Patent ID: 6049889
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method for transferring data between a plurality of nodes coupled to a common system data link comprising the steps of:apportioning a memory at each of the plurality of nodes into local and shared portions, wherein the shared portions of each of the plurality of nodes together form a shared memory having a plurality of entries, with each entry accessible by each node of said plurality of nodes;apportioning the local portion of the memory to provide a reflective memory portion, wherein write operations to an address of data stored in the reflective portion of local memory are broadcast on the data link;storing a control structure in the reflective portion of the local memory of one of the nodes for each item of memory data to be shared by the one of the nodes;the one of said plurality of nodes sharing the item of memory data updating said item of memory data by issuing to the data link a write command, the write command followed by an acknowledgment command; andresponsive to a receipt of said acknowledgment command by at least one of the other ones of the plurality of nodes sharing said item of memory data the at least one of the other ones of the plurality of nodes issuing an acknowledgment response for writing said corresponding entry in said control structure to indicate a receipt of said write command and said acknowledgment command.