Adaptive protocols for parallel discrete event simulation

This paper reviews issues concerning the design of adaptive protocols for parallel discrete event simulation (PDES). The need for adaptive protocols are motivated in the background of the classical synchronisation problem that has driven much of the research in this field. Traditional conservative and optimistic protocols and their hybrid variants—that form the basis of adaptive protocols—are also discussed. Adaptive synchronisation protocols are reviewed with special reference to their characteristics regarding the aspects of the simulation state that influence the adaptive decision and the control parameters used. Finally, adaptive load management strategies and their relationship to the synchronisation protocol are discussed.