Performance Analysis of Network Architectures

by Dietmar Tutsch

Overview

Parallel and distributed computer systems are built to close the gap between the demand for high-performance computing and the computing power available using standalone single-processor machines. Traffic in networks connecting such systems is typically characterized by its distribution in time and space. Three approaches can be applied to determine the related network performance: measurement, simulation, and mathematical methods.

Dietmar Tutsch first introduces various network architectures that are widely proposed for parallel and distributed systems as well as for systems-on-chips including multicore processors. Their advantages and drawbacks are compared. Then, he gives an exhaustive survey of the available modeling techniques, including mathematical methods like Markov chains and Petri nets, and simulation methods. The main problems in modeling networks are that models are usually too large to be handled by a computer system, and, due to model complexity, model development is very time consuming. As a solution, the author systematically presents methods for complexity reduction, thus reducing the development time considerably. In addition, he presents a strategy for developing a generator for automatic model derivation. Finally, both simulation and mathematical models are applied to two major examples, a cellular network and a multistage interconnection network.

This monograph mainly targets researchers in network architecture design and performance analysis, both from industry and academia. In addition, graduate students specializing in these areas will find a comprehensive overview of this field.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783642070679
Publisher:	Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Publication date:	11/09/2010
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of hardcover 1st ed. 2006
Pages:	245
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.24(d)

About the Author

Dietmar Tutsch is a senior research assistant at the Technical University of Berlin, Germany. From fall 2000 to spring 2001, Dietmar Tutsch joined the International Computer Science Institute (ICSI) at Berkeley (USA). In 2004 and 2005, he regularly visited the University 12 of Paris (France). His research interests are shastic modelling techniques (Markov chains, Petri nets, discrete event simulation), wired and wireless network architectures, network on chip, network traffic distribution, dynamic hardware reconfiguration.

Table of Contents

Characteristics of Network Architectures.- Performance Evaluation.- Model Engineering.- Application: Cellular Network.- Application: Multistage Interconnection Network.- Concluding Remarks.

Editorial Reviews

From the reviews:

"This book by Tutsch studies the topological characteristics of different network architectures, and provides a detailed analysis of network performance based on mathematical methods, such as Markov chains and Petri nets. … this book is primarily intended for researchers interested in network performance modeling. … In summary, this book is an excellent starting point for readers that want to apply simulation techniques and mathematical methods for measuring network performance." (Diego R. Llanos, ACM Computing Reviews, Vol. 49 (4), April, 2008)

"The performance analysis of network architectures is a highly technical topic, one that needs good illustration. … Tutsch has written a sound book on the performance analysis of network architectures with good analytical treatment. Performance research engineers for network architectures would do well to go through this volume. … this book is certainly worthy of a place on a performance researcher’s bookshelf. The book is well presented and draws on the author’s experience." (Shantanu Bhattacharya, ACM Computing Reviews, Vol. 49 (3), March, 2008)

From the Publisher