Performance Simulation of Cluster-Based Asynchronous Soft Real-Time Systems

In this paper, we present a model designed for interactive simulation of cluster-based asynchronous soft real-time systems such as the Jambala platform of Ericsson. To build the simulator, we selected PlasmaCORE – Ericsson's proprietary simulation framework that supports a wide range of run-time modifications to the simulated system. Based on this choice, the information model of the system was developed and a prototype tool was implemented. We describe the essential features of the model and subsequently, we demonstrate the feasibility of the tool by presenting the benchmark results that compare the model-based simulation results with measurements taken on a real Jambala cluster. The flexibility of the simulation tool is demonstrated on a number of “what-if” scenarios that also pinpoint some important features of such clusters.