SOCKETS- A UNIFORM APPLICATION PROGRAMMING INTERFACE FOR BASIC-LEVEL COMMUNICATION SERVICES(+ )

This article presents an enhanced application programming interface ba sed on the well-known BSD Sockets paradigm. The major modifications ma de during the redesign of Sockets are as follows: Using an object-orie nted design that facilitates the introduction of new communication ser vice functions and simplifies use and learning. Using a new generic co mmunication model that supports a wide range of traditional and advanc ed communication services such as OSI, Internet, ISDN, and ATM service s. Using an abstract message-passing concept to transfer service data across the interface which enables operating systems to apply copy-avo iding mechanisms. Supporting multipoint communications and enabling ap plications to distinguish different data streams. Supporting direct fo rwarding of incoming data streams to outgoing streams to yield better performance. Avoiding platform dependencies so as to reduce modificati on costs when porting applications.