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     CSC/ECE 579 Introduction to Computer Performance Modeling
 

This course focuses on the mathematical techniques and procedures required in performance modeling of computer and communication systems. The major mathematical elements of applied probability, stochastic processes, especially Markov chains, and elementary queuing theory, including an introduction to queuing networks, will be discussed. Simulation techniques will also be covered. 3 credit hours

  
     

Prerequisite
  

Undergraduate course in probability theory or consent of instructor. Good working knowledge of a high-level programming language such as C, C++, or Java.

 
Course Objectives  

Students will learn the mathematical theory and practices that form the foundations of techniques for the performance analysis of computer and communication systems.

 
Textbook  

Kleinrock, L., Oueueing Systems, Vol I: Theory, Wiley, 1975.
ISBN: 0-471-49110-1

 
Course Outline  
  • Review of probability theory and random variables
  • Simulation design and data collection
  • Stochastic processes and Markov chains
  • Queuing theory

 
Course Requirements  

HOMEWORK: Question sets on a regular basis.

EXAMINATIONS: One test and one comprehensive final exam.

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: C, C++, or Java compilers and debugging tools (e.g., GDB or Eclipse).

PROJECTS: Three simulation projects.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The course offered this summer was recorded during the 15-week semester at NC State University. The summer session, however, is 10 weeks in duration. Therefore, students will need to cover the course material at a considerably faster pace than during the regular semester. All course requirements must be completed during the 10-week summer session. This should be a consideration before registering for the course.

 
Computer and Internet Requirements  

NCSU has recommended minimum specifications for computers that are generally used for courses. Those specifications can be found here: http://www.ncsu.edu/it/compspecs/

Engineering Online recommends that your computer meets or exceeds the following minimum specifications below. A computer with greater capability (processor speed, RAM, internet bandwidth, disk capacity) will be more likely to properly display the video content of Engineering Online courses.

Windows:

  • Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2003, or Windows Vista
  • Intel-compatible 1 GHz processor
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available
  • Video display at 1024 x 768 or greater
  • Sound output and speakers
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1 or later, Firefox 2.0 or later, or Google Chrome 1.0
  • Windows Media Player 9.0 or later
  • Real One Player Basic (required for certain courses)
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)

Mac OS X:

  • Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later
  • G4 processor
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available
  • Video display at 1024 x 768 or greater
  • Sound output and speakers
  • Safari 2.0.4 (or later) or Firefox 2.0 (or later)
  • Silverlight  (viewers may be prompted to install this when first viewing a presentation)
  • Real One Player Basic (required for certain courses)
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)
  • NOTE:  The Flip4Mac plug-in causes problems when viewing Mediasite presentations and should be disabled.

Linux:

  • Playback of Mediasite presentations on Linux is accomplished via the Moonlight Project, an open source implementation of Microsoft Silverlight. For more installation on the installation and configuration of Moonlight, please visit http://www.go-mono.com/moonlight/. The compatible operating systems and browsers are listed on this page.
  • Microsoft Media Pack for Moonlight
  • Adobe Reader for Unix
  • Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)

 
Instructor  

Dr. George N. Rouskas, Professor
Dept. of Computer Science
North Carolina State University
3278 EB-II (Engineering Building II)
Campus Box 8206
Raleigh, NC 27695-8206

Phone: (919) 515-3860
Fax: (919) 515-7896
E-mail: rouskas@ncsu.edu
Instructor Website: http://rouskas.csc.ncsu.edu/
Course Website: http://rouskas.csc.ncsu.edu/Courses/579/
Course Syllabus: http://rouskas.csc.ncsu.edu/Courses/579/syllabus.html