Hajusüsteeme

Hajusüsteeme, often translated as distributed systems, refers to a collection of independent computers that appear to their users as a single coherent system. These computers, or nodes, communicate and coordinate their actions by passing messages. Each node has its own memory and runs its own processes. The key characteristic of a distributed system is that there is no single point of control or failure.

The primary motivation behind using distributed systems is to achieve several benefits. These include improved reliability and fault tolerance, as the failure of one node does not necessarily bring down the entire system. Scalability is another significant advantage, allowing systems to handle increased workloads by adding more nodes. Performance can also be enhanced through parallel processing and by distributing tasks across multiple machines. Furthermore, distributed systems can offer greater resource sharing, enabling users to access data and processing power from various locations.

However, designing and managing distributed systems presents unique challenges. Ensuring consistency of data across multiple nodes is a complex task, especially in the presence of network delays and failures. Coordinating the actions of independent nodes requires sophisticated algorithms. Detecting and handling failures, both of individual nodes and network links, is crucial for maintaining system availability. Security is also a major concern, as distributed systems are often more vulnerable to attacks than centralized systems. Examples of distributed systems include the internet, cloud computing platforms, and peer-to-peer networks.