Dynamic Load Balancing Strategies for Parallel Computers

Published in Volume XI, 2002, p. 110-120

Author(s): A. OSMAN, H. AMMAR

Abstract

This paper deals with the problem of load balancing of parallel applications. Based on the study of recent work in the area, we propose a general taxonomy for describing and classifying the growing number of different load balancing techniques. This gives a thorough overview of different algorithms, helping designers to compare and choose the most suitable strategy for a given application. To illustrate the applicability of the taxonomy, different well-known load balancing algorithms are described and classified according to it. Also, the paper discusses the use of the taxonomy to construct the most suitable load balancing algorithms for different parallel algorithmic paradigms.