A task allocation algorithm for distributed computing systems

Abstract

Most performance lapses in distributed computing systems can be traced to the lack of a good task allocation strategy for distributed software. Random assignment of tasks or modules onto processors or subsystems can substantially degrade the performance of the entire distribution system. In this paper a heuristic algorithm for task allocation for any distributed computing system where the subsystems are connected in the form of a local area network and communicate by means of broadcasting is presented. This algorithm is based on minimizing communication cost and balancing the load among its subsystems. An example to illustrate our algorithm is also given.<>