SBIR-STTR Award

The Grid, the network that links DOE and other research computing facilities, requires faster access to large amounts of data to feed faster computer systems, as well as the ability to reach data when required by applications (quality of service). Under current network technologies, data access is randomly affected by competing traffic, which slows response and makes interactivity next to impossible. Much of the commercially available, long distance, fiber optic links use SONET (Synchronous Optical NETwork), which lacks a transfer protocol that would allow its characteristics to be used to advantage. This project will develop a new data transfer protocol, based on SONET frames, to allow low cost, higher speed, and interactive networking between Grid computer systems that are connected through either carrier-provided or customer-provided fiber optic links. The protocol will be implemented in hardware and will be based on application-to-application communication rather than on computer-to-computer communication used for current operating systems. Phase I will investigate various network protocols, data transfer bottlenecks, applications, distributed memory APIs (Application Programmer’s Interfaces), data integrity, programming methods, and development of a network protocol architecture suitable for adaptation and modification for Grid applications.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:
The new data transfer protocol should provide low cost, higher speed, and interactive networking between computers connected through existing long distance fiber optic links. Benefits are expected to include improved quality of video conferencing, technology collaborations, scientific and engineering simulations, computer gaming, and more efficient use of existing communications infrastructure

The Grid, the network that links DOE and other research computing facilities, requires faster access to large amounts of data to feed faster computer systems, as well as the ability to reach data when required by applications (quality of service). Under current network technologies, data access is randomly affected by competing traffic, which slows response and makes interactivity next to impossible. Much of the commercially available, long distance, fiber optic links use SONET (Synchronous Optical NETwork), which lacks a transfer protocol that would allow its characteristics to be used to advantage. This project will develop a new data transfer protocol, based on SONET frames, to allow low cost, higher speed, and interactive networking between Grid computer systems that are connected through either carrier-provided or customer-provided fiber optic links. The protocol will be implemented in hardware and will be based on application-to-application communication rather than on computer-to-computer communication, which is used for current operating systems. Phase I developed a specification for a SONET Application Memory Transport (SAMTP) protocol, along with an appropriate hardware configuration for eventual manufacturing. In Phase II, protoype hardware boards implementing the SAMTP protocols will be developed suitable for use with an off-the-shelf microprocessor system. The resulting hardware will be evaluated for performance and application benefits at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratory.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:
The new data transfer protocol should provide low cost, higher speed, and interactive networking between computers connected through existing long distance fiber optic links. Benefits are expected to include improved quality of video conferencing, technology collaborations, scientific and engineering simulations, computer gaming, and more efficient use of existing communications infrastructure.