Simulating Computer Systems: Techniques and Tools (Mit Press Series in Computer Systems)

Simulating Computer Systems: Techniques and Tools (Mit Press Series in Computer Systems) by MacDougall, M. H.. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780262132299.

Simulating Computer Systems provides an introduction to simulation for computer and communication-system designers who want to analyze the performance of their designs. In it MacDougall describes a discrete-event simulation language called smpl, discusses simulation modeling with smpl (using a variety of models as examples), describes the design of smpl, and presents a C language implementation. The books first part introduces smpl simulation operations using a queueing network simulation model; addresses the development, verification, and validation of simulation models (including hybrid modeling and the use of analytic models in verification); and describes how to estimate the accuracy of simulation results. A multiprocessor system model and a CSMA/CD LAN model are studied in detail to emphasize the joint use of simulation and analytic models and to further illustrate the use of smpl. Projects for the reader include a CPU pipeline model and a token ring LAN model. The implementation of smpl is the focus of the books second part, which describes the design of smpl function and data structures and outlines a variety of extensions. This description, together with the C source listing provided, will allow the reader to implement smpl on any system. M. H. MacDougall is with the Advanced Computer Group at Apple Computer, where he is involved in the design of high-performance personal computers for the 1990s. Simulating Computer Systems is included in the Computer Systems series, edited by Herb Schwetman.