Memory Management for Large-Scale NUMA (NonUniform Memory Access) Multiprocessors
Abstract
Large-scale shared-memory multiprocessors such as the BBN Butterfly and IBM RP3 introduce a new level in the memory hierarchy; multiple physical memories with different memory access times. An operating system for these NUMA (NonUniform Memory Access) multiprocessors should provide traditional virtual memory management, facilitate dynamic and widespread memory sharing, and minimize the apparent disparity between local and nonlocal memory. In addition, the implementation must be scalable to configurations with hundreds or thousands of processors. This paper describes memory management in the Psyche multiprocessor operating system, under development at the University of Rochester. The Psyche kernel manages a multi-level memory hierarchy consisting of local memory, nonlocal memory, and backing store. Local memory stores private data and serves as a cache for shared data; nonlocal memory stores shared data and serves as a disk cache. The system structure isolates the policies and mechanisms that manage different layers in the memory hierarchy, so that customized data structures and policies can be constructed for each layer. Local memory management policies are implemented using mechanisms that are independent of the architectural configuration; global policies are implemented using multiple processes that increase in number as the architecture scales. Psyche currently runs on the BBN Butterfly Plus multiprocessor. (kr)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA213910
Entities
People
- Brian D. Marsh
- Michael L. Scott
- Thomas J. Leblanc
Organizations
- University of Rochester