The aggregate server method for analyzing serialization delays in computer systems

Abstract

The aggregate server method is an approximate, iterative technique for analyzing the delays programs encounter while waiting for entry into critical sections, non-reentrant subroutines, and similar software structures that cause processing to become serialized. The method employs a conventional product form queueing network comprised of servers that represent actual I/O devices and processors, plus additional aggregate servers that represent serialized processing activity. The parameters of the product form network are adjusted iteratively to account for contention among serialized and non-serialized customers at each physical device.