Method and apparatus for managing node controllers using partitions in a computer system

摘要

A partitioned computer system (32) includes a plurality of node controllers (12) connected by a network (14) and partitioned into a plurality of partitioned groups (40). A requesting node controller (34) in one partitioned group (40) requests a latest copy of a line in a memory (17) in a separate partitioned group (40). A storing node controller (36) in the separate partitioned group (40) holding the latest copy of the line in its memory (17) is identified. The requesting node controller (34) transmits its request for a coherent copy of a line to the storing node controller (36). The storing node controller (36) transmits the latest copy of the line in response to the request to the requesting node controller (34) without including the requester in a sharer-tracking process.