Network Simulator Tools and GPU Parallel Systems
In this paper we discuss the possibilities for parallel implementations of network simulators. Specifically we investigate the options for porting parts of the simulator on GPU in order to utilize its resources and obtain faster simulations. We discuss few issues which are unsuitable for the GPU architecture, and we propose a possible work around for each of them. We introduce a design of parallel module that interconnects with a network simulator, while maintaining transparency in aspect of the simulation modeler.
Conclusion
Specific modules of the network simulators demand high computational resources. Therefore, we propose a parallel module for the network simulator in order to utilize the computational performance of GPU devices. Usually the network simulator algorithms run in single precision, so the GPU devices are suitable, although the fact that the GPUs support double precision which is still significantly slower.
In our future work, we intend to develop an implementation of a parallel module for one of the few most widely used network simulators. Also, we would like to evaluate how the GPU implementation of the network simulator extension can perform in specific case network topologies. In addition, we would like to search for the best suitable data structures that can provide further optimization. Beside the stand alone machine setup, we would like to test our parallel module on a multi-GPU setup. Additionally we would like to combine MPI and OpenCL, in order to investigate how parallel module will perform on a cluster of computers, where each computer has a multi-GPU setup.
Leonid Djinevski, Sonja Filiposka and Dimitar Trajanov. Network Simulator Tools and GPU Parallel Systems. Small Systems Simulation Symposium. 2012. [Free PDF]
Category: Articles, Computer Science
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