Performance analysis of a dependable scheduling strategy based on a fault-tolerant grid model

Abstract

The grid provides an integrated computer platform composed of differentiated and distributed systems. These resources are dynamic and heterogeneous. In this paper, a novel fault-tolerant grid-scheduling model is presented based on Stochastic Petri Nets (SPN) to assure the heterogeneity and dynamism of the grid system. Also, a new grid-scheduling strategy, the dependable strategy for the shortest expected accomplishing time (DSEAT), is put forward, in which the dependability factor is introduced in the task-dispatching strategy. In the end, the performance of the scheduling strategy based on the fault-tolerant grid-scheduling model is analyzed by an software package, named SPNP. The numerical results show that dynamic resources will increase the response time for all classes of tasks in differing degrees. Compared with shortest expected accomplishing time (SEAT) strategy, the DSEAT strategy can reduce the negative effects of dynamic and autonomic resources to some extent so as to guarantee a high quality of service (QoS).

Keywords

grid, Stochastic Petri Nets (SPN), task scheduling, performance analysis, dependability, fault tolerance