Template-based approach for workload generation

Abstract

A system and method for workload generation include a processor for identifying a workload model by determining each of a hierarchy for workload generation, time scales for workload generation, and states and transitions at each of the time scales, and defining a parameter by determining each of fields for user specific attributes, application specific attributes, network specific attributes, content specific attributes, and a probability distribution function for each of the attributes; a user level template unit corresponding to a relatively slow time scale in signal communication with the processor; an application level template corresponding to a relatively faster time scale in signal communication with the processor; a stream level template corresponding to a relatively fastest time scale in signal communication with the processor; and a communications adapter in signal communication with the processor for defining a workload generating unit responsive to the template units.

1 . A method for workload generation comprising: 
 identifying a workload model by determining each of a hierarchy for workload generation, a plurality of time scales for workload generation, and states and transitions at each of the plurality of time scales;    defining at least one parameter by determining each of fields for user specific attributes, application specific attributes, network specific attributes, content specific attributes, and a probability distribution function (PDF) for each of the attributes;    constructing at least one template for workload generation wherein the at least one template is a user level template corresponding to a relatively slow time scale of the plurality of time scales, an application level template corresponding to a relatively faster time scale of the plurality of time scales or a stream level template corresponding to a relatively fastest time scale of the plurality of time scales; and    defining at least one workload generating unit (WGU) responsive to the at least one template.    
   
   
       2 . A method as defined in  claim 1  wherein the at least one template defines states for workload generation.  
   
   
       3 . A method as defined in  claim 1  wherein the at least one template defines transitions for workload generation.  
   
   
       4 . A method as defined in  claim 1  wherein the at least one template defines parameters for workload generation.  
   
   
       5 . A method as defined in  claim 1  wherein a plurality of templates defines the at least one WGU.  
   
   
       6 . A method as defined in  claim 1  wherein the at least one template defines a plurality of WGUs.  
   
   
       7 . A method as defined in  claim 1  wherein the at least one WGU is used to generate traffic for a large or small class of communicants.  
   
   
       8 . A system for workload generation comprising: 
 a processor for identifying a workload model by determining each of a hierarchy for workload generation, a plurality of time scales for workload generation, and states and transitions at each of the plurality of time scales, and defining at least one parameter by determining each of fields for user specific attributes, application specific attributes, network specific attributes, content specific attributes, and a probability distribution function (PDF) for each of the attributes;    a user level template unit corresponding to a relatively slow time scale of the plurality of time scales in signal communication with the processor;    an application level template corresponding to a relatively faster time scale of the plurality of time scales in signal communication with the processor;    a stream level template corresponding to a relatively fastest time scale of the plurality of time scales in signal communication with the processor; and    a communications adapter in signal communication with the processor for defining at least one workload generating unit (WGU) responsive to at least one of the template units.    
   
   
       9 . A system as defined in  claim 8  wherein at least one of the template units defines states for workload generation.  
   
   
       10 . A system as defined in  claim 8  wherein at least one of the template units defines transitions for workload generation.  
   
   
       11 . A system as defined in  claim 8  wherein at least one of the template units defines parameters for workload generation.  
   
   
       12 . A system as defined in  claim 8  wherein a plurality of template units defines the at least one WGU.  
   
   
       13 . A system as defined in  claim 8  wherein at least one template unit defines a plurality of WGUs.  
   
   
       14 . A system as defined in  claim 8  wherein the communications adapter uses at least one WGU to generate traffic for a large or small class of communicants.  
   
   
       15 . A program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform program steps for workload generation, the program steps comprising: 
 identifying a workload model by determining each of a hierarchy for workload generation, a plurality of time scales for workload generation, and states and transitions at each of the plurality of time scales;    defining at least one parameter by determining each of fields for user specific attributes, application specific attributes, network specific attributes, content specific attributes, and a probability distribution function (PDF) for each of the attributes;    constructing at least one template for workload generation wherein the at least one template is a user level template corresponding to a relatively slow time scale of the plurality of time scales, an application level template corresponding to a relatively faster time scale of the plurality of time scales or a stream level template corresponding to a relatively fastest time scale of the plurality of time scales; and    defining at least one workload generating unit (WGU) responsive to the at least one template.    
   
   
       16 . A program storage device as defined in  claim 15  wherein the at least one template defines states for workload generation.  
   
   
       17 . A program storage device as defined in  claim 15  wherein the at least one template defines transitions for workload generation.  
   
   
       18 . A program storage device as defined in  claim 15  wherein the at least one template defines parameters for workload generation.  
   
   
       19 . A program storage device as defined in  claim 15  wherein a plurality of templates defines the at least one WGU.  
   
   
       20 . A program storage device as defined in  claim 15  wherein the at least one template defines a plurality of WGUs.