Optimization aspects in network simulation

ABSTRACT

A primary goal of AOSD in the context of systems software has been to permit improved modularity without significantly degrading performance. Optimizations represent important crosscutting concerns in this context but also a significant challenge due to their fine-grained nature. This paper investigates how well the current state-of-the-art in AOSD can support such optimization aspects, via a case study involving an optimized network simulator, IP-TN. Duplication of optimizations achieved via low-level modifications to IP-TN in C++ have been attempted via aspectization of those optimizations in AspectC++. While comparable run-time performance is achieved with AspectC++ and (un)pluggability is clearly simpler, the effects on comprehensibility are less clear.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.1 Network Architecture and Design

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.4 PERFORMANCE OF SYSTEMS

  D. Software
  D.1 PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES
      D.1.m Miscellaneous
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.7 Distribution, Maintenance, and Enhancement

General Terms:
Design, Experimentation, Languages, Performance

Keywords:
AspectC++, IP-TN, evaluation, fine-grained join points, modularity, network simulation, optimization, performance