K. Makki et al., Using logical rings to solve the distributed mutual exclusion problem withfault tolerance issues, J SUPERCOMP, 16(1), 2000, pp. 117-132
In this paper, we investigate distributed mutual exclusion algorithms and d
elineate the features of a new distributed mutual exclusion algorithm. The
basis of the algorithm is the logical ring structure employed in token-base
d mutual exclusion algorithms. Specifically, there exists dynamic propertie
s of the logical ring that, given certain restrictions regarding message tr
affic flow, passively give useful information about the location of the tok
en. Effectively, the algorithm demonstrates a type of "intelligent routing"
that identifies useful shortcuts in the routing of the token. The result i
s a reduction in the total number of messages exchanged prior to the execut
ion of the critical section as compared to the algorithm proposed by Fu and
Tzeng [3]. Furthermore, the algorithm allows for an increased degree of fa
irness in a lightly loaded system than that allowed by Fu and Tzeng's algor
ithm. The paper also addresses failure recovery issues.