Grid computing
Grid computing is the collection of computer resources from multiple locations to reach a common goal.
Contents
Description
The grid can be thought of as a distributed system with non-interactive workloads that involve a large number of files.
Distinguished from cluster computing
Grid computing is distinguished from cluster computing in that grid computers have each node set to perform a different task/application.
Grid computers also tend to be more heterogeneous and geographically dispersed (thus not physically coupled) than cluster computers.
General purpose
Although a single grid can be dedicated to a particular application, commonly a grid is used for a variety of purposes.
Middleware libraries
Grids are often constructed with general-purpose grid middleware software libraries.
Size
Grid sizes can be quite large. TO DO: how large? Example.
Distributed computing
Grids are a form of distributed computing whereby a “super virtual computer” is composed of many networked loosely coupled computers acting together to perform large tasks.
A special type of parallel computing
For certain applications, "distributed" or "grid" computing, can be seen as a special type of parallel computing that relies on complete computers (with onboard CPUs, storage, power supplies, network interfaces, etc.) connected to a computer network (private or public) by a conventional network interface, such as Ethernet.
This is in contrast to the traditional notion of a supercomputer, which has many processors connected by a local high-speed computer bus.
See also
External links
- Grid computing @ Wikipedia
