Multistage interconnection networks (MINs) are a class of high-speed computer network

Computer network

A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of hardware components and computers interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information....

s usually composed of processing

Central processing unit

The central processing unit is the portion of a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program, to perform the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. The CPU plays a role somewhat analogous to the brain in the computer. The term has been in...

 elements (PEs) on one end of the network and memory

Computer memory

In computing, memory refers to the physical devices used to store programs or data on a temporary or permanent basis for use in a computer or other digital electronic device. The term primary memory is used for the information in physical systems which are fast In computing, memory refers to the...

 elements (MEs) on the other end, connected together by switching

Network switch

A network switch or switching hub is a computer networking device that connects network segments.The term commonly refers to a multi-port network bridge that processes and routes data at the data link layer of the OSI model...

 elements (SEs). The switching elements themselves are usually connected to each other in stages, hence the name.

Such networks include omega network

Omega Network

An Omega network is a network configuration often used in parallel computing architectures. It is an indirect topology that relies on the perfect shuffle interconnection algorithm.-Connection Architecture:...

s, delta network

Delta Network

The Delta Network, also referred to as the Delta Force was the name of a group of Deviants, a fictional race of beings from Marvel Comics. The Delta Network was a group of Deviant warriors who were organized by Warlord Kro...

s and many other types. MINs are typically used in high-performance or parallel computing as a low-latency

Latency (engineering)

Latency is a measure of time delay experienced in a system, the precise definition of which depends on the system and the time being measured. Latencies may have different meaning in different contexts.-Packet-switched networks:...

 interconnection (as opposed to traditional packet switching

Packet switching

Packet switching is a digital networking communications method that groups all transmitted data – regardless of content, type, or structure – into suitably sized blocks, called packets. Packet switching features delivery of variable-bit-rate data streams over a shared network...

 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

Sorting

Sorting is any process of arranging items in some sequence and/or in different sets, and accordingly, it has two common, yet distinct meanings:# ordering: arranging items of the same kind, class, nature, etc...

; cyclic shifting, as in a perfect shuffle

Faro shuffle

The faro shuffle is a method of shuffling playing cards.In a perfect shuffle or perfect faro shuffle, the deck is split into equal halves of 26 cards which are then pushed together in a certain way so as to make them perfectly interweave....

 network; and bitonic sorting.

Sources

• Aljundi, Dekeyser, Kechadi, Scherson, "A study of an evaluation methodology for unbuffered multistage interconnection networks" (2003), Proceedings of 17th International Parallel and Distributed Processing Symposium