SimGrid: A Generic Framework for Large-Scale Distributed Experiments

TLDR

Distributed computing spans cluster, grid, desktop, and peer‑to‑peer systems, yet theoretical comparisons are difficult and large‑scale experiments on modern platforms are labor‑intensive and non‑reproducible, making simulation the practical alternative for reproducible, scenario‑wide performance studies. This work introduces SimGrid, a simulation framework that evaluates cluster, grid, and P2P algorithms, focusing on its v3 release and outlining its key features and benefits. SimGrid employs a validated, modular simulation engine that models cluster, grid, and P2P systems to assess algorithms and heuristics efficiently. Version 3 achieves higher simulation speed while preserving accuracy and adds two new user interfaces to broaden its research community.

Abstract

Distributed computing is a very broad and active research area comprising fields such as cluster computing, computational grids, desktop grids and peer-to-peer (P2P) systems. Unfortunately, it is often impossible to obtain theoretical or analytical results to compare the performance of algorithms targeting such systems. One possibility is to conduct large numbers of back-to-back experiments on real platforms. While this is possible on tightly-coupled platforms, it is infeasible on modern distributed platforms as experiments are labor-intensive and results typically not reproducible. Consequently, one must resort to simulations, which enable reproducible results and also make it possible to explore wide ranges of platform and application scenarios. In this paper we describe the SimGrid framework, a simulation-based framework for evaluating cluster, grid and P2P algorithms and heuristics. This paper focuses on SimGrid v3, which greatly improves on previous versions thanks to a novel and validated modular simulation engine that achieves higher simulation speed without hindering simulation accuracy. Also, two new user interfaces were added to broaden the targeted research community. After surveying existing tools and methodologies we describe the key features and benefits of SimGrid.