__do_softirq and real-time execution context

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From: Kostya B
Date: Monday, August 4, 2008 - 12:02 am

Hello,

Please consider the following:

__do_softirq could be run from several checkpoints in kernel and even can employ userspace process context. 
For example, under heavy network traffic such process could be blocked for a relatively large period until ksoftirqd wakes up and takes control for Rx/Tx. 

In the case of regular userspace process the ksoftirqd solves the kernel/user trade-off problem pretty well.
However, in the case of _real-time_ process, such behavior may yield severe outcomes. Real-time (e.g. NTPL FIFO thread) might require short responses and low latency.

The proposal is that  __do_softirq should not run its pending tasks in the context of RT process.  Just check has_rt_policy() and immediately wake up ksoftirqd.

Regards,
- Kostya


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Messages in current thread:
__do_softirq and real-time execution context, Kostya B, (Mon Aug 4, 12:02 am)
Re: __do_softirq and real-time execution context, Peter Zijlstra, (Mon Aug 4, 12:41 am)