Experiences with optimistic synchronization for distributed operating systems
Peter L. Reiher · 1992
Optimistic synchronization is a method of synchronizing parallel and distributed computations without the use of blocking. When non-optimistic systems would block, optimistic synchronization mechanisms permit operations to go ahead. If such optimism causes improper synchronization, the mis-synchronized work is undone and the entire system restored to a consistent state. This paper discusses the experiences of developing a distributed operating system based around optimistic synchronization, the Time Warp Operating System (TWOS). It covers the challenges of implementing such a system, the advantages of optimistic synchronization, and how well optimistic synchronization works in practice in TWOS, and offers advice for others developing systems using optimistic synchronization. 1. Introduction Distributed systems, by their nature, require synchronization. The most common method of synchronization in distributed systems is some form of blocking. Whenever a processor needs to take some ac...