On the efficiency of fluid simulation of networks

Performance evaluation of computer networks through traditional packet-level simulation is becoming increasingly difficult as networks grow in size along different dimensions. Due to its higher level of abstraction, fluid simulation is a promising approach for evaluating large-scale network models. In this paper we focus on evaluating and comparing the computational effort required for fluid- and packet-level simulation. To measure the computational effort required by a simulation approach, we introduce the concept of ``simulation event rate'', a measure that is both analytically tractable and adequate. We identify the fundamental factors that contribute to the simulation event rate in fluid- and packet-level simulations and provide an analytical characterization of the simulation event rate for specific network models. Among such factors, we identify the ``ripple effect'' as a significant contributor to the computational effort required by fluid simulation. We als...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2006
• Where: CN
• Authors: Daniel R. Figueiredo, Benyuan Liu, Yang Guo, James F. Kurose, Donald F. Towsley
• Keywords: CN 2006, Computational Effort, Simulation, Simulation Event Rate