Integrated fault tolerance for packet-switched networks

Hotchkiss, R, 2000. Integrated fault tolerance for packet-switched networks. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

A novel VLSI hardware packet routing switch, integrating fault tolerant mechanisms, has been developed. The device can be used to construct an embedded parallel or distributed processing architecture.

A review of packet switched techniques has been carried out, leading to a high-level specification for a next generation packet switched network. From this specification, an eight-link router-switch has been implemented in a programmable logic device, which significantly enhances the primary routing features compared to earlier devices.

The distributed fault tolerance features were implemented in two stages. The first stage is concerned with critical interruption of the link stability, which has been proven through simulation and hardware verification. The first stage features detected and localised the effects of network failure, while supplying features to reduce link activity where required. The second deals with deadlock detection and recovery, which investigated a detection method that minimised time and false detections irrespective of network traffic. The investigative second stage has been verified by simulation.

This work successfully culminated in the production of a fault tolerant hardware routing switch. All basic routing features of the device operation have been proven through simulation and hardware testing. Simulations have been used to subject the device to a range of extended workloads for confidence of operation. The router-switch supports the network specification for a fault tolerant network, based on a distributed mechanism, allowing a linear scaling factor for tolerance to failure as the network is modified. This maximises network availability in the presence of faults. Key features of the design were compared and contrasted with the current state of the art in the literature.

Item Type:	Thesis
Creators:	Hotchkiss, R.
Date:	2000
ISBN:	9781369314922
Identifiers:	Number Type PQ10183226 Other
Divisions:	Schools > School of Science and Technology
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	30 Nov 2020 14:43
Last Modified:	10 Aug 2023 09:09
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/41717

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