LUNES: Agent-based Simulation of P2P Systems (Extended Version)

We present LUNES, an agent-based Large Unstructured NEtwork Simulator, which allows to simulate complex networks composed of a high number of nodes. LUNES is modular, since it splits the three phases of network topology creation, protocol simulation and performance evaluation. This permits to easily integrate external software tools into the main software architecture. The simulation of the interaction protocols among network nodes is performed via a simulation middleware that supports both the sequential and the parallel/distributed simulation approaches. In the latter case, a specific mechanism for the communication overhead-reduction is used; this guarantees high levels of performance and scalability. To demonstrate the efficiency of LUNES, we test the simulator with gossip protocols executed on top of networks (representing peer-to-peer overlays), generated with different topologies. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.Comment: Proceedings of the International Workshop on Modeling and Simulation of Peer-to-Peer Architectures and Systems (MOSPAS 2011). As part of the 2011 International Conference on High Performance Computing and Simulation (HPCS 2011

Application and support for high-performance simulation

types: Editorial CommentHigh performance simulation that supports sophisticated simulation experimentation and optimization can require non-trivial amounts of computing power. Advanced distributed computing techniques and systems found in areas such as High Performance Computing (HPC), High Throughput Computing (HTC), grid computing, cloud computing and e-Infrastructures are needed to provide effectively the computing power needed for the high performance simulation of large and complex models. In simulation there has been a long tradition of translating and adopting advances in distributed computing as shown by contributions from the parallel and distributed simulation community. This special issue brings together a contemporary collection of work showcasing original research in the advancement of simulation theory and practice with distributed computing. This special issue is divided into two parts. This first part focuses on research pertaining to high performance simulation that support a range of applications including the study of epidemics, social networks, urban mobility and real-time embedded and cyber-physical systems. Compared to other simulation techniques agent-based modeling and simulation is relatively new; however, it is increasingly being used to study large-scale problems. Agent-based simulations present challenges for high performance simulation as they can be complex and computationally demanding, and it is therefore not surprising that this special issue includes several articles on the high performance simulation of such systems.Research Councils U

Modeling the Internet of Things: a simulation perspective

This paper deals with the problem of properly simulating the Internet of Things (IoT). Simulating an IoT allows evaluating strategies that can be employed to deploy smart services over different kinds of territories. However, the heterogeneity of scenarios seriously complicates this task. This imposes the use of sophisticated modeling and simulation techniques. We discuss novel approaches for the provision of scalable simulation scenarios, that enable the real-time execution of massively populated IoT environments. Attention is given to novel hybrid and multi-level simulation techniques that, when combined with agent-based, adaptive Parallel and Distributed Simulation (PADS) approaches, can provide means to perform highly detailed simulations on demand. To support this claim, we detail a use case concerned with the simulation of vehicular transportation systems.Comment: Proceedings of the IEEE 2017 International Conference on High Performance Computing and Simulation (HPCS 2017

Hybrid performance modeling and prediction of large-scale computing systems

Performance is a key feature of large-scale computing systems. However, the achieved performance when a certain program is executed is significantly lower than the maximal theoretical performance of the large-scale computing system. The model-based performance evaluation may be used to support the performance-oriented program development for large-scale computing systems. In this paper we present a hybrid approach for performance modeling and prediction of parallel and distributed computing systems, which combines mathematical modeling and discrete-event simulation. We use mathematical modeling to develop parameterized performance models for components of the system. Thereafter, we use discrete-event simulation to describe the structure of system and the interaction among its components. As a result, we obtain a high-level performance model, which combines the evaluation speed of mathematical models with the structure awareness and fidelity of the simulation model. We evaluate empirically our approach with a real-world material science program that comprises more than 15,000 lines of codePeer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Applying advanced control strategies in building performance simulation by using run-time coupling

The use of advanced control technologies and intelligence control in buildings could make the current high performance system much more efficient and reliable. The integration of advanced control strategies in buildings will certainly produce significant results for better building productivity. One way to achieve this aim could be done by developing run-time coupling approach. This paper describes the need for the study and development of better control modeling in building performance simulation by integrating distributed computer programs. To explore control application benefits, the paper also describes the simulation results that would eventually achieve lower energy consumption and higher productivity in buildings. A case-study is presented which illustrates a potential ability of advanced control strategies in buildings. Practically, it shows why and how a run-time coupling approach is more appropriate to achieve better control modeling in building performance simulation

PaPaS: A Portable, Lightweight, and Generic Framework for Parallel Parameter Studies

The current landscape of scientific research is widely based on modeling and simulation, typically with complexity in the simulation's flow of execution and parameterization properties. Execution flows are not necessarily straightforward since they may need multiple processing tasks and iterations. Furthermore, parameter and performance studies are common approaches used to characterize a simulation, often requiring traversal of a large parameter space. High-performance computers offer practical resources at the expense of users handling the setup, submission, and management of jobs. This work presents the design of PaPaS, a portable, lightweight, and generic workflow framework for conducting parallel parameter and performance studies. Workflows are defined using parameter files based on keyword-value pairs syntax, thus removing from the user the overhead of creating complex scripts to manage the workflow. A parameter set consists of any combination of environment variables, files, partial file contents, and command line arguments. PaPaS is being developed in Python 3 with support for distributed parallelization using SSH, batch systems, and C++ MPI. The PaPaS framework will run as user processes, and can be used in single/multi-node and multi-tenant computing systems. An example simulation using the BehaviorSpace tool from NetLogo and a matrix multiply using OpenMP are presented as parameter and performance studies, respectively. The results demonstrate that the PaPaS framework offers a simple method for defining and managing parameter studies, while increasing resource utilization.Comment: 8 pages, 6 figures, PEARC '18: Practice and Experience in Advanced Research Computing, July 22--26, 2018, Pittsburgh, PA, US