Master/slave (technology)

This article is about the computer concept. For the general terms, see Master (disambiguation) and Slave. For the philosophical concept, see Master-Slave.

Master/slave is a model of communication where one device or process has unidirectional control over one or more other devices. In some systems a master is elected from a group of eligible devices, with the other devices acting in the role of slaves.^[1][2][3]

Examples

• In database replication, the master database is regarded as the authoritative source, and the slave databases are synchronized to it.
• Peripherals connected to a bus in a computer system.
• Railway locomotives operating in multiple (for example: to pull loads too heavy for a single locomotive) can be referred to as a master/slave configuration - with the operation of all locomotives in the train slaved to the controls of the first locomotive. See - Multiple-unit train control.
• Duplication is often done with several cassette tape or compact disc recorders linked together. Operating the controls on the master triggers the same commands on the slaves, so that recording is done in parallel.
• In parallel ATA hard drive arrangements, the terms master and slave are used but neither drive has control over the other. The terms also do not indicate precedence of one drive over the other in most situations. "Master" is merely another term for device 0 and "slave" indicates device 1.
• On the Macintosh platform, Target Disk Mode allows a computer to operate as an external FireWire hard disk, essentially a disk slave mode. Some older pre-FireWire Macintoshes had a similar controversial "SCSI Disk Mode".

Controversy

Sometimes the terms master and slave are deemed offensive.

On November 2003, the County of Los Angeles sent an e-mail to its suppliers asking them not to use these terms:^[4][5][6]

Subject: IDENTIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT SOLD TO LA COUNTY
Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2003 14:21:16 -0800
From: "Los Angeles County"

The County of Los Angeles actively promotes and is committed to ensure a work environment that is free from any discriminatory influence be it actual or perceived. As such, it is the County's expectation that our manufacturers, suppliers and contractors make a concentrated effort to ensure that any equipment, supplies or services that are provided to County departments do not possess or portray an image that may be construed as offensive or defamatory in nature.

One such recent example included the manufacturer's labeling of equipment where the words "Master/Slave" appeared to identify the primary and secondary sources. Based on the cultural diversity and sensitivity of Los Angeles County, this is not an acceptable identification label.

We would request that each manufacturer, supplier and contractor review, identify and remove/change any identification or labeling of equipment or components thereof that could be interpreted as discriminatory or offensive in nature before such equipment is sold or otherwise provided to any County department.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance.

Joe Sandoval, Division Manager
Purchasing and Contract Services
Internal Services Department
County of Los Angeles

Many in the Information Technology field rebuff this claim of discrimination and offence as ridiculous, noting that the master/slave terminology accurately reflects what is going on inside the device and that this was not intended in any way to be a reference to slavery as it existed in the United States. (See also political correctness.) ^{[citation needed]}

There were rumors of a major push to change the way hardware manufacturers refer to these devices ^{[citation needed]}. It has not had much effect on most of the products being produced. The designation of hard drives as master/slave may decline in a few years, with SATA replacing older IDE (PATA) drives. This standard allows only one drive per connection, and does not require the use of master/slave terms.

See also

• Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA), uses master/slave configuration
• Flexible single master operation
• Bus mastering
• Master clock

References

1. ^ master/slave - a searchNetworking definition
2. ^ Description of the Microsoft Computer Browser Service from Microsoft KnowledgeBase
3. ^ Information on Browser Operation from Microsoft KnowledgeBase
4. ^ Urban Legends Reference Pages: Inboxer Rebellion (Master/Slave) from www.snopes.com
5. ^ L.A. County Bans Use Of "Master/Slave" Term from Slashdot
6. ^ 'Master' and 'slave' computer labels unacceptable, officials say (Wednesday, November 26, 2003, CNN)