Daba G
Daba G
NAME ID/NO
DABA…………………………………….0811
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Device management
1. INTRODUCTION
Device management is an essential aspect of computer systems that involves the control
and coordination of various input and output devices. These devices can be categorized into
parallel and serial devices based on how they transmit data.
Device management is crucial for organizations to ensure that their devices are secure, up-
to-date, and functioning properly. It allows IT administrators to remotely manage and
monitor devices, enforce security policies, track device usage, and troubleshoot issues. It
also helps in streamlining device deployment, reducing downtime, and optimizing device
performance.
Parallel devices:
Multiple data bits: Parallel devices transfer multiple data bits simultaneously over
multiple wires or channels. Each bit of data is sent across a separate communication line,
allowing for faster data transfer rates.
Parallel transmission: Parallel devices use parallel transmission, where each bit of data is
sent simultaneously and in parallel. This enables high-speed data transfer between
devices.
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Multiple communication lines: Parallel devices require multiple communication lines or
wires to transfer data. For example, a parallel printer cable may have several wires to
send individual bits of data.
Shorter cable length: Parallel communication is typically limited to shorter cable lengths
due to the potential for data loss or interference. Longer cables can introduce timing
errors or signal degradation in parallel transmission.
Synchronous communication: Parallel devices often use synchronous communication,
where data is transferred in a continuous stream with fixed timing.
Serial devices:
Single data bit: Serial devices transfer data one bit at a time over a single communication
line or wire. The bits are sent sequentially, one after the other.
Serial transmission: Serial devices use serial transmission, where each bit of data is sent
one after the other. This leads to slower data transfer rates compared to parallel devices.
Single communication line: Serial devices require a single communication line or wire to
transmit data. For example, a serial cable typically has fewer wires compared to a parallel
cable.
Longer cable length: Serial communication supports longer cable lengths as it is less
susceptible to interference or timing issues. This makes it suitable for long-distance
communication.
Asynchronous communication: Serial devices often use asynchronous communication,
where data is sent in packets with start and stop bits, allowing for flexibility in timing and
synchronization.
Higher compatibility: Serial devices are often more widely supported and compatible
across different platforms and devices due to their simplicity and standardized protocol
1.2 Buffering strategies
Buffering strategies play a crucial role in device management by efficiently handling the
flow of data between devices and the computer system. Buffers act as temporary storage
areas that hold data during the transfer process.
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Buffering strategies are used by manage- to help seal off the firm from disturbances in the
business environment due to, for example, the environmental impacts of a firm's acts
There are two main buffering strategies
1. Input Buffering: In this strategy, data from input devices is stored in a buffer before
being processed by the computer system. This allows the system to handle varying
input rates and prevents data loss.
2.Output Buffering: Output buffering involves storing data in a buffer before sending it
to output devices. This helps in managing the data transfer rate between the computer
system and output devices, ensuring smooth and efficient communication.
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Cascade DMA: Cascade DMA allows multiple DMA controllers to be daisy-
chained together, expanding the number of concurrent data transfers.
Multiple DMA: Multiple DMA controllers operate independently, enabling
simultaneous data transfers between multiple devices and memory.
DMA Channels: DMA controllers have multiple channels, each capable of handling a
data transfer independently. Each channel can be assigned to a specific device or data
transfer task.
Buffering: DMA often utilizes buffering techniques to optimize data transfer. Data can
be temporarily stored in a buffer before being transferred to or from main memory,
allowing for smoother data flow and reducing the chances of data loss or corruption.
DMA and Interrupts: DMA controllers can generate interrupts to notify the CPU when a
transfer is complete or when an error occurs. The CPU can then respond to the
interrupt, perform necessary actions, and resume its other tasks.
By utilizing DMA, data can be transferred between devices and memory at a faster rate,
freeing up the CPU for other processing tasks. DMA is commonly used with high-speed
devices such as hard drives, graphics cards, and network cards.
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process of returning to the primary system once it’s restored. Failover and failback
mechanisms ensure continuity of operations and minimize downtime.
Replication and Mirroring: Replication involves creating replicas of critical components
or data at remote locations. These replicas can be used for failover or disaster recovery
purposes. Mirroring is a similar technique where an exact copy of the data is
maintained in real-time on separate systems or storage devices.
Graceful Degradation: Graceful degradation refers to the concept of designing systems
to gracefully handle failures by providing reduced functionality or degraded
performance. The system can prioritize critical operations and gracefully handle non-
critical ones during a failure
1.5. Conclusion
Effective device management is crucial for the smooth operation of computer
systems. By understanding the characteristics of parallel and serial devices,
implementing appropriate buffering strategies, utilizing DMA, and implementing
recovery mechanisms, system administrators can ensure the efficient and reliable
functioning of devices within the system.
Proper device management is essential for maintaining the integrity and
performance of computer hardware devices. Understanding the characteristics of
parallel and serial devices, implementing appropriate buffering strategies, utilizing
direct memory access, and having effective recovery mechanisms in place are
crucial for efficient device management.
By effectively managing and controlling hardware devices, system administrators
and users can ensure optimal performance, reliability, and longevity of the
computer system.
2.Reference:
Library Resources University Lecture
Text book operating system
Google: http://www.Google.com
operating system settings, network configurations, and security policies. Overall,
reference device management plays a crucial role in maintaining a standardized
and secure environment within an organization, simplifying device deployment and
management processes.