The IDES Framework: A Case Study in Development of a Parallel Discrete-Event Simulation System

This tutorial describes considerations in the design and development of the IDES parallel simulation system. IDES is a Java-based parallel/distributed simulation system designed to support the study of complex large-scale enterprise systems. Using the IDES system as an example, we discuss how anticipated model and system constraints molded our design decisions with respect to modeling, synchronization, and communication strategies. 1 INTRODUCTION The use of parallel computers to execute discreteevent simulations has been a topic of research interest for nearly 20 years. Until recently, parallel computers could be found only in research labs, and application of parallel simulation technology was limited by the simple problem of lack of access. That has changed. Shared-memory multiprocessors have become a commodity product. Fast networks to link personal computers has become commodity products. It is now possible to order the pieces of a tremendously powerful distributed/parallel syste..