RPC in the x-Kernel: evaluating new design techniques

Abstract

This paper reports our experiences implementing remote procedure call (RPC) protocols in the x-kernel. This exercise is interesting because the RPC protocols exploit two novel design techniques: virtual protocols and layered protocols. These techniques are made possible because the x-kernel provides an object-oriented infrastructure that supports three significant features: a uniform interface to all protocols, a late binding between protocol layers, and a small overhead for invoking any given protocol layer. For each design technique, the paper motivates the technique with a concrete example, describes how it is applied to the implementation of RPC protocols, and presents the results of experiments designed to evaluate the technique.