Optimization of resource-aware parallel and distributed computing: a review

Abstract

This paper presents a review of state-of-the-art solutions concerning the optimization of computing in the field of parallel and distributed systems. Firstly, we contribute by identifying resources and quality metrics in this context including servers, network interconnects, storage systems, computational devices as well as execution time/performance, energy, security, and error vulnerability, respectively. We subsequently identify commonly used problem formulations and algorithms for integer linear programming, greedy algorithms, dynamic programming, genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, ant colony optimization, game theory, and reinforcement learning. Afterward, we characterize frequently considered optimization problems by stating these terms in domains such as data centers, cloud, fog, blockchain, high performance, and volunteer computing. Based on the extensive analysis, we identify how particular resources and corresponding quality metrics are considered in these domains and which problem formulations are used for which system types, either parallel or distributed environments. This allows us to formulate open research problems and challenges in this field and analyze research interest in problem formulations/domains in recent years.