Abstract

Parallel discrete event simulation with conservative synchronization algorithms has been used as a high performance alternative to sequential simulation. In this paper we examine the performance of a set of parallel conservative algorithms that have been implemented in Maisie, an algorithm-independent simulation language. The algorithms include the null message algorithm, the conditional event algorithm, and a new algorithm called Accelerated Null Message algorithm that combines the preceding alternatives. The experiments presented in this paper study the performance of the algorithms as a function of model connectivity, computation granularity, and lookahead properties -- model characteristics that have the most significant impact on the performance of conservative protocols. A novel contribution of this paper is the introduction of the Ideal Simulation Protocol (or ISP) as a common reference point to compare the efficiency of the algorithms.

Citations