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At least 37 records · Page 2

LEISURE: Load-Balanced Network-Wide Traffic Measurement and Monitor Placement

We report that network-wide traffic measurement is of interest to network operators to uncover global network behavior for the management tasks of traffic accounting, debugging or troubleshooting, security, and traffic engineering. Increasingly, sophisticated network measurement tasks such as anomaly detection and security forensic analysis are requiring in-depth fine-grained flow-level measurements. However, performing in-depth per-flow measurements (e.g., detailed payload analysis) is often an expensive process. Given the fast-changing Internet traffic landscape and large traffic volume, a single monitor is not capable of accomplishing the measurement tasks for all applications of interest due to its resource constraint. Moreover, uncovering global network behavior requires network-wide traffic measurements at multiple monitors across the network since traffic measured at any single monitor only provides a partial view and may not be sufficient or accurate. These factors call for coordinated measurements among multiple distributed monitors. In this paper, we present a centralized optimization framework, LEISURE (Load- EqualIzed meaSUREment), for load-balancing network measurement workloads across distributed monitors. Specifically, we consider various load-balancing problems under different objectives and study their extensions to support both fixed and flexible monitor deployment scenarios. We formulate the latter flexible monitor deployment case as an MILP (Mixed Integer Linear Programming) problem and propose several heuristic algorithms to approximate the optimal solution and reduce the computation complexity. We evaluate LEISURE via detailed simulations on Abilene and GEANT network traces to show that LEISURE can achieve much better load-balanced performance (e.g., 4.75 × smaller peak workload and 70 × smaller variance in workloads) across all coordinated monitors in comparison to a naive solution (uniform assignment) to accomplish network-wide traffic measurement tasks under the fixed monitor deployment scenario. Lastly, we also show that under the flexible monitor deployment setting, our heuristic solutions can achieve almost the same load-balancing performance as the optimal solution while reducing the computation times by a factor up to 22.5 × in Abilene and 800 × in GEANT.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Load balancing for multi-beam additive manufacturing systems

As powder bed fusion (PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) becomes a more mature field, system configurations are gradually moving away from the classic single heat source, layer-by-layer system configurations towards unconventional system configurations that offer higher throughput. Higher throughput systems allow PBF systems to be considered for a larger variety of industrial applications. However, the inclusion of multiple heat sources, or beams, also increases the complexity of the control schemes needed. For multi-beam systems with overlapping fields of view, the distribution of workload, or load balancing, across these beams directly affects the total print time for a build. Additionally, the probability of any beam failing in a multi-beam system increases with the number of beams. While manual methods of load balancing and dealing with beam failures are reasonable for current generation multi-beam systems, as system configurations become more complex, manual methods will become prohibitively inefficient. Here, this paper introduces two different ways to load balance multi-beam systems of various configuration types, regardless of their complexity, which are highly performant. A consequence of this performance is the enablement of on-the-fly load balancing in the event a beam fails, thus improving system robustness.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Sampling-Based Motion Planning Algorithms for Replanning and Spatial Load Balancing

The common theme of this dissertation is sampling-based motion planning with the two key contributions being in the area of replanning and spatial load balancing for robotic systems. Here, we begin by recalling two sampling-based motion planners: the asymptotically optimal rapidly-exploring random tree (RRT*), and the asymptotically optimal probabilistic roadmap (PRM*). We also provide a brief background on collision cones and the Distributed Reactive Collision Avoidance (DRCA) algorithm. The next four chapters detail novel contributions for motion replanning in environments with unexpected static obstacles, for multi-agent collision avoidance, and spatial load balancing. First, we show improved performance of the RRT* when using the proposed Grandparent-Connection (GP) or Focused-Refinement (FR) algorithms. Next, the Goal Tree algorithm for replanning with unexpected static obstacles is detailed and proven to be asymptotically optimal. A multi-agent collision avoidance problem in obstacle environments is approached via the RRT*, leading to the novel Sampling-Based Collision Avoidance (SBCA) algorithm. The SBCA algorithm is proven to guarantee collision free trajectories for all of the agents, even when subject to uncertainties in the knowledge of the other agents’ positions and velocities. Given that a solution exists, we prove that livelocks and deadlock will lead to the cost to the goal being decreased. We introduce a new deconfliction maneuver that decreases the cost-to-come at each step. This new maneuver removes the possibility of livelocks and allows a result to be formed that proves convergence to the goal configurations. Finally, we present a limited range Graph-based Spatial Load Balancing (GSLB) algorithm which fairly divides a non-convex space among multiple agents that are subject to differential constraints and have a limited travel distance. The GSLB is proven to converge to a solution when maximizing the area covered by the agents. The analysis for each of the above mentioned algorithms is confirmed in simulations.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Load‐Balancing Intense Physics Calculations to Embed Regionalized High‐Resolution Cloud Resolving Models in the E3SM and CESM Climate Models

Abstract We design a new strategy to load‐balance high‐intensity sub‐grid atmospheric physics calculations restricted to a small fraction of a global climate simulation's domain. We show why the current parallel load balancing infrastructure of Community Earth System Model (CESM) and Energy Exascale Earth Model (E3SM) cannot efficiently handle this scenario at large core counts. As an example, we study an unusual configuration of the E3SM Multiscale Modeling Framework (MMF) that embeds a binary mixture of two separate cloud‐resolving model grid structures that is attractive for low cloud feedback studies. Less than a third of the planet uses high‐resolution (MMF‐HR; sub‐km horizontal grid spacing) relative to standard low‐resolution (MMF‐LR) cloud superparameterization elsewhere. To enable MMF runs with Multi‐Domain cloud resolving models (CRMs), our load balancing theory predicts the most efficient computational scale as a function of the high‐intensity work's relative overhead and its fractional coverage. The scheme successfully maximizes model throughput and minimizes model cost relative to precursor infrastructure, effectively by devoting the vast majority of the processor pool to operate on the few high‐intensity (and rate‐limiting) high‐resolution (HR) grid columns. Two examples prove the concept, showing that minor artifacts can be introduced near the HR/low‐resolution CRM grid transition boundary on idealized aquaplanets, but are minimal in operationally relevant real‐geography settings. As intended, within the high (low) resolution area, our Multi‐Domain CRM simulations exhibit cloud fraction and shortwave reflection convergent to standard baseline tests that use globally homogenous MMF‐LR and MMF‐HR. We suggest this approach can open up a range of creative multi‐resolution climate experiments without requiring unduly large allocations of computational resources.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

I/O load balancing for big data HPC applications

High Performance Computing (HPC) big data problems require efficient distributed storage systems. However, at scale, such storage systems often experience load imbalance and resource contention due to two factors: the bursty nature of scientific application I/O; and the complex I/O path that is without centralized arbitration and control. For example, the extant Lustre parallel file system-that supports many HPC centers-comprises numerous components connected via custom network topologies, and serves varying demands of a large number of users and applications. Consequently, some storage servers can be more loaded than others, which creates bottlenecks and reduces overall application I/O performance. Existing solutions typically focus on per application load balancing, and thus are not as effective given their lack of a global view of the system. In this paper, we propose a data-driven approach to load balance the I/O servers at scale, targeted at Lustre deployments. To this end, we design a global mapper on Lustre Metadata Server, which gathers runtime statistics from key storage components on the I/O path, and applies Markov chain modeling and a minimum-cost maximum-flow algorithm to decide where data should be placed. Evaluation using a realistic system simulator and a real setup shows that our approach yields better load balancing, which in turn can improve end-to-end performance.

Paul, Arnab K.↗

Modeling Universal Globally Adaptive Load-Balanced Routing

Universal globally adaptive load-balanced (UGAL) routing has been proposed for various interconnection networks and has been deployed in a number of current-generation supercomputers. Although UGAL-based schemes have been extensively studied, most existing results are based on either simulation or measurement. Without a theoretical understanding of UGAL, multiple questions remain: For which traffic patterns is UGAL most suited? Furthermore, what determines the performance of the UGAL-based scheme on a particular network configuration? Here, we develop a set of throughput models for UGALbased on linear programming. We show that the throughput models are valid across the torus, Dragonfly, and Slim Fly network topologies. Finally, we identify a robust model that can accurately and efficiently predict UGAL throughput for a set of representative traffic patterns across different topologies. Our models not only provide a mechanism to predict UGAL performance on large-scale interconnection networks but also reveal the inner working of UGAL and further our understanding of this type of routing.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

NO-LESS: Near optimal curtailment strategy selection for net load balancing in micro grids

The integration of renewable energy sources such as solar PVs into micro grids has increased in recent years. However, the intermittent and unpredictable nature of renewable energy generation makes supply uncertain, in turn requiring continuous net load balancing to ensure grid stability. One technique to achieve net load balancing is curtailment, however, selection of the optimal set of curtailment strategies to achieve a targeted curtailment is NP-hard. State-of-the-art curtailment selection techniques approach this problem by either developing computationally expensive optimal curtailment strategies or reduce accuracy to generate sub-optimal solutions quickly. In this work, we develop NO-LESS: a Near OptimaL CurtailmEnt Strategy Selection algorithm. NO-LESS is a novel Fully Polynomial Time Approximation Scheme (FPTAS) which determines bounded (near optimal) curtailment strategies in a small amount of time while simultaneously satisfying practical constraints on strategy switching overhead and curtailment fairness. We perform both theoretical analysis and practical evaluation to show that NO-LESS is a scalable solution for performing net load balancing through curtailment strategy selection in Micro Grids.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

A Framework for Load Balancing of Tensor Contraction Expressions via Dynamic Task Partitioning

In this paper, we introduce the Dynamic Load-balanced Tensor Contractions (DLTC), a domain-specific library for efficient task parallel execution of tensor contraction expressions, a class of computation encountered in quantum chemistry and physics. Our framework decomposes each contraction into smaller unit of tasks, represented by an abstraction referred to as iterators. We exploit an extra level of parallelism by having tasks across independent contractions executed concurrently through a dynamic load balancing run- time. We demonstrate the improved performance, scalability, and flexibility for the computation of tensor contraction expressions on parallel computers using examples from coupled cluster methods.

Tensor contraction, domain-specific language, dyna↗

Limited range spatial load balancing in non-convex environments using sampling-based motion planners

This paper analyzes the limited range, spatial load balancing problem for agents deployed in non-convex environments and subject to differential constraints which restricts how the agents can move. First, the (unlimited range) spatial load balancing problem is introduced and the minimization problem with area constraints is defined. Then, to extend the problem for limited ranges, two cost functions and a sub-partition are defined. The problems are then analyzed and the results prove the existence of a partition that satisfies the area constraints. The non-convex environment makes the problem difficult to solve in continuous-space. Therefore, a probabilistic roadmap is used to approximate agents’ cells via a graph. A distributed algorithm is proven to converge to an approximate solution. Lastly, the convergence of the algorithm is shown in simulation.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Dynamic load balancing algorithm for molecular dynamics based on Voronoi cells domain decompositions

We present a new algorithm for automatic parallel load balancing in classical molecular dynamics. It assumes a spatial domain decomposition of particles into Voronoi cells. It is a gradient method which attempts to minimize a cost function by displacing Voronoi sites associated with each processor/sub-domain along steepest descent directions. Excellent load balance has been obtained for quasi-2D and 3D practical applications, with up to 440·10 6 particles on 65,536 MPI tasks.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Work Stealing and Persistence-based Load Balancers for Iterative Overdecomposed Applications

Applications often involve iterative execution of identical or slowly evolving calculations. Such applications require good initial load balance coupled with efficient periodic rebalancing. In this paper, we consider the design and evaluation of two distinct approaches to addressing this challenge: persistence-based load balancing and work stealing. The work to be performed is overdecomposed into tasks, enabling automatic rebalancing by the middleware. We present a hierarchical persistence-based rebalancing algorithm that performs localized incremental rebalancing. We also present an active-message-based retentive work stealing algorithm optimized for iterative applications on distributed memory machines. These are shown to incur low overheads and achieve over 90% efficiency on 76,800 cores.

persistence-based load balancing↗

A parallel p ‐adaptive discontinuous Galerkin method for the Euler equations with dynamic load‐balancing on tetrahedral grids

Abstract A novel p ‐adaptive discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method has been developed to solve the Euler equations on three‐dimensional tetrahedral grids. Hierarchical orthogonal basis functions are adopted for the DG spatial discretization while a third order TVD Runge‐Kutta method is used for the time integration. A vertex‐based limiter is applied to the numerical solution in order to eliminate oscillations in the high order method. An error indicator constructed from the solution of order and is used to adapt degrees of freedom in each computational element, which remarkably reduces the computational cost while still maintaining an accurate solution. The developed method is implemented with under the Charm++ parallel computing framework. Charm++ is a parallel computing framework that includes various load‐balancing strategies. Implementing the numerical solver under Charm++ system provides us with access to a suite of dynamic load balancing strategies. This can be efficiently used to alleviate the load imbalances created by p ‐adaptation. A number of numerical experiments are performed to demonstrate both the numerical accuracy and parallel performance of the developed p ‐adaptive DG method. It is observed that the unbalanced load distribution caused by the parallel p ‐adaptive DG method can be alleviated by the dynamic load balancing from Charm++ system. Due to this, high performance gain can be achieved. For the testcases studied in the current work, the parallel performance gain ranged from 1.5× to 3.7×. Therefore, the developed p ‐adaptive DG method can significantly reduce the total simulation time in comparison to the standard DG method without p ‐adaptation.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Priority-enabled Load Balancing for Dispersed Computing

Opportunistic managed access to local in-network compute resources can improve the performance of distributed applications and reduce the dependence on shared network resources. Instead of backhauling application data to a centralized cloud data center for processing, networked services may be adaptively and continuously dispersed into shared compute resources that are closer to the source of need. While this approach has several benefits, support for mission-aware access to computation is often an afterthought, and is implemented as a brittle extension over traditional load-balancer solutions.In this work, we investigate the design of two priority-aware resource allocation strategies and two load-balancing dispatching strategies as first class citizens in an open-source dispersed computing middleware. We present a control theoretic analysis of these load-balancing primitives to identify weaknesses and strengths in our design, and recommend future directions. In parallel, we prototype two priority-aware allocation algorithms to validate our priority predictions. In initial experiments our prototype shows substantial gains in processing prioritized load. Finally, we make our source-code and experimental configurations open source.

Paulos, Aaron↗

Risk aware net load balancing in micro grids with high DER penetration

The rapid transformation of micro grids due to the accelerated integration of renewables, storage systems and IoT enabled monitoring and control has opened up new opportunities as well as challenges. Future micro grids will be characterized by high DER penetration and will require sophisticated net load balancing frameworks which explicitly consider the errors in prediction of load and generation due to uncertainty in weather conditions while making decisions. Traditional techniques for grid net load management which rely on isolated shaping of load and supply curves are inadequate and inefficient. For micro grids with high PV penetration, the intermittent and unpredictable nature of PV based energy generation can lead to dramatic and sudden supply demand imbalances thus requiring a holistic framework for balancing net load over the entire horizon. In this paper, we develop a sequential decision making framework for net load management that optimally balances the usage of storage and energy market transactions as a mechanism for mitigating supply demand imbalances (net load imbalances) over the horizon. Our framework specifically accounts for prediction uncertainty of future net load imbalances and minimizes the tail end risk of storage shortfall at the end of the horizon. Using qualitative analysis, we show that our framework achieves its objective of minimum cost net load balancing while accounting for the tail end risk.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Performance Evaluation of Counter-Based Dynamic Load Balancing Schemes for Massive Contingency Analysis with Different Computing Environments

Contingency analysis is a key function in the Energy Management System (EMS) to assess the impact of various combinations of power system component failures based on state estimation. Contingency analysis is also extensively used in power market operation for feasibility test of market solutions. High performance computing holds the promise of faster analysis of more contingency cases for the purpose of safe and reliable operation of today’s power grids with less operating margin and more intermittent renewable energy sources. This paper evaluates the performance of counter-based dynamic load balancing schemes for massive contingency analysis under different computing environments. Insights from the performance evaluation can be used as guidance for users to select suitable schemes in the application of massive contingency analysis. Case studies, as well as MATLAB simulations, of massive contingency cases using the Western Electricity Coordinating Council power grid model are presented to illustrate the application of high performance computing with counter-based dynamic load balancing schemes.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

The Heuristic Static Load-Balancing Algorithm Applied to the Community Earth System Model

We propose to use the heuristic static loadbalancing (HSLB) algorithm for solving load-balancing problems in the Community Earth System Model (CESM), a climate model, using fitted benchmark data as an alternative to the current manual approach. The problem of allocating the optimal number of CPU cores to CESM components is formulated as a mixed-integer nonlinear optimization problem which is solved by using an optimization branch-and-bound solver implemented in the MINLP package MINOTAUR. The key feature of the branch-and- bound method is that it guarantees to provide an optimal solution or show that none exists. Our algorithm was tested for the 1 degrees and 1/8 degrees resolution simulations on 32,768 nodes (131,072 cores) of IBM Blue Gene/P where we consistently achieved well load-balanced results. This work is a part of a broader effort to eliminate the need for manual tuning of the code for each platform and simulation type, improve the performance and scalability of CESM, and develop automated tools to achieve these goals.

Alekseev, Yury↗

A Framework to Analyze the Performance of Load Balancing Schemes for Ensembles of Stochastic Simulations

Ensembles of simulations are employed to estimate the statistics of possible future states of a system, and are widely used in important applications such as climate change and biological modeling. Ensembles of runs can naturally be executed in parallel. However, when the CPU times of individual simulations vary considerably, a simple strategy of assigning an equal number of tasks per processor can lead to serious work imbalances and low parallel efficiency. This paper presents a new probabilistic framework to analyze the performance of dynamic load balancing algorithms for ensembles of simulations where many tasks are mapped onto each processor, and where the individual compute times vary considerably among tasks. Four load balancing strategies are discussed: most-dividing, all-redistribution, random-polling, and neighbor-redistribution. Simulation results with a stochastic budding yeast cell cycle model are consistent with the theoretical analysis. It is especially significant that there is a provable global decrease in load imbalance for the local rebalancing algorithms due to scalability concerns for the global rebalancing algorithms. The overall simulation time is reduced by up to 25 %, and the total processor idle time by 85 %.

ALGORITHMS↗