The utilization of networked, shared, heterogeneous workstations as an inexpensive parallel computational platform is an appealing idea. However, most performance models for parallel computation are oriented towards the use of tightly-coupled, dedicated, homogeneous processors. We develop and validate an analytic performance model for synchronous iterative algorithms executing on networked workstations. The model includes the effects of application load, background load, and processor heterogeneity. The model is validated using a pair of applications: a nonlinear optimization code and discrete-event simulation.
展开▼
