semmap

semmap specifies the size of the free-space resource map used for allocating new System V IPC semaphores in shared memory.

Acceptable Values:

Minimum
4
Maximum
Memory limited
Default
SemMNI+2

Specify integer value or use integer formula expression. For more information, see Specifying Parameter Values.

Description

Each set of semaphores allocated per identifier occupies 1 or more contiguous slots in the sem array. As semaphores are allocated and deallocated, the sem array might become fragmented.

semmap dimensions the resource map which shows the free holes in the sem array. An entry in this map is used to point to each set of contiguous unallocated slots; the entry consists of a pointer to the set, plus the size of the set.

If semaphore usage is heavy and a request for a semaphore set cannot be accommodated, the following message appears:


danger: mfree map overflow

You should then configure a new kernel with a larger value for semmap.

Fragmentation of the sem array is reduced if all semaphore identifiers have the same number of semaphores; semmap can then be somewhat smaller.

Four is the lower limit: One slot is overhead for the map and the second slot is always needed at system initialization to show that the sem array is free.

Related Parameters