Distributed Systems

Definition

Distributed systems are collections of independent computers that appear to users as a single coherent system. They work together to perform tasks, share resources, and handle data across multiple nodes, which can be physically separated and connected through a network. This interconnectedness presents unique challenges and opportunities in the realm of parallel computing, particularly in how systems coordinate, manage resources, and maintain consistency.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Distributed systems enhance resource sharing and collaboration, allowing for efficient data processing across multiple locations.
2. Challenges include issues such as latency, synchronization, and fault tolerance, which can complicate the management of distributed resources.
3. Communication overhead is a critical factor in distributed systems, impacting performance when nodes exchange information over networks.
4. Consistency models are essential for ensuring that all nodes have a coherent view of shared data, which can vary based on the system's architecture.
5. Security is vital in distributed systems, as they are susceptible to various threats due to their interconnected nature and exposure across networks.

Review Questions

• How do distributed systems improve resource utilization compared to centralized systems?
  • Distributed systems improve resource utilization by leveraging multiple independent computers that can work together simultaneously. Each node can perform different tasks or handle parts of a larger workload, leading to more efficient processing and quicker responses. This parallel processing allows for better scalability and flexibility, as resources can be added or adjusted based on demand without overwhelming a single system.
• Discuss the significance of fault tolerance in distributed systems and how it contributes to overall system reliability.
  • Fault tolerance is crucial in distributed systems because it ensures that the entire system remains functional even if individual nodes fail. By implementing redundancy and error detection mechanisms, distributed systems can reroute tasks or data to functioning nodes, minimizing downtime and data loss. This resilience not only enhances reliability but also builds user trust in the system's ability to handle unexpected failures gracefully.
• Evaluate the challenges associated with maintaining consistency across distributed systems and suggest strategies to address these challenges.
  • Maintaining consistency across distributed systems poses significant challenges due to factors like network latency and the asynchronous nature of communication between nodes. Different consistency models, such as eventual consistency or strong consistency, can be implemented depending on the application's requirements. Strategies like using consensus algorithms (e.g., Paxos or Raft) can help synchronize state changes among nodes, while also implementing versioning or conflict resolution mechanisms ensures that users always access coherent data despite potential discrepancies caused by concurrent updates.

Related terms

Concurrency:

The ability of a system to manage multiple tasks or processes at the same time, enhancing performance and resource utilization.

Fault Tolerance:

The capability of a system to continue operating correctly even in the presence of failures or errors within its components.

Scalability:

The capacity of a system to handle increasing amounts of work or to accommodate growth by adding resources without compromising performance.