Using Approximation with Time-Parallel Simulation

Temporal decomposition of simulation models, which is used in time-parallel simulation, is a promising alternative to classical spatial decomposition. It has been successfully applied to a small number of different models, most prominently for the simulation of computer caches and queuing systems. Unfortunately, widespread use is prevented by the state-match problem, which restricts the application of time-parallel simulation. Instead of a correct solution to the state-match problem, this work proposes the use of approximate solutions to facilitate the temporal decomposition of simulation models and to extend the class of models suitable for time-parallel simulation. However, this introduces an error in the simulation results, which might seriously distort or even invalidate results. Therefore, the error must be closely analyzed, and a method of error control must be provided. In addition to the basic properties of approximate techniques in time-parallel simulation, this work presents two use cases that illustrate the introduced concepts.