Approximate Models of Multiple Bus Multiprocessor Systems

Two classes of approximate models are developed for multiprocessor systems containing P processors, M memories, and B buses. One class of models is based on the flow equivalence technique for the approximate analysis of queueing networks. A memory invariance principle is presented and used to obtain the parameters of this model. This approach is used to model homogeneous processor systems where memory times are either constant or exponentially distributed random variables. The second class of models is based on the method of surrogate delays also commonly used in the approximate analysis of queueing networks. This approach produces an iterative algorithm which can be used to evaluate heterogeneous systems with exponential memory times. The accuracy of both classes of models is evaluated through simulation. Lastly, as a byproduct of these models, an algorithm is presented with which to determine the distribution of the number of nonempty service centers in a product form queueing network.