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U.S. Department of Energy
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Distributed-operating-system kernel for networked multiprocessor work stations

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5298654
This dissertation presents a new kernel architecture for a Distributed Operating System targeted specifically for contemporary high-performance work stations comprised of multi-microprocessor microcomputers connected by a local-area network. The motivations for and requirements of the kernel architecture provide insights and lead to a better understanding of the practical application of software-construction techniques and communication methodologies used in modern Distributed Operating Systems for multiprocessor computers. These concepts have been embedded in the BIGSAM Distributed Operating System project. Discussion centers on interprocess communication methods and kernel structure in an environment that provides a high degree of concurrency and that additionally must be portable to a range of contemporary hardware. The effects on interprocess communication and kernel structure requirements for a Distributed Operating System of loosely-coupled cooperating work stations is examined. Advantages of using the client/server model in an object-oriented capability-based architecture that provides communication by message passing and how these properties also direct the resultant kernel architecture are covered. Semantics and specifications for a current implementation of the BIGSAM Distributed Operating System kernel are presented to further illustrate the derived architecture.
Research Organization:
Arizona State Univ., Tempe (USA)
OSTI ID:
5298654
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English