The minimum and maximum ranges of the configurable items for the Silicon Graphics Prism Power Systems ( ring topology) are listed in Table 3-1, and for the Silicon Graphics Prism Team Systems ( router topology) are listed in Table 3-2.

The basic Silicon Graphics Prism uses a type of network configuration that is referred to as a ring topology. As the name implies, the network connection between the base compute module, graphics module, and optional CPU expansion or CMPX modules forms a ring. A message is passed around the ring until it reaches its destination. The data flow of this ring topology flows in both directions, enabling the modules to have direct connection to two other modules and providing an alternative path if a connection fails between two modules.

The Silicon Graphics Prism system may also be configured in routed configurations, which are described in “NUMAlink Cabling in Routed Systems”.

The bisection bandwidth per node depends on the number of modules on the ring, as well as what type of modules they are; the bisection bandwidth per node is greatest when there are only two modules on the ring. See Table 3-3.

Figure 3-1 provides an example of the two-module ring topology.

Figure 3-2 shows an example of a three-module ring topology.

Figure 3-3 shows an example of a four-module ring topology.

This section describes the NUMAlink cabling for systems containing routers.

Prism systems containing routers will have between four and eight base compute, XG2N, CPU, or CMPX modules, as well as two routers. This section provides cabling details for the smallest configuration (four modules, two routers) and largest configuration (eight modules, two routers). Other configurations are similar to the ones shown.