A randomized contention-based load-balancing protocol for a distributed multiserver queuing system

A novel protocol for load balancing in distributed multiserver queuing systems is proposed. The protocol is based on an anonymous multicast communication in a network of servers or workers. A formal description of the protocol in terms of a state diagram is given. The complexity issues of the protocol are considered. The protocol was investigated by the use of a simulation model in terms of a class of the extended Petri nets and implemented as a prototype system on a group of computers in a LAN of Ethernet type. The results of simulation and prototype-system studies of a distributed queuing system with the proposed protocol are compared to the behavior of an ideal, centralized queuing system. Limitations and possible extensions to the protocol are outlined.