Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) — Characteristics and Use Cases Which statement correctly describes an aspect of symmetric multiprocessing systems?
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AA separate, independent copy of the operating system runs inside each processor.
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BSMP is useful for workloads where large shared data structures must remain in memory and be processed concurrently.
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CBottlenecks increase in uniprocessor systems because tasks are not shared across CPUs.
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DMemory contention is unlikely in SMP because processors never compete for shared memory.
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ESMP eliminates the need for synchronization primitives such as locks.
Answer
Correct Answer: SMP is useful for workloads where large shared data structures must remain in memory and be processed concurrently.
Explanation
Introduction:Symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) places multiple identical processors under a single operating system image with shared memory. This question checks whether you can identify a true statement about SMP while avoiding common misconceptions about OS copies and contention.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- In SMP, processors share main memory and I/O under one OS instance.
- Workloads with shared in-memory data can benefit from parallel CPUs.
- Shared resources require synchronization to avoid corruption.
Concept / Approach:Validate which statement matches SMP basics: a single OS image coordinates multiple CPUs; shared memory enables parallel processing of common datasets; contention and synchronization are realities to be managed—not eliminated.
Step-by-Step Solution:1) Reject the idea of per-CPU independent OS copies; SMP uses one OS instance.2) Recognize that shared in-memory data is a prime SMP use case—select this option.3) Statements about uniprocessor bottlenecks are too generic and not a defining property of SMP.4) Reject claims that SMP removes contention or synchronization needs—these remain important concerns.
Verification / Alternative check:OS kernels for SMP include scheduler and locking mechanisms to coordinate cores accessing shared memory and kernel structures.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Per-CPU OS copy: Describes cluster/MPP, not SMP.
- Uniprocessor bottlenecks statement: Not specific to SMP and overbroad.
- No memory contention / no locks: Unrealistic; synchronization is essential in SMP.
Common Pitfalls:Confusing SMP with distributed systems, or assuming parallelism eliminates the need for careful concurrency control.
Final Answer:SMP is useful for workloads where large shared data structures must remain in memory and be processed concurrently.