Topics

This lecture is going to introduce various aspects and concepts regarding the construction and implementation of microkernel-based operating system. In the first part, we introduce fundamental mechanisms that are required for efficient construction of an operating system on top of a microkernel. In the second part of the lecture, we show you real systems that have been built using these concepts. While strongly focussing on the microkernel work done at TU Dresden, we also take a look at alternatives.

Having attended the lecture on microkernel construction might help you to understand some concepts easier, but it is not necessary. In fact, we recommend to attend this lecture here first.

In addition to the lecture, we also have a practical course in which you will built parts of an operating system on top of a L4 microkernel in a group of 2-4 students. You are encouraged to take this practical course, too.

Slides

1. Introduction
2. Threads
3. Inter-Process Communication
4. Memory
5. Real-Time
6. Device Drivers
7. Resource Management
8. Scalability and Heterogeneity
9. Legacy Reuse
10. Virtualisation
11. Security
12. Trusted Computing
13. Operating Systems vs. Fault Tolerance

Exercises

We will have two types of exercises. Practical exercises give you the opportunity to get hands-on experience using the software presented during the lecture. Paper Reading exercises let you practice reading scientific papers and shall inspire discussion on research ideas. All topics covered during the exercises may be content of your exam.

Practical Exercises

5 November 2019, room APB E069

Getting Started

19 November 2019, room APB E069

Inter-process Communication (solution)

28 January 2020, room APB E069 (starts at 2:50pm, might be extended into 16:40 slot)

Exception handling in user space Steps, Source, Solution (executor.cc)

Paper Reading

In preparation for these exercises you are required to read the paper to be presented in the exercise. Prepare at least three questions regarding topics of the paper. These may cover things you don't understand as well as arguments you do not believe in or ideas that arose from your reading. You will be expected to sum up the paper during the exercise as well as discuss your questions.

29 October 2019

Per Brinch Hansen: “The Nucleus of a Multiprogramming System”

3 December 2019

Galen Hunt et al.: “Singularity: Rethinking the Software Stack”

17 December 2018

Donald E. Porter et al.: “Rethinking the library OS from the top down”

21 January 2020

Bryan Ford, Mike Hibler, Jay Lepreau, Patrick Tullmann, Godmar Back, Stephen Clawson: “Microkernels meet Recursive Virtual Machines”