Performance Based Cluster Architecture: Analytical Abstract Modeling and Analysis

Fundamental to the development and use of parallel and distributed systems is the ability to observe, analyze and understand their performance at different levels for different application types and across alternative system and software environments. First we used the Product Form Solution (PFS) of Jackson networks to construct a steady state model for evaluating the performance of clusters of workstations. The model includes the major parameters that determine the cluster performance. It covers the effect of storage limitations, interconnection networks and the impact of data partitioning. The model can be used to estimate the steady state throughput of the cluster or the expected service time of the tasks under any specific configuration and different workloads. It can also detect the bottlenecks in the system, which can then be improved leading to more effective utilization of the available resources. Jackson networks have been very successful in modeling computer systems. However, the ability of Jackson networks to predict performance with system changes remains an open question, since they do not apply to systems where there are populations size constraints