Myrinet

Myrinet is a high-speed local area network (LAN) technology developed by Myricom. It was designed for high-performance computing environments, particularly for connecting clusters of computers. Myrinet utilizes a cut-through switching architecture, allowing packets to be forwarded as soon as their destination address is read, reducing latency.

The network consists of Myrinet Network Interface Cards (NICs) installed in each computer and Myrinet network switches. These components communicate using a proprietary protocol. Myrinet was known for its low latency and high bandwidth compared to other networking technologies of its era, making it suitable for applications requiring rapid inter-process communication, such as parallel computing and scientific simulations.

Myrinet's primary focus was on performance, often at the expense of broader industry compatibility or ease of use compared to Ethernet. It found a niche in research institutions and high-performance computing centers. While it offered significant advantages in specific demanding applications, its proprietary nature and the rise of high-speed Ethernet and InfiniBand led to its gradual decline in widespread adoption. However, Myrinet's legacy lies in its pioneering contributions to low-latency networking for demanding computational tasks.