Update based distributed shared memory integrated into RHODOS' memory management

Abstract

The DSM system we propose in this paper is implemented completely at the operating system level as a component of RHODOS' Memory (Space) Manager. In addition, it is integrated with RHODOS' existing invalidation-based DSM allowing the programmers to choose the consistency protocol best suited to their application. These factors enable RHODOS DSM to provide the user with a transparent, efficient and scalable shared memory programming environment. In this paper, we describe the logical design, implementation and performance study of an update based DSM which strictly adheres to the above criteria. These criteria allow the user to program using a familiar model while taking advantage of the greater scalability of COWs.