Disk referencing patterns in a distributed microcomputer UNIX environment

In this paper we examine the physical disk referencing patterns of a network of homogeneous microcomputers accessing a common, remote file server. Each client executes a simulated workload based on actual measured workloads. The measurements are of the physical referencing patterns, but logical device information is included to allow some analysis at the file system level as well. We examine the correct placement of temporary files and the effect of statically caching common files at the client machines. Through simulations, we also estimate the performance of a dynamic cache to determine its organization, size, and placement.