Bulk Synchronous Parallel Algorithms for the External Memory Model

Abstract. Blockwise access to data is a central theme in the design of efficient external memory (EM) algorithms. A second important issue, when more than one disk is present, is fully parallel disk I/O. In this paper we present a simple, deterministic simulation technique which transforms certain Bulk Synchronous Parallel (BSP) algorithms into efficient parallel EM algorithms. It optimizes blockwise data access and parallel disk I/O and, at the same time, utilizes multiple processors connected via a communication network or shared memory. We obtain new improved parallel EM algorithms for a large number of problems including sorting, permutation, matrix transpose, several geometric and GIS problems including three-dimensional convex hulls (two-dimensional Voronoi diagrams), and various graph problems. We show that certain parallel algorithms known for the BSP model can be used to obtain EM algorithms that meet well known I/O complexity lower bounds for various problems, including sorti...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2002
• Where: MST
• Authors: Frank K. H. A. Dehne, Wolfgang Dittrich, David A. Hutchinson, Anil Maheshwari
• Keywords: Certain Parallel Algorithms, Efficient Parallel Em, MST 2002, Parallel Em Algorithms