A reconfigurable monitoring system for large-scale network computing

The dynamic nature of large-size Network Computing Systems (NCSs) and the varying monitoring demands from the end-users pose serious challenges for monitoring systems (MSs). A statically configured MS initially adjusted to perform optimally may end performing poorly. A reconfiguration mechanism for a distributed MS is proposed. It enables the MS to react to changes in the available resources, operating conditions, and monitoring requirements, while maintaining high performance and low monitoring overheads. A localized decision process involving two adjacent intermediate-level managers (ILMS) and values of a local node performance parameter called temperature together determine transformations (merge, split, migrate) for each ILM. The reconfiguration mechanisms are derived reusing SNMP primitives. Interactions between MS and NCS are studied by defining a queuing model, and by evaluating different configuration schemes using simulation. Results for the static and reconfigurable schemes indicate that reconfiguration improves performance in terms of lower processing delays at the ILMs.