On the predictive quality of BSP-like cost functions for NOWs

The Bulk-Synchronous Parallel (BSP) model [16] provides a simple and portable programming discipline that is particularly suitable for coarse-grained parallel systems such as Networks of Workstations (NOWs). In this work we examine the issue of predictability of the BSP cost function for a NOW consisting of SUN workstations connected through a 10Mbps Ethernet network. In particular, we compare the original BSP cost function with a number of newly proposed variants, with the intent of improving predictability by having the cost function encompass those parameters of the hardware/software system which have the largest impact on performance.