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Parallel and Distributed Computing Assignment

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41 views4 pages

Parallel and Distributed Computing Assignment

Uploaded by

nice man
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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National University of Technology

Computer Science Department


Semester Fall – 2024

Assignment - 01
Course: Parallel and distributed computing
Course Code: CS4301

Submitted To: Submitted By:


Name: Lec.Umar Aftab Wasif Mahmood (F21605013)
Question 1:

Do you believe that the homogeneity of a large-scale distributed systems is an advantage?


Discuss the reasons for your answer. What aspects of hardware homogeneity are the most
relevant in your view and why? What aspects of software homogeneity do you believe are the
most relevant and why?

In large-scale distributed systems, homogeneity means uniformity of all the nodes in a system both
in hardware and software. Yes, homogeneity comes with certain advantages. This also has
disadvantages which we need to consider- broadly classified into two categories: hardware and
software.

1. Advantages of Homogeneity in Large-Scale Distributed Systems.

i. Hardware Homogeneity: If all nodes are built on exactly the same hardware configuration
then managing and maintaining that system will be much less of an issue for the organization, as
this translates to all drivers being identical, the same firmware releases, and system-wide behavior
identical. Now with no outside source to provide variance.
ii. Consistency in Software: If the same systems are replicated in all system nodes, then
definitely the conflicts of operation will decrease. All the updates, patches, and security bug fixes
can be poured into the grace of the system administrator's and faster at which, all the nodes can be
kept secured updated and performing in good condition with no much of a difficulty.
iii. Ease of Scaling:
It is assisted by the fact that the nodes are homogeneous because, with this kind of configuration,
scalability is easier to do as each node is similar in hardware and software. There is no need to
adjust to or optimize for different configurations that makes expansion easier.
iv. Improved performance optimization:
Optimization could be easily achieved much more in a homogenous environment because the
resource utilization like CPU, memory etc. becomes uniform. This way, the system can also be
optimized for any specific hardware and software configuration that results in enhanced
performance along with better resource usage.

2. Most Relevant Aspects of Hardware Homogeneity

i. Performance Consistency:
This makes load distribution very easy and the whole system predictable in performance because
all nodes come with the same kind of processing capability, as well as the same of memory and
storage.
ii. Bottlenecks in respect to performance: Bottlenecks become much more apparent when all
nodes are homogeneous in respect to characteristics.
All being highly deterministic, homogenous systems could be fine-tuned and further optimized for
energy efficiency. Thus, energy saving measures can be taken more readily and more firmly at the
system level.

3. Most Relevant aspects of software homogeneity:


i. Uniformity in APIs and Interfaces:
The environment for software will ensure that every node acts the same, and this must be
maintained to keep on the communication protocols and APIs. This becomes a critical requirement
in highly distributed systems where great ordering needs to be kept.

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ii. Simple updates and patches
In homogeneous settings, the same configuration can be rolled out easily; there wouldn't be
specific worries concerning different configurations or version incompatibility related to updates,
patches, and security fixes. This, in turn, reduces the possibility of system fragmentation or
security vulnerabilities significantly.
Question 2:
An IT company decides to provide free access to a public cloud dedicated to higher
education. Which one of the three cloud computing delivery models, SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS
should it embrace and why? What applications would be most beneficial for the students?
Will this solution have an impact on distance learning? Why?

To determine which cloud computing delivery model to embrace for providing free access to a
public cloud dedicated to higher education, we need to consider the specific needs and
requirements of the educational sector. In this case, Platform as a Service PaaS
would be the most suitable choice for the IT company.

1. Platform as a Service PaaS:


 PaaS provides a platform allowing developers to build, deploy, and manage applications
without the complexity of building and maintaining the infrastructure.

 For higher education, PaaS would enable students and educators to develop and deploy
applications, websites, and services without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.

 PaaS offers a flexible and scalable environment for creating educational tools,
collaboration platforms, and learning management systems.

 It allows for easy integration of various tools and services, making it ideal for educational
institutions looking to innovate and create custom solutions.

2. Applications Beneficial for Students:

Learning Management Systems LMS, PaaS can host and support LMS platforms that facilitate
online learning, course management, and student teacher interactions.

Collaboration Tools: PaaS can enable the development of collaborative tools such as virtual
classrooms, group project management systems, and communication platforms.

Research and Development: PaaS can provide resources for students to develop research
applications, data analysis tools, and simulation environments.

Mobile Applications: PaaS can support the creation of mobile apps for educational purposes,
enhancing accessibility and engagement for students.

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3. Impact on Distance Learning:

 Providing free access to a PaaS cloud dedicated to higher education can significantly
impact distance learning.

 PaaS enables the development of custom educational applications and tools that enhance
the online learning experience.

 It promotes collaboration, innovation, and creativity among students and educators, leading
to a more engaging and interactive learning environment.

 PaaS facilitates the scalability and accessibility of educational resources, making it easier
for students to access learning materials from anywhere at any time.

Overall, embracing PaaS for higher education can improve the quality of distance learning
programs and contribute to the advancement of online education.

In conclusion, by choosing PaaS as the cloud computing delivery model for providing free access
to a public cloud dedicated to higher education, the IT company can empower students and
educators to create innovative educational solutions, enhance collaboration, and improve the
quality of distance learning programs.

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