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Learn about Linux kernel memory management evolution in this 47-minute conference talk that explores the transition from traditional fixed page sizes to multi-sized Transparent Huge Pages (mTHP). Discover how the longstanding 4KB base page size creates inefficiencies through longer LRU lists, increased page faults, and more TLB misses, and understand how Transparent Huge Pages address these issues by dynamically allocating larger 2MB pages. Explore the recent kernel extension to multi-sized THP, which enables allocation of physically contiguous memory in power-of-two page chunks at fault time, providing particular benefits for arm64 architecture where the contiguous bit hints the TLB to coalesce 64KB translations into single entries. Examine the challenges that cause mTHPs to fragment during Copy-on-Write operations, swap processes, and memory allocation failures, and learn about ongoing development work to extend mTHP lifecycle management. Build understanding from fundamental memory management concepts including virtual and physical memory and page faults, progressing to advanced mTHP implementation and optimization strategies for maintaining 4KB base page sizes while achieving performance benefits from larger memory chunks.
