vps_ceiling

vps_ceiling specifies the maximum page size (in Kbytes) that the kernel can select when it chooses a page size based on system configuration and object size.

Acceptable Values:

Minimum
4
Maximum
65536
Default
16

Specify integer value. For more information, see Specifying Parameter Values.

Description

This parameter is provided as a means to minimize lost cycle time caused by TLB (translation look-aside buffer) misses on systems using newer PA-RISC devices such as the PA-8000 that have smaller TLBs and no hardware TLB walker.

If a user application does not use the chatr command to specify a page size for program text and data segments, the kernel selects a page size that, based on system configuration and object size, appears to be suitable. This is called transparent selection. The selected size is then compared to the default maximum page-size value defined by vps_ceiling that is configured at system-boot time. If the the value is larger than vps_ceiling, vps_ceiling is used.

The value is also compared with the default minimum page-size value defined by vps_pagesize that is configured at system-boot time. If the the value is smaller than vps_pagesize, vps_pagesize is used.

Note also that if the value specified by vps_ceiling is not a legitimate page size, the kernel uses the next lower valid value.

For more information about how these parameters are used and how they affect system operation when user applications specify page sizes, refer to the whitepaper document available as a PostScript file in /usr/share/doc/var_pages.ps.

Additional Information