An interprocess communication facility for the model a multi-microcomputer system

摘要

An interprocess communication (IPC) facility for a shared memory multi-microcomputer system is described. Interprocess communication is performed by exchanging messages through dual-ported mail-box memories. The facility uses fundamental abstractions called 'sockets'. The goals and motivations for 'sockets', their abstract and implementation views and software interfaces to the interprocess communication facility are described. The hardware design of a 'fair' dual-port memory controller, which will improve the performance of the message-passing scheme, is also described.