What is symmetrical multiprocessing?
symmetrical multiprocessing (SMP) is a type of computer architecture in which two or more CPUs (CPUs) share a common connection with the same memory. It was originally developed at the age of 60 and has since been used in various configurations. Any processor in the SMP system is intended to access and start the software from any part of the shared memory. The popularity of this setting has been fluctuating over the year because the technology has evolved and the marketplace has changed, but is still one of the most common form of multi -processor technologies. Because memory is shared among processors, SMP hardware can be cheaper than other technologies that can give each processor memory. Many variations of this settings have been used, some of which use a simple attachment card to connect two processors, while others employed more sophistic interconnection between up to 32 processors. Any symmetrical multiprocessing system can be detained at the speed and capacity of this connection; System with 32 processOry does not necessarily have to be 32 times faster, as the common connection between these processors and system memory can be overloaded.
One of the key advantages of symmetrical multiprocessing over other techniques is that the SMP system more or less treats all its processors equally, giving everyone the same quality of access to other computer hardware. This means that any processor in the system can read and perform instructions from software programs regardless of where these programs are located in computer memory. Many software programs are now divided into smaller pieces known as fibers; When these programs are lowered on the SMP system, each processor can lower the program fiber, which further increases power. User -level software may not be modified to run on a system that supports symmetrical multiprocessing but the basic operating system mustto support the logi.
The popularity of symmetrical multiprocessic has disappeared and waxed over the years because other techniques have been developed and new architecture was explored. At the beginning of the 90s, publicity appeared about the possible impact of technology on computer technology; Many companies, especially sequential computer systems, began to specialize in building top SMP systems. The Sequent, which won IBM in 1999, was awarded for its proposals, but has never been able to effectively compete with the giants of the computer industry. Newer multiprocessing techniques, such as non -uniform memory access (NUMA), have partially replaced SMP in top systems.
Computers manufacturers have experimented with symmetrical multiprocessing in hardware at the consumer level over the years; In addition to the expensive hardware enthusiast, however, most personal computers lack technology. New techniques for streamlining one CPU systems such as simultaneous multithreading or "Hyperthreading", along with the rise of multi -core TeChnology has increased computer performance without added SMP costs. However, these technologies can be combined and the most powerful desktops may include multiple multiple processors connected via SMP, creating a system with a huge amount of computing power.