Multistage interconnection networks

MINs are typically used in high-performance or parallel computing as a low-latency interconnection (as opposed to traditional packet switching networks), though they could be implemented on top of a packet switching network.

Though the network is typically used for routing purposes, it could also be used as a co-processor to the actual processors for such uses as sorting; cyclic shifting, as in a perfect shuffle network; and bitonic sorting.

A regular static interconnect is mainly used in small networks made up of loosely couple nodes.

The figure shows 8*8 single stage switch using shuffle exchange.

A multistage interconnect network is formed by cascading multiple single stage switches.

The switches can then use their own routing algorithm or controlled by a centralized router, to form a completely interconnected network.

Multistage Interconnect Network can be classified into three types:[4] The number of switching elements required to realize a non-blocking network in highest, followed by rearrangeable non-blocking.

An Omega network consists of multiple stages of 2*2 switching elements.