On the relative performance merits of hypercube and hypermesh networks

Topology and routing algorithm are among the most important factors that gr eatly influence network performance. This paper assesses the interaction of these factors on two related but distinct types of multicomputer networks, the hypercube and hypermesh. This study shows that the routing algorithm c an have a great influence on deciding the outcome of any comparison between competing network topologies. The results reveal that deterministic routin g favours the hypermesh due to its smaller diameter which reduces considera bly message blocking compared to the hypercube. However, adaptive routing f avours the hypercube as it can benefit from its multiple paths to overcome the degrading effects of its high diameter. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.