18-687 Analytical Performance Modeling & Design of Computer Systems
12 units, Carnegie Mellon University
In designing computer systems one is usually constrained by certain performance requirements. For example, certain response times or throughput might be required of the system. On the other hand, one often has many choices One fast disk, or two slow ones What speed CPU will suffice Should we invest our money in more buffer space, or a faster processor Which migration policy will work best Which task assignment policy will work best How can we redesign the scheduling policy to improve the system performance Often answers to these questions are counterintuitive. Ideally, one would like to have answers to these questions before investing the time and money to build a system. This class will introduce students to analytic stochastic modeling with the aim of answering questions such as those above. Topics covered include Operational Laws, Markov Chain Theory, Queuing Theory, Modeling Empirical Loads, Simulations, and Management of Server Farms.
Prerequisites: 36-217 or 36-225 or 21-325 or 36-219 or 36-218
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