Distributed Parallel Estimation for Global Ionospheric Modeling

A framework of distributed parallel computing is proposed and developed to meet the performance and requirements of GNSS data processing. Global ionospheric modeling by using distributed parallel estimation is performed based on this framework. The efficiency of global ionospheric modeling is tested and analyzed by using single computer with multi threads and multi computers with distributed parallel computing respectively. The results indicate multi-threaded parallel computing can promote the efficiency significantly. The efficiency is promoted to the highest when the number of threads is set to equal to the number of CPU cores. Also, the efficiency can be further enhanced by using multi computers with distributed parallel computing. The time consumption of modeling can be reduced approximately 60% by using 4 desktop computers compared to using single desktop computer. If 2 servers are used for modeling, the time can be reduced approximately 18% compared to using one server. Multi computers are organized for distributed parallel computing to promote the efficiency of global ionospheric modeling. It's very helpful for fast releasing of ionosphere products, algorithm testing of modeling and so on. It also has good reference value to multi-GNSS precise orbit determination and positioning as well as estimation of huge GNSS network.