ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the basics of network topology, the parameters to consider while selecting a topology, and also the merits and demerits of selecting a topology in network-on-chip (NoC) paradigm. It presents different switching techniques applicable to NoC and describes the routing strategies of NoC. The chapter shows how a deadlock can occur in a network and also the deadlock avoidance techniques. It discusses the flow control technique and the quality of service, respectively and also describes the design of network interface module. Interconnection networks are also used to connect I/O devices such as disk drives and displays. The average distance of a network is the average of the minimum distances between all pairs of intellectual property cores. Switching techniques determine when and how internal switches of the network are set to connect router inputs to outputs for transferring the messages.
