DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM

RESOURCE SHARING IN DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM

Resource sharing is a fundamental concept in distributed systems. It allows multiple users and applications to access and utilize resources (hardware, software, data) that are physically distributed across different network nodes.

Advantages of Resource Sharing:

• Scalability: Distributed systems enable horizontal scaling by adding more nodes to the network. This allows for efficient utilization of resources and smooth handling of increased workloads.

• Improved Performance: By distributing tasks and resources across multiple machines, distributed systems can achieve faster processing compared to single-computer systems. This is particularly beneficial for complex tasks or large datasets.

Challenges of Resource Sharing:

• Security: Distributed systems have a larger attack surface due to multiple access points. Malicious actors can target vulnerabilities to steal data, disrupt services, or launch cyberattacks. Robust security measures like authentication, authorization, and encryption are crucial.

• Concurrency Control: Multiple processes may try to access and modify shared data concurrently, leading to inconsistencies. Mechanisms like locking and optimistic concurrency control are needed to ensure data integrity.

Examples of Resource Sharing in Distributed Systems:

• Web Browsing: When you access a website, your browser retrieves resources (web pages, images) from distributed web servers.
• Cloud Storage: Cloud storage services allow users to store and share data on remote servers, accessible from various devices.
• File Sharing Networks: Peer-to-peer networks allow users to share files directly with each other, distributing storage resources.
• Distributed Applications: Many modern applications are distributed, with components running on different servers and communicating to provide a unified user experience.

WEB CHALLENGES IN DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM

The web, as a large-scale distributed system, faces unique challenges due to its inherent characteristics and the vast number of users and resources involved. Here are some key challenges specific to resource sharing on the web:

• Security: The web has a massive attack surface due to its distributed nature and interconnected infrastructure. Malicious actors can target vulnerabilities in web servers, user devices, or communication protocols to steal data, launch cyberattacks, or disrupt services.

  • Examples: Web server vulnerabilities can be exploited to inject malicious code, user credentials can be stolen through phishing attacks, and Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks can overload servers and prevent legitimate users from accessing resources.

• Scalability and Performance: The web needs to handle a constantly growing number of users and devices accessing a vast amount of data. This requires highly scalable distributed systems that can efficiently distribute workloads and content across numerous servers. Additionally, performance optimization is crucial for fast loading times and a smooth user experience.

  • Examples: Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) distribute content geographically to reduce latency, and load balancing techniques ensure even distribution of user requests across multiple servers.