Heterogeneous simulation framework using DEVS BUS

A heterogeneous simulation interoperates a collection of simulators that are developed in different simulation languages and/or environments. Such interoperation requires data exchange and time synchronization between the simulators. This paper develops a heterogeneous simulation framework using DEVS BUS, which is a simulation infrastructure proposed by the authors. The core of the DEVS BUS is a unified simulation protocol associated with it, a common communication means for heterogeneous simulators with different simulation protocols. The authors present a method for simulation protocol conversion between such heterogeneous simulators. DEVS BUS and associated protocol converters have been implemented in a single machine via shared memory. Heterogeneous simulation of a layered network, using the implemented DEVS BUS, is demonstrated in which three simulators-event-oriented, process-oriented, and DEVS simulators-are interoperated. Performance overhead of the DEVS BUS protocol has been analyzed. Experimental results indicate that the DEVS BUS does not degrade simulation time markedly.