Multiprocessor Operating System: Examples, Types, Advantages, and Features

Multiprocessor operating system is special operating system that is used to boost up the performance of multiple CPUs along with a single computer system. So, here you will learn about what is multiprocessor operating system and its examples, types, and features; involving with advantages and disadvantages of multiprocessor operating system with ease. This is unique a post over the internet; therefore, after reading this article; you will definitely fully learn about multiprocessor operating system without getting any problem.

What is Multiprocessor Operating System​?

Definition – Multiprocessor operating system allows the multiple processors, and these processors are connected with physical memory, computer buses, clocks, and peripheral devices. Main objective of using multiprocessor operating system is to consume high computing power and increase the execution speed of system. 

Read More – Operating Systems Tutorial

Multiprocessor OS Tutorial Headlines:

In this section, we will show you all headlines about this entire article; you can check them as your choice; below shown all:

  1. What is Multiprocessor Operating System?
  2. Components of Multiprocessor O/S
  3. Types of Multiprocessor O/S
  4. Advantages of Multiprocessor O/S
  5. Disadvantages of Multiprocessor O/S
  6. Characteristics of Multiprocessor O/S
  7. Examples of Multiprocessor O/S
  8. Multiprocessor OS Future Trends
  9. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
  • What is multiprocessor operating system with example?
  • What is multiprocessing operating system definition in simple words?
  • Why to use multiprocessor system in operating system?
  • What are the examples of multiprocessor operating system in real-life?
  • What are the different types of multiprocessor operating system?
  • What are the main advantages and disadvantages of multiprocessor operating system?

Let’s Get Started!!

Components of Multiprocessor Operating System

There are four major components, which are used in the Multiprocessor Operating System.

  • CPU
  • Input/Output Processor

CPU – CPU is capable to access memories as well as controlling the entire I/O tasks.

IOP – I/P processor can access direct memories, and every I/O processors have to responsible for controlling all input and output tasks.

Input/Output DevicesThese devices are used for inserting the input commands, and producing output after processing.

Memory Unit – Multiprocessor system uses the two types of memory modules such as shared memory and distributed shared memory.

Types of Multiprocessor Operating System

Read More – Real Time Operating System (RTOS) Tutorial

Here, We will explain different types of multiprocessor operating system, and classification of its list is done into six types.

  • Symmetric Multiprocessor
  • Asymmetric Multiprocessor
  • Shared Memory Multiprocessor
  • Distributed Memory Multiprocessor
  • UMA Multiprocessor
  • NUMA Multiprocessor

Symmetric Multiprocessor

In this system, every processors have own identically copy of operating system, and they can make communication in between each other. In which all processors are connected each other with peer to peer relationship nature, it means no master & slave relation.

Asymmetric Multiprocessor

In this system, every processor is allotted predefined tasks, and master processor has power for controlling entire system. In which, It use the master- slave relationship.

Shared Memory Multiprocessor

In this system, each CPU contains sharable common memory.

Distributed Memory Multiprocessor

In this system, all types of processors consists own private memory.

UMA Multiprocessor

UMA Multiprocessor stands for “Uniform Memory Access Multiprocessor”. In which, it allows to access all memory at the uniform speed rate for all processors.

NUMA Multiprocessor

NUMA Multiprocessor stands for “Non Uniform Memory Access Multiprocessor”. In this system, it involves some areas of the memory for accessing at the faster rate, and left parts of memory are utilized for other tasks.

Advantages of Multiprocessor Operating System

Read More – Distributed Operating System Tutorial 

There are list of several advantages of Multiprocessor operating system such as

Great Reliability

If due to any reason, any one processor gets fails then do not worry because, entire system will do work properly. For example – if multiprocessor has 6 processors and any one processor does not perform properly, at this stage rest of them processors have to responsibilities for handling this system.

Improve Throughput

Enhancing the throughput of system, entire system is improved, if couples of processors work with getting collaboration.

Cost Effective System

Multiprocessor systems are cost effective compare to single processor system in long life because this system is capable to share all input/output devices, power supplies system, and data storage center. In multiprocessor, do not need to connect all peripheral terminals separately with each processor.

Parallel Processing

Multiprocessor O/S gets high performance due to parallel processing. In this system, single job is divided into various same small jobs, and execute them like as Parallel nature.

Disadvantages of Multiprocessor Operating System

Read More – Guide to Batch Processing Operating System

  • Multiprocessor has complicated nature in both form such as H/W and S/W.
  • It is more expensive due to its large architecture.
  • Multiprocessor operating system has a daunting task for scheduling processes due to its shareable nature.
  • Multiprocessor system needs large memory due to sharing its memory with other resources.
  • Its speed can get degrade due to fail any one processor.
  • It has more time delay when processor receives message and take appropriate action.
  • It has big challenge related to skew and determinism.
  • It needs context switching which can be impacted its performance.

Characteristics of Multiprocessor Operating System

Read More – What is Single User Operating System

There are numerous characteristics of Multiprocessor operating system, explain below 

  • The Multi processor system allows making communication in between multiple CPUs with their share memory and input/output devices.
  • Multi processor system can use different types of processor as per own need, such as central processing unit (CPU) or an input- output processor (IOP).
  • Multiprocessors are split into multiple instruction stream multiple data stream (MIMD) systems.
  • Entire multi processor system is managed by operating system, and it allows the communication between all processors and I/O devices as well.
  • Multi processor has a better reliability.
  • If, any processor gets fails due to any reason, then other processor can handle all function of faulty processor.
  • Multiprocessor organization provides many benefits for enhancing the system performance.
  • Multiprocessing system has a optimize architecture due to implement parallel processing.
  • In multiprocessor use different compiler, those are able to identify the parallelism in a user’s program in automation mode.
  • Main objective of using the compilers is to determine the all data dependency in the entire program.
  • If, any program totally depends upon the data, which are created by other programs, then that data is executed firstly without getting any delay.
  • If, any data is executed in concurrently, then other parts of the programs can use them.
  • Multiprocessors are categorized with their memory management such as shared memory or tightly coupled multiprocessor.
  • Every processors is known as loosely coupled system because they contain the own private local memory.

Examples of Multiprocessor Operating System

Read More – What is Multi User Operating System? Its Types

Examples for Symmetric MultiprocessorWindows NT, Solaris, Digital UNIX, OS/2 & Linux.

Examples for Asymmetric Multiprocessor – SunOS Version 4, IOS

Other Examples are 

  • Intel Nehalem – Beckton, Westmere, Sandy Bridge
  • AMD Opteron – K10 (Barcelona, Magny Cours); Bulldozer
  • ARM Cortex A9, A15 MPCore
  • Oracle (Sun) UltraSpare T1, T2, T3, T4 (Niagara)

Multiprocessor OS Future Trends

Here are some potential future trends in multiprocessor operating systems, including:

Heterogeneous Computing

  • Increased support for heterogeneous architectures with diverse processor types (e.g., CPUs, GPUs, TPUs).
  • Optimization for parallel execution on different types of processors within a single system

Distributed Systems Integration

  • Enhanced integration with distributed computing paradigms, allowing seamless communication and resource sharing across multiple nodes.
  • Improved fault tolerance and scalability in distributed multiprocessor systems.

Machine Learning Integration

  • Integration of machine learning algorithms to dynamically optimize resource allocation and scheduling based on workload characteristics.
  • Adaptive learning for performance tuning and energy efficiency in multiprocessor environments

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

  • Development of power-aware operating systems to optimize energy consumption in multiprocessor systems.
  • Integration of advanced power management techniques and policies to reduce the ecological footprint.

Real-time and Predictability

  • Enhanced real-time capabilities for applications with stringent timing requirements.
  • Predictable performance and response times through improved scheduling algorithms and resource management.

Containerization and Microservices

  • Increased support for containerization technologies to facilitate deployment, scaling, and management of applications in multiprocessor environments.
  • Emphasis on microservices architectures for improved modularity and scalability.

Security and Isolation

  • Advancements in hardware-based security features for better isolation between processes and protection against security vulnerabilities.
  • Integration of security measures to address the challenges of running diverse workloads in shared environments.

Dynamic Resource Management

  • Intelligent resource allocation and load balancing mechanisms to adapt to changing workloads dynamically.
  • Utilization of predictive analytics and machine learning to anticipate resource demands and prevent performance bottlenecks.

Interconnect Technologies

  • Exploration of new interconnect technologies (e.g., high-speed interconnects, optical interconnects) for improved communication between processors.
  • Integration of advanced communication protocols to minimize latency and enhance data transfer rates.

Container Orchestration in Multiprocessor Environments

  • Development of orchestration tools specifically designed for managing containers in multiprocessor systems.
  • Efficient scaling, load balancing, and fault tolerance for containerized applications.

Edge Computing Support

  • Tailoring multiprocessor operating systems to meet the requirements of edge computing
  • Optimization for low-latency, high-throughput processing at the edge of the network.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is multiprocessor operating system with example?

A multiprocessor operating system is going to able of running various programs simultaneously, and most modern network operating systems (NOSs) support multiprocessing, for examples are Windows NT, 2000, XP, and Unix.

What is multiprocessing operating system definition in simple words?

Multiprocessor OS is special operating system that is used to boost up the performance of multiple CPUs along with a single computer system.

Why to use multiprocessor system in operating system?

The multiprocessor is a special computer system with getting multiple CPUs (Central Processing Units) share full access to a common RAM; and primary goal of using multiprocessor is to get boost up the system’s execution speed and overall performance.

What are the examples of multiprocessor operating system in real-life?

There are many examples of multiprocessor OS, which are using in your daily life like as Windows NT, Solaris, UNIX, OS/2 & Linux, SunOS Version 4, IOS, Beckton, Westmere, Sandy Bridge, and more.

What are the different types of multiprocessor operating system?

Multiprocessor operating system is classified into six different categories like as Symmetric Multiprocessor, Asymmetric Multiprocessor, Shared Memory Multiprocessor, Distributed Memory Multiprocessor, UMA Multiprocessor, and NUMA Multiprocessor. Each one is explained above in this article; you can check them.

What are the main advantages and disadvantages of multiprocessor operating system?

In this article, already we have been explained about many pros and cons of multiprocessor operating system; you can read them.

Final Remarks

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