Direct execution simulation of load balancing algorithms with real workload distribution

This paper describes the model and implementation of a distributed direct execution simulation study of load balancing algorithms for a workstation-based locally distributed system. A general simulation system for load balancing algorithms is constructed on a local area network of DEC workstations, which directly executes the codes of the load balancing algorithms but simulates the underlying network and system environment. Using the simulation system, simulations with real workload distribution are conducted. Traces of user workstation activity collected in a university department environment are used in the simulation runs. We describe the methods used for distributed direct execution simulation of load balancing algorithms. The design of our simulations of several load balancing algorithms is presented and the simulation results are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.