Performing remote operations efficiently on a local computer network

ABSTRACT

A communication model is described that can serve as a basis for a highly efficient communication subsystem for local networks. The model contains a taxonomy of communication instructions that can be implemented efficiently and can be a good basis for interprocessor communication. These communication instructions, called remote references, cause an operation to be performed by a remote process and, optionally, cause a value to be returned. This paper also presents implementation considerations for a communication system based upon the model and describes an experimental communication subsystem that provides one class of remote references. These remote references take about 150 microseconds or 50 average instruction times to perform on Xerox Alto computers connected by a 2.94 megabit Ethernet.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.2 Network Protocols
          Subjects: Protocol architecture (OSI model)
      C.2.4 Distributed Systems
          Subjects: Network operating systems
      C.2.5 Local and Wide-Area Networks
          Subjects: Buses; Token rings

  D. Software
  D.4 OPERATING SYSTEMS
      D.4.4 Communications Management
          Subjects: Network communication; Message sending
      D.4.7 Organization and Design
          Subjects: Distributed systems

General Terms:
Performance, Reliability

Keywords:
communication models, efficient communication, transactions