Multilevel Queue Scheduling in

Operating System
Operating systems use a particular kind of scheduling algorithm called multilevel queue
scheduling to control how resources are distributed across distinct tasks. It is an
adaptation of the conventional queue-based scheduling method, in which processes are
grouped according to their priority, process type, or other factors

The system can allocate system resources based on the priority and needs of the
processes by assigning a separate scheduling algorithm to each queue. For instance, the
background queue may employ first-come-first-serve scheduling to maximize the usage of
system resources for longer-running activities, while the foreground queue might use
Round Robin scheduling to prioritize interactive processes and speed up reaction time.

The goal of multilevel queue scheduling is to strike a compromise between fairness and
performance. The system can increase overall performance while making sure that all
processes are treated equitably by giving some processes more priority than others and
distributing resources accordingly

Components of the MLQ architecture

In an MLQ (Multilevel Queue) architecture, the system is divided into multiple queues or
levels based on the type of processes. The MLQ architecture aims to efficiently handle
different types of processes and prioritize their execution based on their characteristics.
The main components of an MLQ architecture are


System Processes − System processes refer to operating system tasks or
processes that are essential for the proper functioning of the system. These
processes handle critical operations such as memory management, process
scheduling, I/O handling, and other system-level functions. System processes
typically have the highest priority in the MLQ architecture and are executed before
other types of processes.


Interactive Processes − Interactive processes are user-oriented processes that
require an immediate or near-real-time response. These processes are typically
initiated by user interaction, such as keyboard input or mouse clicks. Examples of
interactive processes include running a text editor, web browser, or a graphical
application. Interactive processes are given priority in the MLQ architecture to
ensure a smooth and responsive user experience.


Batch Processes − Batch processes are non-interactive processes that are
executed in the background without direct user interaction. These processes often
involve executing a series of tasks or jobs that can be automated and executed
without user intervention. Batch processes are typically resource-intensive and can
include tasks such as data processing, large-scale computations, or scheduled
backups. In the MLQ architecture, batch processes are allocated resources based
on their priority, but they are generally given lower priority compared to
interactive processes.

Implementation of Multilevel Queue Scheduling

When using multilevel queue scheduling, the processes are split up into different queues
according to their characteristics and priority, and then they are scheduled using the
scheduling algorithm for each queue. The following steps are needed to implement
multilevel queue scheduling −

>> Sort the processes into several tiers of queues according to their attributes, such as
priority, deadlines, and I/O demands.

>> Choose the optimal scheduling algorithm for each queue based on the kinds of
processes it contains. For instance, the batch queue might employ a First-Come-First-
Serve (FCFS) scheduling strategy whereas the foreground queue might use a round robin
scheduling algorithm.

>> Give each queue a priority based on how important the processes in it are. For
instance, the batch queue might have the lowest priority while the foreground queue might
have the greatest priority
>> A process is positioned in the proper queue when it enters the system based on its
characteristics. An interactive process, for instance, could go in the interactive queue,
whereas a batch job could go in the batch queue.

>> Using the appropriate scheduling method for that queue, the scheduler chooses a
process from the top of the queue that has a process scheduled to be executed and
prepares it for execution

>> The scheduler chooses the next process to be executed from the highest priority queue
that contains a process waiting to be executed whenever the process has finished its
execution or is blocked on I/O.

>> The procedure keeps going until every process in the system has finished running.

Advantages

Multilevel queue scheduling benefits include:

>> Based on the characteristics of the processes, multilevel queue scheduling enables the
operating system to distribute resources efficiently. As a result, the system's overall
reaction time is decreased through effective resource utilization.

>>The system responds quickly to operations with a higher priority, such as interactive
processes, thanks to multilevel queue scheduling. This makes the system more responsive
overall, which enhances the user experience.

>>The operating system can prioritize operations according to their relevance via
multilevel queue scheduling, ensuring that crucial tasks are carried out first.

>> Multilevel queue scheduling can boost system throughput and performance
concurrently scheduling tasks from various queues.

Disadvantages
>> A careful choice of scheduling algorithms and priorities for each queue is necessary
when using the complex scheduling method known as multilevel queue scheduling. It may
be challenging to design and execute, and implementation mistakes may result in system
instability and subpar performance.

>> The system's complexity may increase and its performance may be adversely affected
by the usage of various queues and scheduling algorithms.

>> A process may experience starvation if it is assigned to a lower-priority queue and