Hierarchical Topology Support for Merlin

[Vatsanshuman]

Hi all,

I'm new to using SST and I'm trying to build a hierarchical topology, e.g. Ring+Mesh with Merlin network. I was wondering if there's support present for building hierarchical topologies.

I referred the example for multiple networks: Example 9 - SST tutorials I'm not sure if we can use the component "Bridge" to create hierarchical topology between Ring and Mesh.

I also checked the SST slides presented at ISCA 2017. ISCA 2017. It doesn't mention any support for hierarchical topology. Attaching a snapshot of the slide below.

If anyone has worked on hierarchical topologies, can you please help me with a reference of the same?

Thank you!

[feldergast]

There is no direct support for hierarchical networks in merlin. I doubt the bridge component will give you want you want, though it may be possible to make it functionally correct. The problem is that it probably couldn't be made to route on the shortest path for all src/dest pairs. If you want a new hierarchical topology, it would be best to build a new Topology object that understands the complete topology and can route packets correctly.

[dklowden]

Poking this issue as this is also of key interest for the Intel AGILE team. Is there any further ownership to enable/support this, or, is the only solution to develop a fully customized router as proposed?

[feldergast]

I've given some more thought to this, but I don't know of a good way to separate things out such that you can get reasonably efficient routing without knowing the complete topology. At this point, I don't have any plans to add hierarchical network support to merlin. I'm happy to help with questions about building specific combinations of topologies.