A Platform for Evaluation of Multiprocessors in Throughput-Oriented Systems

Multiprocessors are widely used today as a way to achieve high performance using commodity microprocessors. Since different applications place different demands on the system , performance evaluation in the design phase of such systems is important. The most common method is the use of simulators. This thesis presents a simulator of a multiprocessor for throughput-oriented applications , using a distribution-driven simulation method. With this method hardware, and to some extent software, parameters can be studied. A case study is performed, focusing on performance issues for various characteristics of a multiprocessor implementation of a telecom server that today is a uniprocessor. The results show that the key bottlenecks for this particular system lies in parallelisa-tion of the software, which is written with a uniprocessor environment in mind. Also, providing sufficient bus bandwidth is an important factor. Other issues investigated, such as scheduling techniques, three different architectural choices, and degree of memory inter-leaving, is found to have a smaller impact on performance. iv Preface This Master's Thesis is the final part required for my Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering at Luleå University of Technology (LTU). The work has been carried out during the spring of 1999, at Chalmers University of Technology (CTH), and is a part of a NUTEK sponsored project involving the High Performance Computer Architecture group at CTH, and Ericsson Utveckling AB (UAB). The aim of the project is to investigate, and find ways to improve, performance of multiproces-sors used in transaction-oriented systems.