Chapter 12: Analysis of Computer Architectures

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Analytical modeling and Petri net modeling were introduced in previous chapters. In these discussions, we addressed basic concepts of queuing systems and Petri net theories, their application to computer systems modeling, and an introduction to computer systems modeling. This chapter will address the use of analytical and Petri net models, specifically for their use as performance evaluation tools applied to the modeling of computer architectures.

12.1 Introduction

In the past several years, the use of analytical and Petri net performance models instead of the more widely used and familiar simulation methods has become increasingly popular because of their relative simplicity of implementation and robustness of application results. These analytical and Petri net models have been successful in estimating such performance measures as processor throughput, average queue length, mean response times, resource contention, and synchronization for some real systems. This chapter is an introduction to queuing and Petri net modeling techniques applied to computer architectures and is not meant as an in-depth study.

Of interest to most modelers is the classic central server model of a computer system, such as a single PC or workstation, and the multiprocessor model one would typically find in a server. For this reason, we will examine these two models as an initial example of how to apply analytical modeling techniques to the solution of a system's performance assessment.

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