HIPPI OVER ATM NETWORKS - EXTENDING CONNECTIONS FOR DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING

Network computing offers great potential for increasing computing powe r and communication facility for large-scale distributed applications. The aggregate computing power of a collection of computers interconne cted by high-speed networks can be employed to solve a variety of scie ntific and engineering problems. Among high-speed networks used for di stributed computing, High-Performance Parallel Interface networks ofte n provide connections between supercomputers, or between supercomputer s and high-end workstations. Hippi is a simplex point-to-point interfa ce for transferring data at peak data rates of 800 or 1,600 Mbps over distances up to 25 meters. A related standard defines a cross-point sw itch to support multiple interconnections between Hippi interfaces on different hosts. This is a mature technology; most supercomputers and many high-end workstations are equipped with Hippi interfaces for high -throughput data connections. Hippi's success and widespread use in th is arena is due to its simple design. However, to make Hippi practical for networking in addition to channel solutions, we need mechanisms t hat Extend the 25-meter distance limitation. This article describes a joint effort by the University of Minnesota's Computer Science Departm ent, the Minnesota Supercomputer Center and US West Communications to extend Hippi connectivity over private and public ATM networks.