Computer Science 655 - Performance Evaluation

This course will provide an introduction to the tools and techniques needed to construct and analyze performance models of computer systems, distributed systems, and communication networks. The course covers three topics: i) analytical methods including discrete and continuous time Markov chain models, queues in isolation, queuing networks, and fluid queues; ii) computer/communication system measurement methodology including statistical inference and estimation of pertinent performance metrics, optimal measurement design, and bias removal; iii) applications to solving real world problems including model validation against measurements and/or simulation, case studies will be drawn from the areas of parallel and distributed systems, and networks. The goal is to teach fundamentals with a long half-life.

Open to Masters and PhD Computer Science students only. UNDERGRADUATE OR GRADUATE COURSE ON PROBABILITY THEORY ASSUMED. SEATS HELD FOR INCOMING STUDENT REGISTRATION. STUDENTS NEEDING SPECIAL PERMISSION MUST REQUEST OVERRIDES VIA THE ON-LINE FORM: https://www.cics.umass.edu/overrides.