A mixed-coupling system is a multiprocessor configuration in which the processors communicate via both shared memory and communications links. A unique characteristic of mixed-coupling systems is that a node may not have access to all communication methods. There may be multiple shared memory areas and communication links. Therefore, one of the primary functions of the MPCI layer is to efficiently route RTEMS packets between nodes. This routing may be based on numerous algorithms. In addition, the router may provide alternate communications paths in the event of an overload or a partial failure.
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