System for performing deadlock free message transfer in cyclic multi-hop digital computer network using a number of buffers based on predetermined diameter

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention provides a new and improved system and method for performing deadlock free message transfer in a cyclic multi-hop digital computer network that may be used in a multiprocessor computer system.
In brief summary, the invention provides a new message packet transfer system, which may be used in, for example, a multiprocessor computer system.
The message packet transfer system comprises a plurality of switching nodes interconnected by communication links to define at least one cyclical packet transfer path having a predetermined diameter.
The switching nodes may be connected to, for example, digital data processors and memory to form processing nodes in an multiprocessor computer system, and/or to other sources and destinations for digital data contained in the message packets.
The switching nodes transfer message packets each from a respective one of the switching nodes as a respective source switching node to a respective one of the switching nodes as a respective destination switching node.
At least one of the switching nodes has a plurality of buffers for buffering a corresponding plurality of message packets that it (that is, the at least one of the switching nodes) receives from another of said switching nodes during a message transfer operation, which ensures that deadlock does not occur during the message transfer operation.