[Swarm-Modelling] Distribution / Parallelization of ABM's

[Laszlo Gulyas]

[**** Apologies for cross-postings. ****]

Dear Colleagues,

We are compiling a survey on techniques to parallelize agent-based
simulations. We are interested in both in-run and inter-run
parallelizations (i.e., when one distributes the agents and when one
distributes individual runs in a parameter sweep), albeit I think, the
more challenging part is the former.

We are aware that in-run parallelization is a non-trivial task and, what's
more, it is likely that it cannot be done in general. Our approach is
trying to collect 'communication templates' that may make distribution  /
parallelization feasible. E.g., when the model is spatial and
comminication is (mostly) local, there are already works to do the job.
However, we foresee other cases when the problem can be solved.

As I said, we are now compiling a survey. We are aware of a few
publications and threads at various lists, but I'd like to ask you all to
send me references to such works if you know about them. (If you do not
have references, but have ideas that you are ready to share, please, do
not hesitate either.) Thank you all in advance!

For your information, our ultimate goal is to be able to run ABM's on the
grid -- which adds another layer of complication, namely the uncertainity
of resources and slower communication. But we will deal with that later!
;-)

Best regards,

Laszlo Gulyas (aka Gulya)
-- 
Gulyas Laszlo   |     Laszlo Gulyas
kut.ig.         |  dir. of research
AITIA Rt.       |         AITIA Inc.