Parallel Cellular Automata-based simulation of laser dynamics using dynamic load balancing

In order to analyze the feasibility of executing a parallel bioinspired model of laser dynamics on a heterogeneous non-dedicated cluster, we evaluate its performance including artificial load to simulate other tasks or jobs submitted by other users. As the model is based on a synchronous cellular automaton (CA), using the SPMD (Single Program, Multiple Data) paradigm, it is not clear in advance if an appropriate efficiency can be obtained on this kind of platform. A dynamic load balancing strategy with two main differences from most previous implementations of CA based models has been used. First, it is possible to migrate load to cluster nodes initially not belonging to the pool. Second, a modular approach is taken in which the model is executed on top of a dynamic load balancing tool—the Dynamite system— gaining flexibility. Very satisfactory results have been obtained, with performance increases from 60% to 80%.