Design and implementation of a simulation tool for networks of workstations

摘要

Networks of workstations (NOWs) are rapidly emerging as a cost-effective alternative to parallel computers. In order to evaluate their performance, it is necessary to use adequate tools. Performance evaluation may be based on several types of modeling techniques (analytical modeling, simulation modeling, prototyping). Each of them differs in their scope and applicability. However, the simulation modeling technique offers more freedom and flexibility than the other methods. Thus, when evaluating the performance of NOWs, simulation modeling is often used because it provides a convenient and reliable way for such studies. We have implemented a very flexible and easy to use NOW simulator. In this paper, the authors present a brief description of the employed simulation language, the internal design of the implemented tool, along with fragments of the code for simulating the behavior of the modeled system elements.