Cluster Computing Definition

cluster computing definition

Cluster computing definition

This term refers to a group of computers that communicate with each other through a local network and work together as if it were a single entity, while the computer device is called a node, and what distinguishes cluster is that it provides superior computing speed, improved data integrity, large storage capacity, higher reliability, and more resources and devices. The computer connected over the network carries out computer operations together, which reflects the user’s impression that it is a single system (virtual machine) and allows clusters to solve most complex problems.

It can be a cluster consisting of two nodes (two computers), i.e. a simple binary system, or a giant cluster engineering system according to the number of computers connected within it.

Characteristics of Cluster

The computers connected to the entity must be of the same type
Computers are securely connected to a dedicated network
Devices share a common home directory
Cluster computing is classified into two groups, open and closed. As for the open, each device (node) has its own IP to be accessed over the Internet, but it causes some security risks. As for closed computing, all devices (nodes) are hidden behind a device (node) representing a gateway to which the computing is connected Cluster through it, which provides more protection for it.

Types of Cluster

Cluster load balancing
High – Availability clusters
High-performance clusters

Advantages of Cluster Computing

Cost-effective as it provides improved performance with lower cost compared to the performance of mainframe networks
Fast processing
High availability. If one of these nodes breaks down, the rest of the contract will complete its work without affecting the tasks it carries out
Scalability, such as adding new computing resources or mainstream computer system networks
Flexibility and ease of adding more nodes (computer systems)