Difference between symmetric multiprocessing and asymmetric multiprocessing

Last update: 05/05/2023
Author Sebastian Vidal

Symmetric Multiprocessing

Symmetric multiprocessing is a programming technique that involves using several identical processors to execute tasks together. In this technique, all processors share the same memory space and can access the same applications and data on a operating system.

Features of Symmetric Multiprocessing:

  • The processors are identical
  • They share the same memory space
  • They can access the same applications and data
  • Performance improves with increasing number of processors

Asymmetric Multiprocessing

Asymmetric multiprocessing is a programming technique that uses processors with different characteristics to execute specific tasks. In this technique, a processor takes care of general tasks (for example, executing an operating system and applications), while other processors handle specialized tasks (for example, graphics processing or mathematical calculations).

Features of Asymmetric Multiprocessing:

  • Processors have different characteristics
  • One processor handles general tasks, while other processors handle specialized tasks.
  • It is used in systems where a high performance on a specific task
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In summary, the main difference between symmetric and asymmetric multiprocessing is that in the former, identical processors are used and share the same memory space, while in the latter, processors with different characteristics are used and are in charge of different tasks.