An Adaptive Regulator Approach for the Design of Load Sharing Algorithms

We describe a novel approach to the design of adaptive load sharing algorithms for a class of multiprocessor systems. This approach consists in first identifying suitable load indices which will be used to characterize the state of the system. Next a desirable operating condition for the system, defined in terms of the adopted load indices, will need to be identified. The final step is the definition of a load sharing procedure that drives the system to achieve and maintain the desired operating condition, even when the offered workload has unknown and time-varying characteristics. Such a procedure behaves as typical adaptive regulator, as known in control system theory.