An Overview of Cluster Computing

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
Introduction :
Cluster computing is a collection of tightly or loosely connected computers
that work together so that they act as a single entity. The connected
computers execute operations all together thus creating the idea of a single
system. The clusters are generally connected through fast local area networks
(LANs)

Cluster Computing

Why is Cluster Computing important?

1. Cluster computing gives a relatively inexpensive, unconventional to
the large server or mainframe computer solutions.
2. It resolves the demand for content criticality and process services in
a faster way.
3. Many organizations and IT companies are implementing cluster
computing to augment their scalability, availability, processing speed
and resource management at economic prices.
4. It ensures that computational power is always available.
5. It provides a single general strategy for the implementation and
application of parallel high-performance systems independent of
certain hardware vendors and their product decisions.
 A Simple Cluster Computing Layout

Types of Cluster computing :

1. High performance (HP) clusters :
HP clusters use computer clusters and supercomputers to solve advance
computational problems. They are used to performing functions that need
nodes to communicate as they perform their jobs. They are designed to take
benefit of the parallel processing power of several nodes.
2. Load-balancing clusters :
Incoming requests are distributed for resources among several nodes running
similar programs or having similar content. This prevents any single node from
receiving a disproportionate amount of task. This type of distribution is
generally used in a web-hosting environment.
3. High Availability (HA) Clusters :
HA clusters are designed to maintain redundant nodes that can act as backup
systems in case any failure occurs. Consistent computing services like business
activities, complicated databases, customer services like e-websites and
network file distribution are provided. They are designed to give uninterrupted
data availability to the customers.
Classification of Cluster :

1. Open Cluster :
IPs are needed by every node and those are accessed only through the internet
or web. This type of cluster causes enhanced security concerns.
2. Close Cluster :
The nodes are hidden behind the gateway node, and they provide increased
protection. They need fewer IP addresses and are good for computational
tasks.
Cluster Computing Architecture :
 It is designed with an array of interconnected individual computers
and the computer systems operating collectively as a single
standalone system.
 It is a group of workstations or computers working together as a
single, integrated computing resource connected via high speed
interconnects.
 A node – Either a single or a multiprocessor network having
memory, input and output functions and an operating system.
 Two or more nodes are connected on a single line or every node
might be connected individually through a LAN connection.

Cluster Computing Architecture

Components of a Cluster Computer :

1. Cluster Nodes
2. Cluster Operating System
3. The switch or node interconnect
4. Network switching hardware
 Cluster Components

Advantages of Cluster Computing :

1. High Performance :
The systems offer better and enhanced performance than that of mainframe
computer networks.
2. Easy to manage :
Cluster Computing is manageable and easy to implement.
3. Scalable :
Resources can be added to the clusters accordingly.
4. Expandability :
Computer clusters can be expanded easily by adding additional computers to
the network. Cluster computing is capable of combining several additional
resources or the networks to the existing computer system.
5. Availability :
The other nodes will be active when one node gets failed and will function as a
proxy for the failed node. This makes sure for enhanced availability.
6. Flexibility :
It can be upgraded to the superior specification or additional nodes can be
added.
Disadvantages of Cluster Computing :

1. High cost :
It is not so much cost-effective due to its high hardware and its design.
2. Problem in finding fault :
It is difficult to find which component has a fault.
3. More space is needed :
Infrastructure may increase as more servers are needed to manage and
monitor.
Applications of Cluster Computing :
 Various complex computational problems can be solved.
 It can be used in the applications of aerodynamics, astrophysics and
in data mining.
 Weather forecasting.
 Image Rendering.
 Various e-commerce applications.
 Earthquake Simulation.
 Petroleum reservoir simulation.

Difference between Grid computing and

Cluster computing

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Cluster Computing:
A Computer Cluster is a local network of two or more homogeneous
computers.A computation process on such a computer network i.e. cluster is
called Cluster Computing.
Grid Computing:
Grid Computing can be defined as a network of homogeneous or
heterogeneous computers working together over a long distance to perform a
task that would rather be difficult for a single machine.
Difference between Cluster and Grid Computing:

Cluster Compu ng Grid Compu ng

Nodes must be homogeneous i.e. Nodes may have different Opera ng systems
they should have same type of and hardwares. Machines can be
hardware and opera ng system. homogeneous or heterogeneous.
 Cluster Compu ng Grid Compu ng

Computers in a cluster are dedicated Computers in a grid contribute their unused

to the same work and perform no processing resources to the grid compu ng
other task. network.

Computers are located close to each Computers may be located at a huge

other. distance from one another.

Computers are connected by a high Computers are connected using a low

speed local area network bus. speed bus or the internet.

Computers are connected in Computers are connected in a distributed

a centralized network topology. or de-centralized network topology.

Scheduling is controlled by a central It may have servers, but mostly each node
server. behaves independently.

Whole system has a centralized Every node manages it’s resources

resource manager. independently.

Difference between Cloud Computing and

Cluster Computing

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1. Cloud Computing :
Cloud Computing refers to the on demand delivery of the IT resources
especially computing power and data storage through the internet with pay
per use pricing. It generally refers to the data centers available to the users
over internet. Cloud Computing is the virtualized pool of resources. It allows
us to create, configure and customize our applications online. The user can
access any resource at any time and any where with out worrying about the
management and maintenance of actual resources. Cloud computing delivers
both a combination of hardware and software based computing resources
over network.
The below figure ill90ustrates a simple architecture of Cloud Computing –

2. Cluster Computing :
Cluster computing refers to the process of sharing the computation task to
multiple computers of the cluster. The number of computers are connected on
a network and they perform a single task by forming a Cluster of computers
where the process of computing is called as cluster computing.
Cluster Computing is a high performance computing framework which helps
in solving more complex operations more efficiently with a faster processing
speed and better data integrity. Cluster Computing is a networking technology
that performs its operations based on the principle of distributed systems.
The below figure illustrates a simple architecture of Cluster Computing –
 Difference between Cloud Computing and Cluster Computing :
Serial
Number Category Cloud Computing Cluster Computing

Providing on demand IT resources and Performing a complex task

1. Goal
services. in a modular approach.

Resource Specific assigned resources are not Specific assigned resources

2.
Sharing shareable. are not shareable.

In Cluster Computing there

In cloud computing there is
3. Resource type is homogeneous resource
heterogeneous resource type.
type.

Virtualization hardware and software

4. Virtualization No virtualization resources.
resources.

Security through isolation can be Security through node

5. Security
achieved. credential can be achieved.
 Initial capital cost for setup
6. Initial Cost Initial capital cost for setup is very low.
is very high.

Security
7. Very low Very high
Requirement

Requires little more

8. Maintenance Requires low maintenance.
maintenance.

More hardware requirement

9. Hardware No hardware requirement physically.
physically.

10. Node OS Multiple OS runs in VM Windows, Linux

User User management is centralized or User management is

11.
Management decentralized to vendor/third party. centralized.

12. Scalability Allowed Limited

In Cloud Computing User chosen In Cluster Computing

13. Architecture
architecture. Cluster oriented architecture

Dynamic computing Tightly coupled

14. Characteristic
infrastructure/resources/services systems/resources

In cluster computing
Software In cloud computing application domain
15. application domain
Dependent independent software.
dependent software.

16. Example Dropbox, Gmail Sony PlayStation clusters