Memory as a network abstraction

An approach to interprocesses communication over fast networks is described. It is based on the assumption that the essence of the problem was the network abstraction, that is, what model the hardware network interfaces provides to the computer. In this approach the network provides the abstraction of computer memory, directly to the application, with no operation system intervention required to effect the movement of data. Three systems based on this idea are examined. They are Memnet, Mether, and CapNet. UPWARDS, an attempt to develop software that can provide access to the bandwidth available in the future high-speed WANs, is also discussed