Communication Protocols for Distributed Heterogeneous Computing
Summary
Migrating a running application process from one computer to another is challenging, especially when the computers have different hardware or operating systems (heterogeneous computing).
This patent defines communication and migration protocols that sit as an independent layer in a virtual machine environment. During a process migration, these protocols manage message traffic so that no message is lost and the migrating process receives its messages in the correct order, with low overhead for point-to-point communication.
Inventors
- Xian-He Sun
- Kasidit Chanchio
Technical Abstract
Communication and Process Migration Protocols instituted in an independent layer of a virtual machine environment allow for heterogeneous or homogeneous process migration. The protocols manage message traffic for processes communicating in the virtual machine environment. The protocols manage message traffic for migrating processes so that no message traffic is lost during migration, and proper message order is maintained for the migrating process. In addition to correctness of migration operations, low overhead and high efficiency is achieved for supporting scalable, point-to-point communications.