CS 380N - Systems Modeling

CS 380N - Systems Modeling

Spring 2001

Instructor - J.C. Browne

1. Overview

The objective of the class will be to enable participants to construct abstracted models of systems from which the properties of the realized system can be reliably predicted. The principle focus and the example systems will be performance models of computer systems, particularly distributed and networked computer systems. More general properties such as availability will also be studied through modeling. The course will be practical rather than theoretical. Participants will work with systems and tools from industrial practice and survey recent university research.

2. Approach

The class will be conducted on a seminar basis. The instructor will offer lectures on a set of basic topics during the first half of the semester and the participants will present reports on their projects during the second half of the semester.

3. Topics and Coverage

Methods and techniques for model design and development
Commonly used model abstraction languages and systems
Measurement and parameterization of system models.
Model validation and validity of predictions.
Techniques and tools
University projects, tools and methods.
Industry practice and tools.
Case studies.

4. Course Materials

The primary sources for the course will be lecture notes, papers from the recent literature and manuals for research and commercial tools.

5. Work Requirements

There will be one examination over the basic topics such as model abstraction systems and model evaluation systems including analytical solution methods and discrete event simulation.

Each participant will also do a project. The projects may be installation and evaluation of a system or tool or a case study in modeling.

* Research Systems - Each participant who chooses this option will be responsible for one research system for either measurement and/or modeling. This will involve reading the papers on the system, if possible importing and install the software implementing the system and executing a demonstration experiment with the system. Each participant will prepare and deliver one or more presentations and a written report on the chosen system.

* Case Study - The participants who choose a case study will carry though the case study using available methods and tools. There will be one or more presentations and a written report on the case study. The instructor has arranged access to projects with local industry. Possible projects include modeling of web servers, modeling of distributing computing applications, etc. Participants may propose case study projects.

6. Grades

Grades will be derived 30% from the examination and 70% from the from the presentations and reports on the projects..