Suzuki–Kasami algorithm

The Suzuki–Kasami algorithm is a token-based algorithm for achieving mutual exclusion in distributed systems. The process holding the token is the only process able to enter its critical section. ***

This is a modification to Ricart–Agrawala algorithm in which a REQUEST and REPLY message are used for attaining the critical section, but in this algorithm, a method was introduced in which a seniority vise and also by handing over the critical section to other node by sending a single PRIVILEGE message to other node. So, the node which has the privilege it can use the critical section and if it does not have one it cannot. If a process wants to enter its critical section and it does not have the token, it broadcasts a request message to all other processes in the system. The process that has the token, if it is not currently in a critical section, will then send the token to the requesting process. The algorithm makes use of increasing Request Numbers to allow messages to arrive out-of-order.

Algorithm description

Let $n$ be the number of processes. Each process is identified by an integer in $1,...,n$.

Data structures

Each process maintains one data structure:

• an array $R{N}_i[n]$ (for Request Number), $i$ being the ID of the process containing this array, where $R{N}_i[j]$ stores the last Request Number received by $i$ from $j$

The token contains two data structures:

• an array $LN[n]$ (for Last request Number), where $LN[j]$ stores the most recent Request Number of process $j$ for which the token was successfully granted
• a queue $Q$, storing the ID of processes waiting for the token

Algorithm

Requesting the critical section (CS)

When process $i$ wants to enter the CS, if it does not have the token, it:

• increments its sequence number $R{N}_i[i]$
• sends a request message containing new sequence number to all processes in the system

Releasing the CS

When process $i$ leaves the CS, it:

• sets $LN[i]$ of the token equal to $R{N}_i[i]$. This indicates that its request $R{N}_i[i]$ has been executed
• for every process $k$ not in the token queue $Q$, it appends $k$ to $Q$ if $R{N}_i[k]=LN[k]+1$. This indicates that process $k$ has an outstanding request
• if the token queue $Q$ is not empty after this update, it pops a process ID $j$ from $Q$ and sends the token to $j$
• otherwise, it keeps the token

Receiving a request

When process $j$ receives a request from $i$ with sequence number $s$, it:

• sets $R{N}_j[i]$ to $max(R{N}_j[i],s)$ (if $s<R{N}_j[i]$, the message is outdated)
• if process $j$ has the token and is not in CS, and if $R{N}_j[i]==LN[i]+1$ (indicating an outstanding request), it sends the token to process $i$

Executing the CS

A process enters the CS when it has acquired the token.

Performance

• Either $0$ or $N$ messages for CS invocation (no messages if process holds the token; otherwise $N-1$ requests and $1$ reply)
• Synchronization delay is $0$ or $N$ ($N-1$ requests and $1$ reply)

Notes on the algorithm

• Only the site currently holding the token can access the CS

• All processes involved in the assignment of the CS

• Request messages sent to all nodes

• Not based on Lamport’s logical clock
• The algorithm uses sequence numbers instead

• Used to keep track of outdated requests
• They advance independently on each site

The main design issues of the algorithm:

• Telling outdated requests from current ones
• Determining which site is going to get the token next