomputer interconnection technology to distributed shared-memory multiprocessors and LAN interconnects, and the shift toward the use of commodity clusters and standard components. There is a continuing evolution toward powerful and inexpensive network interfaces, and low-cost, high-speed routers and switches from commercial vendors. The goal is to address the above issues in the context of networks of workstations, multicomputers, distributed shared-memory multiprocessors, and traditional tightly-coupled multiprocessor interconnects. The PCRCW ’97 workshop presented 20 regular papers and two short papers covering a range of topics dealing with modern interconnection networks. It was hosted by the Georgia Institute of Technology and sponsored by the Atlanta Chapter of the IEEE Computer Society.

Annotation Offers eight invited lectures by contributors from academia and industry in the fields of parallel computer systems, optical interconnections, and technology; two panel discussions; and 34 papers by contributors from throughout the world. In addition to reporting on recent advances in the field, they speculate on how optical interconnections might impact the design of parallel computer systems and communication networks, and the writing of applications and algorithms. Among the topics are reconfigurable architectures, embedding and mapping of applications and algorithms, the packaging and layout of optical interconnections, passive optical elements, data distribution and partitioning, and cost/performance studies. No subject index. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR.

Publishes papers reporting on research and development in optical science and engineering and the practical applications of known optical science, engineering, and technology.