An animated graphical simulator for multiple switch architectures

This paper describes the characteristics, development, and use of the Multiple Architecture Switch Simulator(MASS). MASS is a graphical simulation model and simulation environment. MASS is constructed in the Foresight tool, from Nu Thena Systems, and provides a complete graphical environment for modeling, simulating, and analyzing results. Early simulation results are described and confirmed with analysis. One of the main attractions of open system architecture is that it allows the use of COTS-based hardware and software modules. MASS consists of generic host and node models, and protocol-specific switch models. MASS currently includes models for both the IEEE Standard 1596-1992 Scalable Coherent Interface (SCI) and Fibre Channel. Additional protocol models are planned for the future (e.g., ATM). The user can vary the loading parameters for packet generation rate, target ID, command type (SCI), class of service (Fibre Channel), packet priority, header size and payload size. The user can also vary the switch and node parameters for queue sizes and processing times. MASS provides an animated, highly graphical, model that yields an interactive perspective of system behavior