![]() |
U-Net:A User-Level
|
The U-Net architecture provides
low-latency and high-bandwidth communication over commodity
networks for workstations and PCs. It achieves this by virtualizing
the network interface such that every application can send and
receive messages without operating system intervention. With U-Net,
the operating system is no longer involved with the sending and
receiving of messages. This allows communication protocols to be
implemented at user-level where they can be integrated tightly with
the application. In particular, the large buffering and copying
costs found in typical in-kernel networking stacks can be avoided
and feed-back to the application about flow-control and packet loss
is facilitated.
The key aspects of U-Net are:
U-Net is currently available on several platforms:
Funding for the project is provided through a DARPA ITO contract (ONR contract N00014-92-J-1866). The initial versions of U-Net were developed under contract F30602-94-C-0224 from Rome Laboratory, Air Force Material Command. |
P a p e r s |
DEPARTMENT OF Last updated: 11/25/96. |
Page
design ©1996 by Angela Moll.
Artwork ©1995 by Thorsten von Eicken.