Simulating Red Storm: Challenges and Successes in Building a System Simulation

Supercomputers are increasingly complex systems merging conventional microprocessors with system on a chip level designs that provide the network interface and router. At Sandia National Labs, we are developing a simulator to explore the complex interactions that occur at the system level This paper presents an overview of the simulation framework with a focus on the enhancements needed to transform traditional simulation tools into a simulator capable of modeling system level hardware interactions and running native software. Initial validation results demonstrate simulated performance that matches the Cray Red Storm system installed at Sandia. In addition, we include a "what if" study of performance implications on the Red Storm network interface.