Supercomputer Communications as an Application for ATM Local Area Networks

Abstract

Broadband Integrated Services Digital Network (B-ISDN) has received widespread attention as the next generation of communications technology. Recently this attention has begun to focus on the use of the technology as a means of providing local area network connectivity for both workstations and supercomputers. Since B-ISDN provides efficient multiplexing capacity, high bandwidth communications, and widespread endorsement by the telecommunications industry it represents a ideal networking solutions for heterogeneous computing as well as multi-media applications. Within this paper we will detail our vision of the direction computer communication networks will take in the next decade. We will also look at some of the issues and problems associated with these networks specifically with regard to grand challenge problems.