CSC 579 Introduction to Computer Performance Modeling
3 Credit Hours
(also offered as ECE 579)
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.
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 mathematical theory and practices that form the foundations of techniques for the performance analysis of computer and communication/network systems.
Analytical tools (e.g., Markov chains) for performance analysis goes far beyond the typical computer network scenarios. While this course is mainly based on the traditional queueing system as a primary application (still a mother of all theory!), this semester, I plan to give a brief account of more modern applications which can still be accessible via Markov chains. Examples include sampling, algorithms on graphs, stochastic optimization and machine learning theory, to name a few.
Course Outline
- Review of probability theory and random variables, conditional expectation
- Poisson process
- Stochastic processes and Markov chains
- Introduction to Queueing theory and examples
- Markov chains for computing, sampling, optimizations
- Introduction to Markov chains Monte Carlo (MCMC)
Course Requirements
| Homework | 15% (conventional problem solving) |
| Simulation Project | 15% |
| Midterm exam | 20% |
| Final exam | 35% |
Textbooks
(not required to buy)
- Queueing Systems, Volume 1: Theory, by Leonard Kleinrock, Wiley-Interscience, 1975, ISBN: 0471491101
- Probability, Markov Chains, Queues, and Simulation: The Mathematical Basis of Performance Modeling, by William J. Stewart, Princeton University Press, 2009, ISBN: 0691140626
- Performance Modeling and Design of Computer Systems: Queueing Thoery in Action, by Mor Harchol-Balter, Cambridge University Press, 2013, ISBN-13: 978-1107027503 (e-book available on NCSU) (author website)
- Markov chains, by J. P. Norris, Cambridge, 1998 ISBN-10: 0521633966 (author website)
- Performance Analysis of Communications Networks and Systems, by Piet Van Mieghem, Cambridge University Press, 2006, ISBN-10: 0521855152 (author website)
Updated: 4/24/2025