Assignment 1: Comprehensive Analysis of Parallel and Distributed Computing

Objective

This assignment evaluates the fundamental concepts, architectures, and models in parallel and
distributed computing, emphasizing understanding of key theoretical principles.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Parallel and Distributed Computing

1. What are the key differences between parallel computing and distributed computing?

2. Why has parallel and distributed computing become essential in modern computing
applications?

3. Explain the role of parallel computing in scientific simulations and big data processing.

4. Discuss the main challenges that arise in distributed computing systems.

5. What are some practical applications of distributed computing in everyday technology?

Chapter 2: Flynn’s Taxonomy

1. Describe Flynn's Taxonomy and its importance in classifying computer architectures.

2. What is SISD, and where is it commonly used?

3. Explain the SIMD model and provide examples of applications that use it.

4. Discuss why MISD is considered a rare architecture and give an example of its application, if
any.

5. Compare and contrast MIMD with SIMD in terms of flexibility and application.

6. How does Flynn’s Taxonomy help in understanding and designing modern processors?

Chapter 3: Multithreading, Multitasking, and Multiprocessing

1. Define multithreading and explain its advantages in software development.

2. How does multitasking improve the efficiency of a computer system?

3. Describe multiprocessing and discuss how it differs from multithreading.

4. What are the main challenges associated with managing multiple threads within a single
program?

5. Explain the concept of thread synchronization and its importance in multithreading.

6. How do modern operating systems handle multitasking to ensure smooth operation?

Chapter 4: Parallel Algorithm Models

1. What is the Data Parallel Model, and in which scenarios is it most useful?
 2. Describe the Task Graph Model and give examples of applications that benefit from this
model.

3. How does the Work Pool Model help in dynamic task distribution, and what are its
advantages?

4. Explain the Master-Slave Model and discuss a real-world example where it might be
applied.

5. Describe the Pipeline Model and discuss how it is similar to an assembly line in a factory.

6. What are the advantages and potential drawbacks of using a Hybrid Model for complex
computations?

Chapter 5: Introduction to OpenMP

1. What is OpenMP, and how does it support parallel programming?

2. Explain the fork-join model used in OpenMP. Why is it beneficial?

3. Describe the purpose of compiler directives in OpenMP and provide an example.

4. How does OpenMP manage variable scope in parallel regions?

5. Discuss the advantages of using OpenMP in developing parallel applications.

6. Provide a code example in C/C++ using OpenMP to create a parallel region, and explain its
components.

Chapter 6: Consistency Models in Distributed Systems

1. Define a consistency model and explain its purpose in distributed systems.

2. What is strict consistency, and why is it difficult to achieve in large distributed systems?

3. Explain sequential consistency and provide a scenario where it would be essential.

4. Describe causal consistency and give an example of its application.

5. In what types of applications would eventual consistency be a suitable model?

6. Compare the benefits and trade-offs between strict consistency and eventual consistency.

Chapter 7: Scheduling in Multiprocessor Systems

1. What is load balancing, and why is it important in multiprocessor systems?

2. Describe asymmetric scheduling and discuss an example of when it might be preferred.

3. Explain symmetric scheduling and compare it to asymmetric scheduling.

4. What is processor affinity, and how does it impact system performance?

5. Discuss the difference between hard affinity and soft affinity in scheduling.
 6. How does scheduling affect the overall efficiency of a multiprocessor system?

Assignment 2: Case Study in Parallel and Distributed Computing

Objective

To apply theoretical knowledge of parallel and distributed computing to real-world applications

through case studies and scenario-based questions.

Case Study Questions

1. Chapter 1: Introduction to Parallel and Distributed Computing

• Question: Choose a real-world application that requires high-performance computing,

such as weather forecasting or scientific simulation. Describe why parallel computing is
critical in this application and how it improves performance.

• Question: Discuss an example where distributed computing is necessary to handle large-

scale data. How does distributed computing address challenges like data availability and
system scalability in this application?

2. Chapter 2: Flynn’s Taxonomy

• Question: Select a type of processor or computing system (e.g., Graphics Processing Unit
or a multi-core processor) and classify it according to Flynn's Taxonomy. Explain how its
architecture (e.g., SIMD or MIMD) contributes to its effectiveness in specific applications.

• Question: Choose a case study where a particular type of architecture (such as SIMD or
MIMD) is advantageous. Explain why this architecture is better suited for that application
and how it affects performance and processing power.

3. Chapter 3: Multithreading, Multitasking, and Multiprocessing

• Question: Provide a detailed example of an application that utilizes multithreading, such as

a video game or real-time system. Explain how multithreading enhances performance in
this context and the challenges that might arise in managing multiple threads.

• Question: Discuss a multitasking operating system, such as Windows or Linux. Describe

how it handles multitasking to manage different applications simultaneously and explain
the role of multiprocessing in enhancing system efficiency.

4. Chapter 4: Parallel Algorithm Models

• Question: Choose an application that uses the Data Parallel Model, such as image
processing or matrix multiplication. Describe how data parallelism is implemented in this
application and how it benefits performance.
 • Question: Explain a real-world scenario where the Master-Slave Model would be an
effective parallel algorithm model. Describe how tasks are distributed and processed and
the advantages and potential challenges of using this model.

5. Chapter 5: Introduction to OpenMP

• Question: Create a small OpenMP code example (handwritten) that parallelizes a basic
task, such as summing an array of numbers. Explain each part of the code and how
OpenMP makes it easier to implement parallelism.

• Question: Choose a scientific or engineering application where OpenMP is commonly

used, such as numerical simulations or fluid dynamics. Describe how OpenMP improves
performance in this application and discuss any limitations or challenges in using it for
large-scale computations.

6. Chapter 6: Consistency Models in Distributed Systems

• Question: Consider an online banking application where strict consistency is required.

Explain why strict consistency is essential in this application, and discuss the difficulties in
implementing it across a distributed system.

• Question: Select an application where eventual consistency is sufficient, such as a social

media platform. Describe how eventual consistency works in this context, including its
benefits and drawbacks for both developers and end users.

7. Chapter 7: Scheduling in Multiprocessor Systems

• Question: Describe a scheduling strategy, such as Round-Robin or Priority Scheduling, and

explain how it is applied in a real-time system, such as in aviation or medical monitoring.
Discuss why scheduling is critical in ensuring performance and reliability in these
applications.

• Question: Explain the concept of processor affinity in multiprocessor systems and how it
affects performance. Choose an example where processor affinity is applied to enhance
cache performance and reduce latency.

Instructions

• This assignment is to be handwritten, covering six A4 pages.

• Answer each question in paragraph form, providing in-depth explanations, examples, and
diagrams where necessary.

• Focus on real-world applications, practical challenges, and insights from each topic.

• Ensure clarity and coherence, using technical terminology accurately.

General Formatting and Submission Guidelines

• Introduction and Conclusion: Begin the assignment with a short introduction explaining
the importance of case studies in understanding parallel and distributed computing.
Conclude with a summary of insights gained from exploring each case study.

• Diagrams and Code: Include diagrams to illustrate concepts, such as architecture types or
OpenMP code structure. Handwrite any code snippets neatly with comments explaining
each line.

• References: If any textbooks, articles, or online sources were consulted, include a short
references section at the end of the assignment.

• Review: Proofread your assignment for clarity and technical accuracy.