Mesh Generation and Optimistic Computation on the Grid

This paper describes the concept of optimistic grid computing. This allows applications to synchronize more loosely and better tolerate the dynamic and heterogeneous bandwidths and latencies that are seen in grid environments. Based on the observed performance of a world-wide grid testbed, we estimate target operating regions for grid applications. Mesh generation is the primary test application where boundary mesh cavities can be optimistically expanded in parallel. To manage the level of optimistic execution and stay within the application’s operating region, we are integrating grid performance monitoring and prediction into the supporting runtime system. The ultimate goal of this project is to generalize the experience and knowledge of optimistic grid computing gained through mesh generation into a tool that can be applied to other tightly coupled computations in other application domains.