COMPUTING SEMINAR

ABSTRACT

GSN, Gigabyte System Network also known under its project name HIPPI-6400 or its nickname SuperHIPPI is a new technology for switched networks with a transfer rate of 800 MBytes/s or 6.4 Gbits/s. The transfer channel uses four multiplexed channels called the Virtual Channels, such solving congestion problems with large data blocks.

Connections are made by a copper cable or by a parallel fibre connection. Switches are in development for 32X32 connections and less. Included in the switch specification is a converter box that allows to have up to eight HIPPI-800 connections made into a single GSN node. The Scheduled Transfer specification ( ST ) gives the possibility to do transparent memory to memory transfers. As it is technology independent it brings the possibility to combine GSN easily with other network technologies as Fibre channel, ATM and Gigabit Ethernet. The ST specification will be compatible with the emerging Via interconnect specification. GSN also shows promising features to solve problems in HEP data acquisition as 2 level and 3 level interconnects and event building switches.

If time permits a short overview will be given about the HIPPI activities at CERN and what we think to do for GSN

For Contacts: Arie van Praag CERN