Decentralized Resource Management in Distributed Computer Systems.
Abstract
This is the first technical report from The Archons project, which is performing research in the science and engineering of 'distributed computers'. By this we mean a computer having highly decentralized (e.g., consensus) resource management at every level of abstraction from the executive down. This report provides a snapshot of several incomplete, ongoing investigations: decentralized synchronization; the requirements for simulation of decentralized resource management algorithms; and the facilities to be provided by a decentralized executive. We begin with a summary of our views on decentralized resource management and control, and the implications of physical communications on control (especially at the executive level). Then we briefly survey several other distributed system projects. This brings the Archons project into closer focus, as their orientations and objectives are considerably different from ours. Synchronization (the induction of a common, consistent ordering on events) is the essence of decentralized control. New concepts and techniques are required to achieve synchronization in distributed computers without reliance on any decentralized entity such as a semaphore, monitor, sequencer, or bus arbiter.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA113255
Entities
People
- E. Douglas Jensen
- Hugh L. Applewhite
- J. Duane Northcutt
- Lui R. Sha
- Roli Garg
Organizations
- Carnegie Mellon University