Distributed Systems - Principles and Challenges
This module explores the fundamental concepts of distributed systems, including their architectures, coordination challenges, and the principles behind distributed file systems and cloud computing. Key models discussed include client-server, peer-to-peer, and cloud computing, emphasizing their roles and characteristics. The chapter also covers the complexities of coordination in distributed environments, including event ordering, mutual exclusion, and deadlock handling, culminating with an introduction to modern distributed infrastructure through virtualization and containerization technologies.
Sections
Navigate through the learning materials and practice exercises.
What we have learnt
- Distributed systems consist of autonomous computers that work together to achieve common goals.
- Different architectural models, such as client-server and peer-to-peer, serve various purposes in resource sharing and scalability.
- Cloud computing enhances distributed systems by enabling on-demand resource allocation and efficient management of computing infrastructure.
Key Concepts
- -- ClientServer Model
- A distributed system architecture where distinct roles of clients and servers allow clients to request services while servers provide and manage those services.
- -- PeertoPeer Model
- A decentralized architecture where all nodes act as both clients and servers, enhancing robustness and scalability.
- -- Cloud Computing
- A model that delivers computing services over the internet, emphasizing resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and on-demand self-service.
- -- Logical Clocks
- Mechanisms for establishing event ordering in distributed systems, enabling processes to maintain their local event sequence without a synchronized global clock.
- -- Distributed File Systems (DFS)
- Systems that allow users to access and manage files on remote computers just like local files, providing transparency and centralized management of dispersed data.
- -- Virtualization
- A technology that allows multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on a single physical hardware resource through hypervisors.
- -- Containerization
- A lightweight alternative to virtualization that encapsulates applications and their dependencies in isolated environments for efficient scaling and management.
Additional Learning Materials
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.