A framework for parallel traffic simulation using multiple instancing of a simulation program

Abstract

Parallel traffic simulation is an application of parallel computing techniques that aims to decrease the computation time by engaging different processors of a multiprocessor system or different computers of a network. Very few traffic simulation models have this capability of parallel simulation. However, it is possible to upgrade a simulation program that is not capable of running parallel simulation by applying the method proposed in this article. The method involves dividing the network into regions and simulating each region under a separate instance of the program. Suitable interprocess communication techniques are employed to exchange data between different regions and synchronize time among the different regions. A significant increase in simulation speed is seen when the proposed method is applied to Paramics, a microscopic time-stepping simulation program. Copyright © Taylor & Francis, Inc.