NOVA-an interactive network design visualization and optimization tool

The performance of multiprocessing networks is often highly dependent on the partitioning and allocation of network resources to the particular problem. The often large number of variables produces a highly multidimensional design space that is extremely difficult for the designer to visualize and virtually impossible to attain the best performance. NOVA, a Network Optimization, Visualization, and Analysis tool, was developed to address these problems. Written in C++ and using the Motif++ library, NOVA implements an object-oriented network structure and a full graphical user interface to produce a highly flexible and interactive design-space exploration tool. NOVA's main uses are visualization of the multidimensional design space, sensitivity analysis of localities in that space, and solution feasibility exploration. Automated and semi-automated optimization capabilities will be added in the next development phase.