Difference Between Grid And Cluster Computing

What Is Grid Computing?

Grid computing is a series of computers physically connected (over a network or with internet) to perform a dedicated function together, such as solving a complex problem or analyzing e-commerce data. In grid computing architecture, every computer in the network turns into a powerful supercomputer that has access to large processing power, memory and data storage capacity. Usually, a computing grid is constructed with the help of certain type software referred to as grid middleware that allows them to communicate. The middleware software is used to translate one-node information passed, stored or processed into a recognizable format.

Grid computing is used to solve complex problems such as earthquake simulation and weather modeling. It can also be used for load balancing and redundant network connections.

What You Need To Know About Grid Computing  

• Grid computing is a technology in which we utilize the resources of many computers in a network towards solving a single computing problem at the same time.
• Grid computing is a heterogeneous network. Different computer hardware components (desktops, laptops, mobiles etc) running various kinds of operating systems are connected together in a grid.
• Computers of Grid computing can be present at different locations and are usually connected by internet or a low speed network bus cables.
• Every node in a grid behaves like an independent entity. This means it manages its resources by itself.
• Grid computing network is distributed and have a de-centralized network topology.
• In Grid computing network, each node is independent and can be taken down or can be up at any time without affecting other nodes.
• Computers of Grid computing can leverage the unused computing resources to do other tasks.
• Grid computing, multiple servers can exist. Each node behaves independently without need of any centralized scheduling server.
• Computers in Grid computing may be located at a huge distance from one another.
• Grid computing is used to solve predictive modeling, simulations, Engineering Design, Automation, astrophysics, trade etc.

What Is Cluster Computing?

Cluster computing also referred to as High-Performance computing frameworks, is form of computing in which a large number of computers (often referred to as nodes) that are connected through a Local Area Network (LAN) so that, they behave like a single computer. Cluster computing helps to efficiently solve complex problems with much faster processing speed and high data integrity than a single machine.

In many cases, cluster computers are used for mission-critical applications. Some of the critical applications are Google Search Engine, Petroleum Reservoir Simulation, Earthquake Simulation and Weather Forecasting.

There are several types of cluster computing these include:

• Load-balancing clusters (The system is used to distribute workload across multiple computers.
• High availability clusters (In this system large number of computers that can be utilized reliably for redundant operations in the event of node failure in cluster computing).
• High performance clusters (This system is used to solve advanced computation problems.

What You Need To Know About Cluster Computing 

• In cluster computing, we connect a group of two or more computers in such a way that they work in combination as one computing unit towards solving a common computing problem.
• Cluster computing is a homogeneous network. Similar hardware components running a similar OS connected together in a cluster.
• Computers of Cluster computing are co-located and are connected by high speed network bus cables.
• Cluster computing network has a dedicated centralized resource manager, managing the resources of all the nodes connected.
• Cluster computing network is prepared using centralized network topology.
• In Cluster computing network, the entire system works as a unit.
• Computers of cluster computing are dedicated to single task and they cannot be used to perform any other task.
• In Cluster computing, scheduling of tasks is controlled by centralized servers.
• In Cluster computing, computers are located close to each other.
• Cluster computing is used to solve issues in databases or WebLogic Application Servers.

Also Read: Difference Between Overlay And Underlay Network

Difference Between Grid Computing And Cluster Computing In Tabular Form

Similarities Between Grid And Cluster Computing

• Both techniques involve solving computing problems that are not within the scope of a single computer by connecting computers together.
• Both techniques achieve optimum resource utilization.
• Both techniques have an aim of increasing efficiency and throughput by networking computers.