Evaluating alternative display sharing system architectures

One cost effective approach for sharing a current local X Window display with other workstations lies with the X Window graphics system itself. A software solution for display sharing can be realized by intercepting the X protocol a client generates, passing the X protocol out of the local workstation and into the display sharing system, and then routing it on to interested receiver workstations. Two methods exist for intercepting X protocol transmission between client and server: a modification to the X server itself, or an intermediary process, referred to as a Wedge, which interposes itself between the client and server, thus gaining access to the protocol stream. Four alternative display sharing system architectures were evaluated in terms of cost, performance, and impact to both the user and the workstation itself. One was selected for further study, with a prototype display sharing system developed based on that architecture.<>