Distributed systems
Distributed Operating System is a type of operating system where applications are
running on multiple computers linked by communications. It is an extension of the
network operating system which supports higher levels of communication and
integration of the machines on the network.
Distributed OS runs on multiple CPUs but for an end-user, it is just an ordinary
centralized operating system. It can share all resources like CPU, disk, network
interface, nodes, computers, etc. from one site to another site, and it increases the
data available on the entire system.
All processors are connected by valid communication media such as high-speed
buses and telephone lines, and in which every processor contains its own local
memory along with other local processors.
According to this nature, a distributed operating system is known as a loosely
coupled system. This operating system involves multiple computers, nodes, and
sites, and these components are linked to each other with LAN/WAN lines.
Distributed OS is capable of sharing their computational capacity and I/O files
while allowing virtual machine abstraction to users.
Types of Distributed Operating System
There are many types of Distributed Operating System, some of them are as
follows:
1. Client-Server Systems
In a client-server system within a distributed operating system, clients request
services or resources from servers over a network. Clients initiate communication,
send requests, and handle user interfaces, while servers listen for requests, perform
tasks, and manage resources.
This model allows for scalable resource utilization, efficient sharing, modular
development, centralized control, and fault tolerance.
It facilitates collaboration between distributed entities, promoting the development
of reliable, scalable, and interoperable distributed systems.
2. Peer-to-Peer(P2P) Systems
In peer-to-peer (P2P) systems, interconnected nodes directly communicate and
collaborate without centralized control. Each node can act as both a client and a
server, sharing resources and services with other nodes. P2P systems enable
decentralized resource sharing, self-organization, and fault tolerance.
They support efficient collaboration, scalability, and resilience to failures without
relying on central servers.
This model facilitates distributed data sharing, content distribution, and computing
tasks, making it suitable for applications like file sharing, content delivery, and
blockchain networks.
3. Middleware
Middleware acts as a bridge between different software applications or
components, enabling communication and interaction across distributed systems. It
abstracts complexities of network communication, providing services like message
passing, remote procedure calls (RPC), and object management.
Middleware facilitates interoperability, scalability, and fault tolerance by
decoupling application logic from underlying infrastructure.
It supports diverse communication protocols and data formats, enabling seamless
integration between heterogeneous systems.
Middleware simplifies distributed system development, promotes modularity, and
enhances system flexibility, enabling efficient resource utilization and improved
system reliability.
Features of Distributed Operating System
Openness
It means that the system's services are freely displayed through interfaces.
Furthermore, these interfaces only give the service syntax. For example, the type of
function, its return type, parameters, and so on. Interface Definition Languages are
used to create these interfaces (IDL).
Scalability
It refers to the fact that the system's efficiency should not vary as new nodes are
added to the system. Furthermore, the performance of a system with 100 nodes
should be the same as that of a system with 1000 nodes.
Resource Sharing
Its most essential feature is that it allows users to share resources. They can also
share resources in a secure and controlled manner. Printers, files, data, storage,
web pages, etc., are examples of shared resources.
Flexibility
A DOS's flexibility is enhanced by modular qualities and delivers a more advanced
range of high-level services. The kernel/ microkernel's quality and completeness
simplify the implementation of such services.
Transparency
It is the most important feature of the distributed operating system. The primary
purpose of a distributed operating system is to hide the fact that resources are
shared. Transparency also implies that the user should be unaware that the
resources he is accessing are shared. Furthermore, the system should be a separate
independent unit for the user.
Heterogeneity
The components of distributed systems may differ and vary in operating systems,
networks, programming languages, computer hardware, and implementations by
different developers.
Fault Tolerance
Fault tolerance is that process in which user may continue their work if the
software or hardware fails.
Some Examples of Distributed Operating System.
Solaris, OSF/1, Micros, DYNIX, Locus, Mach
Applications of Distributed Operating System
The applications of distributed OS are as follows −
Internet Technology
Distributed databases System
Air Traffic Control System
Airline reservation Control systems
Peep-to-peer networks system
Telecommunication networks
Scientific Computing System
Cluster Computing
Grid Computing
Data rendering
Protection and security in Distributed Operating system
The Distributed OS is used to a large extent in the organization. Because of more
usage the Protection and Security come into the surface where their role is to
preserve the system from any cause of damage or loss from external sources and
keep it protected.
There are different ways to safeguard the distributed OS by applying measures.
Some of the methods are Authentication that includes username/password, user
key. One Time Password (OTP) is also one of the main applications that are
applied under security in distributed OS.
Advantages of Distributed Operating System
It can increase data availability throughout the system by sharing all
resources (CPU, disk, network interface, nodes, computers, and so on)
between sites.
Because all data is replicated across all sites, it reduces the probability of
data corruption because users can access data from another operating site in
the event that one site fails.
Data transfer from one site to another is accelerated by it.
Since it may be accessible from both local and remote sites, it is an open
system.
It facilitates a reduction in the time needed to process data.
The majority of distributed systems are composed of multiple nodes that
work together to provide fault tolerance. Even if one machine malfunctions,
the system still functions.
Disadvantages of Distributed Operating System
Which tasks need to be completed, when they need to be completed, and
where they need to be completed must be determined by the system. The
restrictions of a scheduler might result in unpredictable runtimes and unused
hardware.
Since the nodes and connections in DOS need to be secured, it is challenging
to establish sufficient security.
Comparing a DOS-connected database to a single-user system, the latter is
easier to maintain and less complex.
Compared to other systems, the underlying software is incredibly
sophisticated and poorly understood.
Compiling, analyzing, displaying, and keeping track of hardware utilization
metrics for large clusters may be quite challenging.
