Access control protocols for multi-view on-the-fly memory computer system

This paper describes applications uses of a novel memory model and an attendant architectural support that incorporate the new emphases in operating system and hardware design. A major contribution of the model is that various access control protocols can be supported directly by the virtual memory system. In the past, specialized, dedicated hardware support was developed for memory management subsystems in order to support specific protocols. This work promotes multifunctionality in that the kernel and its supporting hardware can be configured with different rules and used through a simple virtual memory primitive call. The class of protocols which can be supported is defined at a high level of abstraction by constraints on the protection system state representation and transitions performed by Finite State Machines. Illustration of the applications uses of the model are given in the context of various coherence control protocols and a Mach 3.0 user-level pager thus demonstrating the model´s flexibility in the provision of a wide range of choices to users