Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for managing memory in a network. In a computer network in which multiple computers (nodes) are interconnected by a network, the primary memory on one node may be used to store memory data (pages)from other nodes. The transfer of a data page over the network from the memory of a node holding it to the memory of another node requesting that data gives improved performance when compared to the transfer of the same data from disk, either local or remote, to the requesting node. Global information about the disposition of the nodes and their memories in the network is used to determine the nodes in the network that should best be used to hold data pages for other nodes at a particular time. This information is exchanged by the nodes periodically under command of a coordinating node. The system includes distributed data structures that permit one node to locate data pages stored in another node's memory, procedures to determine when global information should be recomputed and redistributed, and procedures to avoid overburdening nodes with remote page traffic.

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First Claim