Network monitoring for GRID performance optimization

Given the fundamental relevance of network performance for the optimization of distributed systems transactions over the network, the concept of a novel service called the Network-based Optimization Service is introduced and its architecture, based on the use of internal cost functions is presented. We show how network metrics can be combined to form complex compound metrics like the Closeness and the Proximity function. The Optimization Service can be used in a variety of different use cases; in this paper we show how Resource Brokers and Data Management can make use of network status for a considerable improvement of their decision-taking functions. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.