Using Qnet for Transparent Distributed Processing

A QNX Neutrino native network is a group of interconnected workstations running only Neutrino. In this network, a program can transparently access any resource—whether it's a file, a device, or a process—on any other node (a computer or a workstation) in your local subnetwork. You can even run programs on other nodes.

The Qnet protocol provides transparent networking across a Neutrino network; Qnet implements a local area network that's optimized to provide a fast, seamless interface between Neutrino workstations, whatever the type of hardware.

Note: For QNX 4, the protocol used for native networking is called FLEET; it isn't compatible with Neutrino's Qnet.

In essence, the Qnet protocol extends interprocess communication (IPC) transparently over a network of microkernels—taking advantage of Neutrino's message-passing paradigm to implement native networking.

When you run Qnet, entries for all the nodes in your local subnetwork that are running Qnet appear in the /net namespace. (Under QNX 4, you use a double slash followed by a node number to refer to another node.)

For more details, see the Native Networking (Qnet) chapter of the System Architecture guide. For information about programming with Qnet, see the Transparent Distributed Networking via Qnet chapter of the Programmer's Guide.