Write a report, which includes a cover and references page, to address the following:
Differentiate the common configurations of multiprocessing systems.
Explain the conditions necessary for a deadlock to occur. If given the option of removing one condition to prevent deadlock, which condition would you choose, and why?
Explain the different deadlock handling strategies. Which strategies would you implement to remove deadlocks in the cases of disk sharing, database sharing, and multiple device allocation? Select a suitable strategy in each case and provide reasons for your choices.
Your document should be 4–5 pages long (not including the list of works cited), but it is the quality of the work that is important, not the number of pages. Cite and reference all sources using APA 7 format and style guidelines and submit in a single document.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Title: Multiprocessing Systems and Deadlock Handling Strategies
Abstract
This report aims to explore multiprocessing systems and deadlock handling strategies. It begins by differentiating the common configurations of multiprocessing systems. It then delves into the conditions necessary for a deadlock to occur and discusses the option to remove one condition to prevent deadlock. Furthermore, it explains various deadlock handling strategies and provides suitable strategies for removing deadlocks in the cases of disk sharing, database sharing, and multiple device allocation. The chosen strategies are supported by appropriate justifications.
Introduction
Multiprocessing systems play a vital role in enhancing computer performance by allowing multiple tasks to be executed simultaneously. However, these systems can also face challenges, such as deadlocks, which hinder their efficiency. Deadlock is a state in which two or more processes are unable to proceed because each is waiting for the other to release a resource. This report aims to shed light on the different configurations of multiprocessing systems, the conditions necessary for a deadlock to occur, and various deadlock handling strategies.
Differentiating Common Configurations of Multiprocessing Systems
Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP): In SMP, all processors have equal access to the system’s memory and I/O devices. Processes can be executed on any available processor, providing load balancing and increased system throughput.
Asymmetric Multiprocessing (AMP): AMP involves a master-slave relationship among processors. One processor, known as the master, controls the system’s resources and schedules tasks for execution on the slave processors.
Clustered Multiprocessing: In clustered multiprocessing, multiple individual systems are interconnected to form a cluster. Each system operates independently but can communicate and share resources with other systems in the cluster.
Conditions Necessary for a Deadlock to Occur
A deadlock can occur when four necessary conditions are present simultaneously:
Mutual Exclusion: Resources involved in the deadlock must be non-shareable, meaning only one process can access them at a time.
Hold and Wait: Processes hold resources while waiting for additional resources, resulting in resource wastage and potential deadlock situations.
No Preemption: Resources cannot be forcibly taken away from a process without its cooperation.
Circular Wait: A circular chain of processes exists, where each process holds a resource that is requested by the next process in the chain.
If given the option of removing one condition to prevent deadlock, the condition of “Circular Wait” would be the most suitable choice. By breaking the circular chain of processes, it becomes impossible for a deadlock to occur.
Different Deadlock Handling Strategies
Deadlock Prevention: This strategy focuses on preventing any of the four necessary conditions for a deadlock from occurring. It involves careful resource allocation, ensuring that at least one of the necessary conditions is not satisfied.
Deadlock Avoidance: This strategy utilizes algorithms and heuristics to predict whether a particular resource allocation might lead to a deadlock. If a potential deadlock is detected, the system denies or delays resource allocation until deadlock risk is eliminated.
Deadlock Detection and Recovery: This strategy periodically checks the system for deadlocks using algorithms like resource allocation graphs or bankers’ algorithm. If a deadlock is detected, appropriate recovery actions are taken, such as terminating some processes or rolling back their progress.
Deadlock Ignorance: In some cases, ignoring deadlocks might be a viable strategy if the occurrence of deadlocks is extremely rare or their impact is minimal.
Suitable Deadlock Handling Strategies for Specific Cases
Disk Sharing: In the case of disk sharing, where multiple processes need access to shared storage, a suitable strategy would be Deadlock Prevention. By carefully managing resource allocation and ensuring that processes do not hold resources indefinitely, the occurrence of deadlocks can be prevented.
Database Sharing: For scenarios involving database sharing among multiple processes, Deadlock Detection and Recovery would be an appropriate strategy. Databases often involve complex interactions among multiple transactions, making it difficult to predict potential deadlocks. Regularly detecting and recovering from deadlocks ensures uninterrupted database access.
Multiple Device Allocation: When dealing with multiple device allocation, where processes require access to various devices simultaneously, a suitable strategy would be Deadlock Avoidance. By utilizing algorithms that predict potential deadlocks based on resource requests and releases, the system can avoid allocating resources that could lead to deadlocks.
Conclusion
Understanding the different configurations of multiprocessing systems and the conditions necessary for deadlocks is crucial for maintaining system efficiency. By removing the condition of “Circular Wait,” deadlocks can be effectively prevented. Employing suitable deadlock handling strategies such as prevention, avoidance, detection and recovery, or ignorance based on specific scenarios ensures optimal system performance and resource utilization. Disk sharing benefits from prevention, database sharing requires detection and recovery, while multiple device allocation benefits from avoidance strategies. By implementing these strategies with careful consideration, deadlocks can be mitigated and system reliability improved.
References
AuthorLastName1, FirstInitial1., AuthorLastName2, FirstInitial2., & AuthorLastName3, FirstInitial3. (Year). Title of article. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page numbers.
AuthorLastName4, FirstInitial4., & AuthorLastName5, FirstInitial5. (Year). Title of book. Publisher Name.
Website Name. (Year). Title of webpage. Retrieved from [URL]
