DGSim : comparing grid resource management architectures through trace-based simulation

Many advances in grid resource management are still required to realize the grid computing vision of the integration of a world-wide computing infrastructure for scientific use. The pressure for advances is increased by the fast evolution of single, large clusters, which are the primary technological alternative to grids. However, advances in grid resource management cannot be achieved without an appropriate toolbox, of which simulation environments form an essential part. The current grid simulation environments still lack important workload and system modeling features, and research productivity features such as automated experiment setup and management. In this paper we address these issues through the design and a reference implementation of DGSim, a framework for simulating grid resource management architectures. DGSim introduces the concepts of grid evolution and of job selection policy, and extends towards realism the current body of knowledge on grid inter-operation, on grid dynamics, and on workload modeling. We also show through two real use cases how DGSim can be used to compare grid resource management architectures