Non-stationary Simulation of Computer Systems and Dynamic Performance Evaluation: A Concern-Based Approach and Case Study on Cloud Computing

• Published in: 2015 27th International Symposium on Computer Architecture and High Performance Computing (SBAC-PAD) pp. 130 - 137
• Main Authors: Pereira, Lourenco A., Mamani, Edwin L. C., Santana, Marcos J., Santana, Regina H. C., Northon Nobile, Pedro, Monaco, Francisco Jose
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01-10-2015
• Subjects: Analytical models; Cloud computing; Computational modeling; Computers; Mathematical model; Performance Evaluation; Quality of Service; System performance; Transient analysis
• ISSN: 1550-6533; 2643-3001
• DOI: 10.1109/SBAC-PAD.2015.9

This paper introduces an approach to the design of discrete event simulation experiments aimed at transient performance analysis. Specially in complex, multi-tier applications, the net effects of small delays introduced by buffers, IO operations, communication latency and averaged measurements, may result in significant inertia along the input-output path. In order to bring out these dynamic properties, the simulation experiment should excite the system with non-stationary workload under controlled conditions. The work discusses the dynamic properties of large-scale distributed computer systems and how these may impact delivered performance. These rationales are explored to motivate a concern-based architecture which captures the elicited requirements. The design approach is systematic formulated and illustrated by a case study on extending a well-known cloud computing simulation framework to meet the aimed features. Experimental results of ongoing work are also addressed.