A Layered Virtual Memory Manager

Abstract

This thesis presents a specification for the Multics virtual memory manager. The virtual memory manager is that part of the operating system which coordinates the usage of physical memory and which manages the bindings between logical memory and physical memory. In the case of Multics, physical memory is composed of fixed-length blocks called frames and logical memory consists of segments, representing sets of frames. The original specification is now obsolete because it describes an overly complicated structure. The specification described here compatibly updates the functionality of the Multics virtual memory manager, simplifies the requisite structure, and addresses resource control problems. The specification is in the form of a model, using the methodologies of type extension and layers of abstraction. These methodologies provide the tools to develop a precise model structure, which is capable of handling the intricacies of resource control. The end result is organizational simplicity, certifiability, and comprehensibility.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1977
Accession Number
ADA046613

Entities

People

  • Andrew H. Mason

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computer Programs
  • Digital Information
  • Operating Systems
  • Specifications

Readers

  • Computational Linguistics
  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Parallel and Distributed Computing.