Shared Memory Translation Facility for Partitioned Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current inter-application communication methods in multi-partition computing environments require I/O operations, which are less than optimal for direct data interchange between configurations, especially when compared to sharing storage resources.
Innovation Solution
A shared memory translation facility is implemented, allowing direct data interchange between configurations by determining if a memory address refers to a shared memory object accessible across different zones, and providing a system absolute address for authorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If I/O operations are used for inter-application communication between partitions, then communication capability is provided, but communication speed and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shared memory object (SMO) as an intermediary mechanism between partitions. Instead of using I/O operations for direct communication, configurations can share data through SMOs located in shared memory space, enabling faster memory-speed data interchange while maintaining the isolation benefits of partitioned memory zones.
2Reliability
If memory zones are isolated for each configuration, then memory protection and isolation are improved, but direct data sharing between configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments memory into configuration-specific zones and a shared memory region containing SMOs. Each configuration maintains its isolated memory zone for protection, while selectively accessing shared memory objects through controlled mechanisms. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of memory isolation and controlled data sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
Shared memory objects serve as intermediaries that bridge isolated configuration memory zones. The SMO mechanism provides a controlled interface allowing configurations to share data without compromising the isolation boundaries, enabling direct memory-speed access while maintaining protection.
3Speed
If shared memory objects are introduced for direct data interchange, then data sharing speed is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shared memory object mechanism provides a universal interface for data sharing across multiple configurations. Rather than implementing separate sharing mechanisms for each configuration pair, the SMO system offers a multi-functional solution that handles inter-partition data sharing through a standardized approach, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects include a system, method and computer program product for providing a shared memory translation facility. The method includes receiving a request for access to a memory address from a requestor at a configuration, the receiving at a shared memory translation mechanism. It is determined whether the memory address refers to a shared memory object (SMO), the SMO accessible by a plurality of configurations managed in different zones of memory. Based on determining that the memory address refers to the SMO, it is determined whether the configuration has access to the SMO. Based on determining that the configuration has access to the SMO, the requestor is provided a system absolute address for the SMO and access to the SMO. In this manner direct interchange of data between the configuration and the plurality of configurations is allowed.