New large CPU-count machines are being designed with non-uniform memory architecture (NUMA) characteristics. The 2.5 Linux kernel includes many enhancements in support of NUMA machines. Data structures and macros are provided within the kernel for determining the layout of the memory and processors on the system. These enable the VM subsystem to make decisions on the optimal placement of memory for processes. This topology information is also exported to user-space via sysfs. In addition to items that have been incorported into the mainline Linux kernel, there are NUMA features that have been developed that continue to be supported as patchsets. These include NUMA enhancements to the scheduler, multipath I/O, and a user-level API that provides user control over the allocation of resources in respect to NUMA nodes.

...

Download PDF.