A centralized system architecture refers to a computing architecture where all or most of the processing, data storage, and management are performed by a single central server or a mainframe. This central entity is responsible for handling all requests and serving all client devices connected to it. Here are the main characteristics and components of a centralized system architecture:
A distributed system architecture refers to multiple independent components (or nodes) work together to appear as a single coherent system to the end-users. These components are spread across different physical or virtual machines.
Feature | Centralized System | Distributed System |
———————— | —————————————– | —————————————— |
Control | Single central server | Multiple independent nodes |
Integration | Tight integration, often local | Loose integration, often geographically dispersed |
Management | Simplified management | Complex management |
Scalability | Vertical scaling (hardware upgrades) | Horizontal scaling (adding nodes) |
Reliability | Single point of failure | Fault-tolerant, no single point of failure |
Performance | Low latency in small-scale operations | High performance for large-scale operations; may face network latency |
Examples | Mainframes, client-server systems | Internet services, peer-to-peer networks, cloud computing |
In summary, centralized systems are simpler to manage and more straightforward in design but face challenges in scalability and reliability. Distributed systems offer better scalability and fault tolerance but are more complex to design, implement, and manage.