TIMESTAMPS IN MESSAGE-PASSING SYSTEMS THAT PRESERVE THE PARTIAL ORDERING.

Abstract

Timestamping is a common method of totally ordering events in concurrent programs. However, for applications requiring access to the global state, a total ordering is inappropriate. This paper presents algorithms for timestamping events in both synchronous and asynchronous message-passing programs that allow for access to the partial ordering inherent in a parallel system. The algorithms do not change the communications graph or require a central timestamp issuing authority.