RPC in the x-Kernel: Evaluating New Design Techniques

This paper reports our experiences implementing remote procedure call (RPC) protocols in the x-kernel. This exercise is interesting because the RPC protocols exploit two novel design techniques: virtual protocols and layered protocols. These techniques are made possible because the xkernel provides an object-oriented infrastructure that supports three significant features: a uniform interface to all protocols, a late binding between protocol layers, and a small overhead for invoking any given protocol layer. For each design technique, the paper motivates the technique with a concrete example, describes how it is applied to the implementation of RPC protocols, and presents the results of experiments designed to evaluate the technique.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1989
• Where: SOSP
• Authors: Norman C. Hutchinson, Larry L. Peterson, Mark B. Abbott, Sean W. O'Malley
• Keywords: Design Technique, Operating System, Protocol Layer, RPC Protocols, SOSP 1989