Use Pre-record Algorithm to Improve Process Migration Efficiency

Abstract

Process migration is one of the most important features in parallel and distributed computing. It enables dynamic load balance and makes better utilization of computing resource. Post-copy is a very efficient migration algorithm but it needs process to resume on destination node with incomplete address space which may significantly reduce its efficiency especially at the initial phase. To solve this problem, we propose a new algorithm named as Pre-record. It will prolong process execution on host node for a short while before suspend and record the used memory pages. While transmitting process address space, these recorded pages will be transferred preferentially. So, At the initial phase of process resume on destination node, the needed memory pages have already been stored, no pages faults occurs. We evaluate Pre-record performance through simulation test, make a comparison with the other algorithms, and the results shows that Pre-Record could significantly reduce page faults number and improve process migration efficiency.