Title: Implementing an agent based auction model on a cluster of reused workstations

Authors: Timothy M. Lynar, Ric D. Herbert, William J. Chivers

Addresses: School of Design, Communication and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle, 10 Chittaway Road, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia. ' School of Design, Communication and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle, 10 Chittaway Road, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia. ' School of Design, Communication and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle, 10 Chittaway Road, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia

Abstract: Agent based models are often computationally intensive. Historically, the size and scope of agent based models has been limited by a lack of accessible high performance computing equipment. Clustering techniques allow for the creation of high performance computing environments at a relatively low cost. The low cost of clustering can be further reduced by utilising discarded computer workstations. In this paper, the authors evaluate the implementation of an agent-based model on a cluster of reused workstations. The workstations are reused PCs in a Linux based cluster and the authors concentrate on a Java based clustering and grid solution JavaParty. An existing agent based auction model is used to demonstrate the difference in performance, before and after the implementation of the model on a cluster. The authors compare the performance of the cluster implemented agent based auction model with the existing auction model and compare their execution times.

Keywords: agent based modelling; clustering; electronic waste; e-waste; grid; reused computers; agent based auctions; reused workstations; high performance computing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2009.024071

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2009 Vol.34 No.4, pp.230 - 234

Published online: 25 Mar 2009 *

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