Benchmarking Multiprocessing Parameters in a Virtualized Multi-Core Environment

A virtualized multi-core environment is a multi-core machine running virtual machines with multiple virtual cpus. Previous research has demonstrated that the performance of multi-threaded, disk intensive, and network intensive applications in such an environment can be greatly improved by correctly tuning certain simple multiprocessing related system parameters like cpu affinity and interrupt affinity. However, there is no clarity on the implications of tuning these parameters together, and the implications of tuning these parameters in an environment where application behavior is dynamic. We present preliminary results of experiments designed towards filling up these gaps, and developing a unified framework to tune this set of parameters.