The effectiveness of protocol adaptability in TestLAN-based production environments
Abstract
The testing scLAN, Test scLAN, is an approach to the design of integrated testing systems. Its objective is to provide a linked network of testers such that clients (jobs) requiring testing services can be served efficiently with minimum delays through the use of priority assignment, time-out, and resource allocation protocols. Previous research has shown this approach to yield improved performance; although, it assumes that the conditions used to develop the protocols are static. However, events such as demand fluctuation and design changes can affect the factors used in the protocol logic, thereby adversely affecting the performance of the system. Therefore, this research investigates the thresholds of change and time at which protocols should undergo reevaluation. Furthermore, it provides a mechanism for evaluating the expected results of implementing a Test scLAN in a given system. The results of these experiments show that significant improvements can be gained via protocol adaptation. In certain cases improvements in the flow time by as much as 32% as compared to the non-adaptable Test scLAN are realized. However, differences among adaptation types are far more difficult to discern as they are dependent upon the particular case. Whereas in many cases thresholds of 0.5 reduced flow times, these thresholds are not general. The three main contributions of this research are: (1) a simulator of the Test scLAN system which can be used to gauge expected performance of implementing a Test scLAN; (2) guidelines regarding methods of adaptability that can be implemented in the design of a Test scLAN and the thresholds at which adaptations should occur; and (3) the expected cost and value of implementing an adaptable system.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Nof, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Industrial engineering|Systems design
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