Chapter 1 - Intro to Distributed Systems

Chapter 1 - Intro to Distributed Systems

1. Enablers of Distributed Systems

   • Microprocessors
   • Network Technologies
     • Local Access Network
     • Wide Access Network

2. Definition

   • "a collection of autonomous computer"
     • connected autonomous components so as to - share resources - coordinate actions
     • connected through a network or distribution middleware (architecture)
     • hardware / software components (Network Technologies)
     • application server, web server (Distribution Middleware)

3. Characteristics of DS

   • Heterogenity
     • may have different components from one another (e.g. different hardware - computer n mobile) different network tech - LAN and WAN different OS - MAC OS, Windows
   • Fault tolerance
     • if one server is down, there would still have another backup server to continue running the program whilst fixing the broken server
   • Transparency
     • consistent interaction points for users and applications (regardless of where and when the interaction takes place)
   • Scalability
     • ability of the system to - add/ handle more resources - serve more users

4. Goals of DS

   • Accessibility
   • Transparency
   • Openness
   • Scalability