Emulytics at Sandia: Emulation-based Modeling and Analysis of Computer Systems

Abstract

Emulation-based models of distributed computing systems are collections of virtual machines, virtual networks, and other emulation components configured to stand in for operational systems when performing experimental science, analysis of design alternatives, test, and evaluation, or idea generation. As with any tool, we should carefully evaluate whether our uses of emulation-based models are appropriate and justified. Otherwise, we run the risk of using a model incorrectly and creating meaningless results. The variety of uses of emulation-based models each have their own goals and deserve thoughtful evaluation. In this talk, we will present an overview of emulation-based modeling technology, present case studies where emulation-based modeling was used in different capacities, and discuss the challenges in- and a necessity for validating such models.