Understanding Persistent-Memory Related Issues in the Linux Kernel

TL;DR

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of persistent memory issues in the Linux kernel, offering insights into bug patterns, fix strategies, and challenges to improve PM-based system robustness.

Contribution

It presents the first large-scale analysis of PM-related kernel patches, identifying common bug patterns, fix strategies, and challenges unique to persistent memory in Linux.

Findings

Identified common PM bug patterns and their consequences.

Analyzed fix strategies and triggering conditions for PM bugs.

Provided insights to guide the development of robust PM-based storage systems.

Abstract

Persistent memory (PM) technologies have inspired a wide range of PM-based system optimizations. However, building correct PM-based systems is difficult due to the unique characteristics of PM hardware. To better understand the challenges as well as the opportunities to address them, this paper presents a comprehensive study of PM-related issues in the Linux kernel. By analyzing 1,553 PM-related kernel patches in-depth and conducting experiments on reproducibility and tool extension, we derive multiple insights in terms of PM patch categories, PM bug patterns, consequences, fix strategies, triggering conditions, and remedy solutions. We hope our results could contribute to the development of robust PM-based storage systems