Concurrent simulation: an alternative to distributed simulation

ABSTRACT

The advent of a new generation of multiprocessors allows new approaches to parallel simulation. Previous work in this area has concentrated on distributed simulation; this approach uses spatial decomposition to allow simulations to be run on networks of machines, where the message flow between processors in the network is related closely to the topology of the system being simulated. This paper presents an alternate approach, concurrent simulation, which is based on temporal decomposition. This allows natural use to be made of the shared memory facilities and load-balancing capabilities of the new multiprocessors, and it overcomes some fundamental limitations of the distributed approach.

References

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Index Terms

• Computing methodologies

  • Modeling and simulation

    • Model development and analysis

      • Model verification and validation

    • Simulation types and techniques

      • Discrete-event simulation

      • Distributed simulation

      • Massively parallel and high-performance simulations