Asymmetric multiprocessing architecture?

[mikeshn]

In the assymetric multiprocessing each processor is assigned a specific task. But does the each processor runs an identical copy of the operating system?
Thanks

 

[piasabird]

If you were referring to SMP Symmetrical Multiprocessing there is one operating system and basically everything is shared.

If you are talking about MPP Massively Parallel Processing Each processor can have a different OS. This is used for accessing multiple Databases.

I think Assymetic means in both directions. Send and receive at the same time. This is often used to describe satellite transmission. Fiber Optic cable often has 2 fibers so it can send and receive at the same time. The Sun Servers may have harddrives that use Fiber optics so the Hard drives can read and write at the same time.

 

[rockhard]

<< In the assymetric multiprocessing each processor is assigned a specific task. But does the each processor runs an identical copy of the operating system? >>



May i recommend reading Anand's article about his recent visit to Intel?
In that article it mentions that Intel is working on this in that processes requiring a lot of processor power go to the main processing unit? and threads not requiring much processor power - chipset subsystem, data comms etc go to another lower powered processing unit all on the same die?
Im thinking that maybe the Hyperthreading thats on the new Zeon is where this is aimed maybe as processor speeds ramp heat is going to unmanageable in a single package, so adding a lower powered execution unit may be an answer to this problem without needing to go 2x CPU's and allow the high processing power processes to be executed unhindered by lower priority processes.
This may lead to SMP performance without the need for 2x CPU's im hoping.

 

[TonyRic]

rockhard: Ahem, Amiga...

 

[rockhard]

^^