Distributed computing

Definition

Distributed computing is a model in which multiple computer systems work together over a network to achieve a common goal, sharing resources and processing tasks. This approach allows for improved performance, scalability, and reliability, as workloads can be distributed across different machines, often located in different geographical areas. By leveraging the power of several interconnected systems, distributed computing enhances efficiency and enables complex problem-solving that would be difficult or impossible for a single computer.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Distributed computing has evolved from early networked systems to modern cloud infrastructures that support various applications, from web services to scientific simulations.
2. One of the key benefits of distributed computing is fault tolerance; if one node fails, others can take over its tasks, ensuring system reliability.
3. Applications of distributed computing include big data processing, remote sensing, and real-time data analysis, enabling solutions for complex and resource-intensive tasks.
4. The concept is foundational to many modern technologies, including blockchain and peer-to-peer networks, which rely on decentralized systems for operation.
5. Security in distributed computing can be challenging due to the need for secure communication and data integrity across potentially untrusted networks.

Review Questions

• How does distributed computing improve performance compared to traditional single-system computing?
  • Distributed computing improves performance by allowing multiple systems to work simultaneously on different parts of a task, effectively increasing processing power. Unlike traditional single-system computing, where tasks are executed sequentially, distributed systems can divide workloads and utilize parallel processing. This not only speeds up computation but also enables handling larger datasets and more complex algorithms that would overwhelm a single machine.
• Discuss the role of fault tolerance in distributed computing and its importance for system reliability.
  • Fault tolerance is a crucial aspect of distributed computing as it ensures that the system can continue functioning even when one or more components fail. This is important for system reliability because it minimizes downtime and maintains service availability. By implementing redundancy and failover mechanisms, distributed systems can redistribute tasks among remaining operational nodes, thus providing consistent service without significant interruptions.
• Evaluate the impact of distributed computing on modern technology landscapes, including its advantages and challenges.
  • Distributed computing has significantly impacted modern technology by enabling scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness across various industries. Its advantages include enhanced computational power for big data analysis, improved resource utilization through cloud services, and increased resilience against failures. However, challenges such as ensuring security across distributed networks, managing data consistency, and addressing latency issues must be carefully managed to maximize the benefits while minimizing risks in deployment.

Related terms

Cloud Computing: A model that allows users to access and store data and applications over the internet instead of on local servers or personal computers.

Grid Computing: A form of distributed computing that involves pooling together diverse resources across multiple organizations to work collaboratively on large-scale problems.

Client-Server Model: A computing architecture where client devices request services or resources from a centralized server, which provides the required data or processing power.