The Wider Use of Microkernel and its Components in OS by Md Farrukh Asif

 

The Wider Use of Microkernel and its Components in OS

by Md Farrukh Asif

 Microkernel

What is Microkernel?                                        Click Me

The microkernel is one of the kernel's classifications. Being a kernel, it handles all system resources. On the other hand, the user and kernel services in a microkernel are implemented in distinct address spaces. User services are kept in user address space, while kernel services are kept in kernel address space. It aids in reducing the kernel and OS's size.

Click Here 

Detailed description of the Computer and its Components. (Input Units)

A Complete and Detailed Definition with examples of Output Devices (New Tech based)

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) Latest Enquiries

Memory Unit (I/O) Devices by Farrukh

The Basic Terminologies of Computer by Md. Farrukh Asif

Generation of Computer by Md. Farrukh Asif

The Evolution of Computer Languages(Part-I) by Md. Farrukh Asif

The Evolution of Computer Languages(Part-II) by Md. Farrukh Asif

Computer Network Topologies  By Md. Farrukh Asif

Communication Protocols  by “Md Farrukh Asif”

Basic Computer's Features and Use by Md. Farrukh Asif

Operating System and its Functionality: by Md. Farrukh Asif

Batch OS and Time Sharing OS by Md. Farrukh Asif

Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS): Explained Simply

CPU Scheduling and its types

The Wider Use of Microkernel and its Components in OS

Fundamentals of Computer MCQs with Answers

It provides a minimal amount of process and memory management services. The interaction between the client application and services running in the user address space is established via message passing, which helps reduce the speed of microkernel execution. The OS is unaffected because the kernel and user services are isolated, so if any of the user services fails, the kernel service is unaffected. It is extendable because new services are added to the user address space, requiring no kernel space changes. It's also lightweight, secure, and reliable.

Microkernels and their user environments are typically used in C++ or C languages with a little assembly. On the other hand, other implementation programming languages may be possible with some high-level code.

Architecture of Microkernel

A microkernel is a minimum of software required to implement an operating system correctly. Memory, process scheduling methods, and fundamental inter-process communication are all included.

Since the kernel is the most crucial OS component, it is responsible for the essential services. As a result, under this design, only the most significant services are inside the kernel in this architecture. In contrast, the rest operating system services are available inside the system application software. As a result, users can interact with such unnecessary services within the system application. The microkernel is entirely responsible for the operating system's most significant services, which are as follows:

1. Inter-Process Communication
2. Memory Management
3. CPU Scheduling

Inter-Process Communication

Interprocess communication refers to how processes interact with one another. A process has several threads. In the kernel space, threads of any process interact with one another. Messages are sent and received across threads using ports. At the kernel level, there are several ports like process port, exceptional port, bootstrap port, and registered port. All of these ports interact with user-space processes.

Memory Management

Memory management is the process of allocating space in main memory for processes. However, there is also the creation of virtual memory for processes. Virtual memory means that if a process has a bigger size than the main memory, it is partitioned into portions and stored. After that, one by one, every part of the process is stored in the main memory until the CPU executes it.

CPU Scheduling

CPU scheduling refers to which process the CPU will execute next. All processes are queued and executed one at a time. Every process has a level of priority, and the process with the highest priority is performed first. CPU scheduling aids in optimizing CPU utilization. In addition, resources are being used more efficiently. It also minimizes the waiting time. Waiting time shows that a process takes less time in the queue and that resources are allocated to the process more quickly. CPU scheduling also reduces response and turnaround times.

Components of Microkernel

A microkernel contains only the system's basic functions. A component is only included in the microkernel if putting it outside would disrupt the system's operation. The user mode should be used for all other non-essential components. The minimum functionalities needed in the microkernel are as follows:

1.      In the microkernel, processor scheduling algorithms are also required. Process and thread schedulers are included.

2.      Address spaces and other memory management mechanisms should be incorporated in the microkernel. Memory protection features are also included.

3.      Inter-process communication (IPC) is used to manage servers that execute their own address spaces.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Microkernel

Various advantages and disadvantages of the microkernel are as follows:

Advantages

1.      Microkernels are secure since only those parts are added, which might disturb the system's functionality.

2.      Microkernels are modular, and the various modules may be swapped, reloaded, and modified without affecting the kernel.

3.      Microkernel architecture is compact and isolated, so it may perform better.

4.      The system expansion is more accessible, so it may be introduced to the system application without disrupting the kernel.

5.      When compared to monolithic systems, microkernels have fewer system crashes. Furthermore, due to the modular structure of microkernels, any crashes that do occur are simply handled.

6.      The microkernel interface helps in enforcing a more modular system structure.

7.      Server failure is treated the same as any other user program failure.

8.      It adds new features without recompiling.

Disadvantages

1.      When the drivers are implemented as procedures, a context switch or a function call is needed.

2.      In a microkernel system, providing services is more costly than in a traditional monolithic system.

3.      The performance of a microkernel system might be indifferent and cause issues.

Microkernel FAQ

1. What is a Microkernel?

A microkernel is a minimalistic computer operating system kernel designed to provide the minimal necessary mechanisms for running an operating system. It handles only the most basic functions, such as inter-process communication (IPC), basic scheduling, and simple memory management.

2. How does a Microkernel differ from a Monolithic Kernel?

• Microkernel: Only essential services (IPC, basic scheduling, minimal memory management) run in the kernel space. Other services like device drivers, file systems, and network protocols run in user space.
• Monolithic Kernel: All services, including device drivers, file systems, and networking, run in the kernel space, leading to potentially better performance but less modularity.

3. What are the advantages of a Microkernel?

• Modularity: Easier to manage and extend since most services run in user space.
• Stability and Reliability: Crashes in user-space services do not affect the kernel, improving overall system stability.
• Security: Fewer components running in kernel space reduce the attack surface.

4. What are the disadvantages of a Microkernel?

• Performance Overhead: Context switching between user space and kernel space can lead to performance penalties.
• Complexity in Design: Requires careful design to ensure efficient IPC and system call handling.

5. Can you provide examples of Microkernel-based operating systems?

• QNX: A commercial real-time operating system used in embedded systems.
• MINIX: An educational operating system designed to demonstrate operating system principles.
• L4: A family of microkernels used in research and some commercial applications.

6. Why might one choose a Microkernel over a Monolithic Kernel?

A microkernel may be chosen for applications where reliability, security, and modularity are critical, such as in embedded systems, real-time systems, and systems requiring high security.

7. How does Inter-Process Communication (IPC) work in a Microkernel?

IPC in a microkernel typically involves message passing between user-space services and the kernel. This can include synchronous or asynchronous message passing mechanisms, and is a critical part of microkernel performance.

8. What are some criticisms of Microkernel architecture?

Critics often point to the performance overhead due to increased context switching and IPC costs. Additionally, achieving high performance with microkernels requires sophisticated design and optimization.

9. How has the Microkernel design evolved over time?

Early microkernels, like Mach, were criticized for poor performance. Modern microkernels, such as those in the L4 family, have addressed many performance issues through improved design and optimizations.

10. What is the future of Microkernel development?

The microkernel approach continues to influence operating system research and development, particularly in areas requiring high reliability and security. Emerging technologies, such as IoT and autonomous systems, may benefit from microkernel architectures.

***  See You Again ***

Like, Comment, and Share