What does symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) provide in a system?

Symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) is a system architecture where two or more identical processors are connected to a shared memory. This design allows for efficient sharing of resources and the ability to run multiple processes simultaneously, which enhances performance and resource utilization. In an SMP setup, all processors have equal access to the shared memory, allowing them to communicate and collaborate more effectively on tasks. This architecture facilitates better load balancing, as tasks can be divided and processed in parallel across the available processors, improving overall system efficiency and responsiveness.

The characteristics of SMP make it particularly well-suited for running multi-threaded applications that can take advantage of concurrent processing. This is distinct from other architectures where processors may not share memory or operate independently, leading to potential inefficiencies in handling tasks.