One type of network that we want to show in this article is what is known as distributed . It is characterized by not having a center, but rather that the different nodes are linked to each other. We are going to explain how it works, where it is used and we will also talk about what are the positive and negative points to be able to put on a balance and see if it is appropriate or not in certain circumstances.
What are distributed networks?
In a distributed network there is no central server, since all the nodes are linked to each other and none of them will be able to have greater control. This allows that, in case a node falls or has a problem, it does not affect the others and they can continue to function normally.
We can say that these types of networks can be managed jointly or separately by each of them. It is able to distribute the processing. It will be driven by network management software, which is responsible for managing and monitoring the data. This way you can allocate the necessary bandwidth, control access or carry out other processes.
The main idea of distributed networks is to be able to work together to be able to offer specialized applications to users who are remotely. What does this mean? An application could be hosted and run from a single computer, but many networks could access it.
Therefore, a distributed network is a system of interconnected networks, but at the same time independent. They can be distributed in different geographic locations, which adds a plus.
Do not confuse a distributed network with a decentralized network. They are not the same, although sometimes it can be confusing. Basically the difference is that decentralized networks do not have a central server, while distributed networks do, although they all act independently.
Advantages and disadvantages
As always happens, we can mention some positive points and others that can be a problem when using distributed networks. In this way we can know if they are really going to serve what we expect or we may have problems in their use.
Positive points
If we think about the main advantages, one of them is that it increases efficiency . They are more agile to be able to solve problems and also process everything at a lower cost. This is so since it uses multiple nodes and each of them can perform a different task, independently, optimizing performance.
We will also have fewer problems regarding possible errors that may arise. A distributed network is a set of networks that will act independently, as we have seen. If one of them fails due to a problem it has, it will not affect the rest and they will be able to continue working normally.
Another positive point is that you will have more flexibility . A distributed network can be expanded horizontally, if it is necessary to increase certain characteristics. In this way, when adding a new node, we would not have to add resources to any central system. We will not be tied to something fixed, without being able to expand it.
On the other hand, we will find a higher speed . This is so since each node will act independently. If we need to make use of a specific one to search for information, for example, we will see that this query is divided among all the nodes and the processing speed increases. You don’t need to send it to a central team, which would have to manage all the information.
Bad points
One of the biggest negatives is that distributed networks are more complex and require more parts to function properly. Ultimately it is the sum of many nodes.
Also, getting good visibility on each individual network can be a major problem. This is linked to the very nature of distributed networks and their operation.
Security can also be an issue. A distributed network will connect many nodes through the network and many users will access it. Logically, this also implies a greater security risk, with many potential attacks, as well as the difficulty of allowing them to be mitigated.
One more negative factor is compatibility . As you have to connect many nodes, it is necessary that all of them be compatible with each other. In the event of problems, we may have difficulty fully operating.
Usage examples
A good example can be a WAN network of a university or company. Any individual office, college, or building is its own network, a centralized network, but is also part of a larger distributed network. If one of those buildings has a problem and the network stops working, it does not affect the rest. They are independent, even though they are part of the same distributed network.
Another example could be a CDN . It is a set of distributed networks that, in the event that one fails, would not affect the rest. It could continue to provide service and content without problems, even though it is all part of something.
It is also used in the cloud . Cloud storage, email, and the like act as a distributed network. Multimedia content too, as well as video games. They can connect multiple nodes to form a whole. They are services that are increasingly present in our day-to-day lives, so distributed networks also play an important role here.
Additionally, many computer systems today operate as distributed networks. This includes databases and servers that we can access from multiple nodes. They do not have a central team.
Conclusions.
In short, as we have seen, distributed networks are an option that exists in communications. They are basically different types of nodes that act independently, unlike other types of networks. They all form a set that can be grouped.
As in all cases, it has positive and negative points. We highlight from the first the ease of adding new nodes, while complexity and security are two important factors in terms of disadvantages.
