Operating Systems - Round Robin Scheduling - Quantum & Turnaround Time
What is the primary trade-off when choosing a very small time quantum in Round Robin scheduling?
What is the primary trade-off when choosing a very small time quantum in Round Robin scheduling?
medium🪤 Complexity Trap Q13 of Q15
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Understand impact of small quantum
A very small quantum causes frequent context switches, which consume CPU cycles and reduce efficiency.Step 2: Analyze other options
Longer average turnaround time due to processes waiting longer in the queue is incorrect because smaller quantum generally reduces waiting time for short processes. Processes with longer CPU bursts get more CPU time per cycle is false; small quantum limits CPU time per cycle for long bursts. Reduced fairness among processes with different burst lengths is incorrect because smaller quantum improves fairness.Final Answer:
Option D -> Option DQuick Check:
Small quantum -> more context switches -> overhead ↑ -> efficiency ↓.
Quick Trick: Small quantum -> high context switch overhead
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES- Assuming smaller quantum always improves turnaround time
- Believing small quantum favors longer processes
- Confusing fairness impact with quantum size
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL- Option B is tempting because waiting time can be misunderstood. Option C incorrectly assumes longer bursts benefit from small quantum. Option D reverses fairness impact.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT- Tests understanding of the trade-offs in quantum size selection and system efficiency.
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