A distributed operating system for a powerful system with dynamic architecture

ABSTRACT

The paper discusses the organization of a distributed operating system for dynamic architecture. It shows that the operating system must feature two types of distribution: (a) functional or vertical, whereby it is distributed among functional units in accordance with the types of conflicts that should be resolved; and (b) modular or horizontal, whereby it is distributed among modules performing the same functions.

In a dynamic architecture there are three types of conflicts: memory, reconfiguration, and I/O. This leads to the division of OS into three subsystems: (1) a processor OS that resolves memory conflicts, (2) a monitor OS that resolves reconfiguration conflicts, and (c) an I/O OS that resolves all types of I/O conflicts. The paper presents a detailed organization for the processor operating system.

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