Computer Systems Performance Evaluation

An introduction to what performance of a computer system is and in quantitative methods for the design, sizing and analysis of computer systems. Performance of a computer system is typically measured as response time and throughput. Content:
- Basic concepts; measurement techniques
- Workload characterisation
- Static and dynamic models
- Elementary queuing networks and discrete-event simulation
- Applications will address performance requirements during both system development and operation.

Knowledge:
The candidate will get knowledge of:
- What performance of a computer system is
- Queueing networks
- Workload characterisation at different levels
- Benchmarking
- Theory behind simulation
- Measuring performance
- How to design for performance
- Scalability
- Modelling of existing and projected computer systems for performance and scalability.

Skills:
The candidate will be skilled on:
- Selecting the best method for managing performance requirements
- How to use these methods on generic examples.

General competence:
The candidate will get competence on:
- Quantitative methods for the design, sizing and analysis of computer systems
- Understanding limitations of these methods.

Lectures and exercises. Some exercises are compulsory. Students take an obligatory mid-term test which gives feedback on progress. Written examination. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may change from written to oral.