The Effect of Heterogeneity on the Performance of Multiprogrammed Parallel Systems

Abstract

This paper analyzes the coexistence of heterogeneity and multiprogramming an parallel systems. Using simulation models, we compare the performance of cost equivalent homogeneous and heterogeneous multiprogrammed parallel systems. In particular, we find that heterogeneity reduces the average response time an a multiprogrammed system. We also investigate new processor schedukng policies that take advantage of heterogeneity to improve response time in a multiprogrammed e nvironm ent .