Patent ID: 6377980
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
In a computer network having a first plurality of nodes coupled to a common network infrastructure and a distributed shared memory distributed among said first plurality of nodes, a method for permitting a first node of said computer network to access a copy of a memory block having a home node different from said first node in said computer network, said home node having no centralized directory for tracking states of said memory block in said plurality of nodes other than said home node, said method comprising:receiving via said common network infrastructure at said home node from said first node a first memory access request for said memory block; and if said home node does not have a first valid copy of said memory block, sending a request from said home node to a second plurality of nodes in said computer network to request a second node in said computer network to send a second valid copy of said memory block to said first node, said second plurality of nodes representing said first plurality of nodes excepting said first node and said home node.