On the modelling of optimal coordinated checkpoint period in supercomputers

Abstract

This work revises current assumptions adopted in the checkpointing modelling and

evaluates their impact on the attained prediction of the optimal coordinated single-level

checkpoint period.Anaccurate a priori assessment of the optimal checkpoint period for

a given computing facility is necessary as it drives the incurred overhead due to frequent

checkpointing and, as a result, implies a drop in the resource steady-state availability.

The present study discusses the impact of the order of approximation used in the singlelevel

coordinated checkpoint modelling and follows on extending previous results of

the optimal checkpoint period to explore the effects of the checkpoint rate on the

cluster performance under total execution time and energy consumption policies, and

in terms of resource availability. A consequence of a prescribed checkpoint rate with

current technology is a critical size of the cluster above which the attained availability

is too poor to become a cost-effective platform. Thus, some guidelines for the cluster

sizing are indicated.