INTERRUPT STORM Meaning and
Definition
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Interrupt storm refers to a situation in which a computing system or device is bombarded with an overwhelming number of interrupt requests within a short period of time, resulting in a temporary or prolonged halt in its normal operations. Interrupts are signals sent by external devices to the processor, indicating a need for immediate attention or action. While interrupt requests are a vital part of computer systems as they facilitate the handling of tasks in a timely manner, an interrupt storm occurs when the frequency or volume of these requests becomes unmanageable for the system to handle effectively.
During an interrupt storm, the system becomes overloaded with interrupt signals, leading to an increased demand on the processor's resources. This excessive burden may considerably slow down or freeze the system, affecting its responsiveness and overall performance. The storm may be triggered by various factors such as malfunctioning hardware, software bugs, or design flaws.
Dealing with an interrupt storm often requires implementing mechanisms to manage the interrupt overload. These mechanisms can include interrupt throttling, which limits the number of interrupts that are allowed to be processed within a specific timeframe. Alternatively, systems may prioritize interrupt requests based on their urgency or importance to ensure critical tasks are handled promptly. By implementing these countermeasures, the system can regain control over the interrupt handling process and resume normal operations, mitigating the impact of the interrupt storm.
Etymology of INTERRUPT STORM
The term "interrupt storm" is formed by combining the words "interrupt" and "storm".
1. "Interrupt" originates from the Latin word "interruptus", which means "cut off" or "broken". The word entered Middle English through French in the 15th century, carrying the meaning of "to break in upon (a conversation, etc.), to hinder, to stop the progress of". It refers to an action that temporarily suspends the execution of a program or process by diverting the CPU's attention to a higher-priority task.
2. "Storm" comes from the Old English word "storm", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "sturmaz". It relates to strong winds, rough weather, or a violent disturbance of the atmosphere. In the context of computing, "storm" implies an overwhelming and excessive amount of something happening at the same time.
