Algorithms for HLA-based Distributed Simulation Cloning
ACM Transactions on Modeling and Computer Simulation, 15 (4):
316-345 (October 2005)Abstract
Distributed simulation cloning technology is designed to analyze alternative scenarios of a distributed
simulation concurrently within the same execution session. One important goal is to optimize
execution by avoiding repeated computation among independent scenarios. Our research
is concerned with the cloning of High Level Architecture (HLA)-based distributed simulations; a
federate may spawn clones to explore different scenarios at a decision point. This article introduces
the cloning mechanism and the supporting infrastructure. When enabling cloning, our approach
ensures the state consistency and supports user transparency and reusability of federate codes.
When a federate clones, it is desirable to replicate only those federates whose states will be affected
while the rest are shared among the old and new scenarios. This article discusses the theory and
issues involved in such an incremental cloning mechanism, which guarantees accurate sharing and
initiates cloning only when absolutely necessary. Experiments have been carried out to compare the
performance of entire cloning and incremental cloning mechanisms. Experimental results indicate
that the proposed approach provides correct cloning and can significantly reduce the execution time
for evaluating different scenarios of a distributed simulation. Moreover the incremental cloning
mechanism significantly surpasses entire cloning in terms of execution efficiency.
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