Experimental federated modeling of an optical data path

This paper explores the federated modeling of an optical data path that interconnects processors and memory in a multicomputer system. By federated modeling, we mean the use of two pre-existing simulation models of distinct subsystems to form a resulting overall model of the entire system. In this experimental federation, we investigate mechanisms that facilitate the distinct models working together while explicitly minimizing the model integration effort required. This focus yields tradeoffs in both model execution time and (potentially) the fidelity of the overall performance results. These tradeoffs are investigated quantitatively in the context of a particular system under investigation, a multicomputer optical data path.