Android Compute

Computer Clusters vs Grids

Cluster

A Cluster is a group of computers that are generally treated as a single system This system works together together with each node set to perform the same task, controlled and scheduled by software.

Generally these computers are located physically close to each other and are connected via LAN Because of the local connection, these computers can have frequent communication with each other and/or the master node Clusters can be used to allow for high availability and/or load balencing Due to the high interconnect speeds, Distrobuted File systems can be implimented

The "Beowolf" cluster is an popular form of a cluster With the drop in price of low power SBC, Small clusters have increased in popularity

Grid

Grid Computing allows for distrobuted computation, Often implimented over the world via the internet. Each Node is given a different task to complete. Due to the spacing, design and available network speeds, Grid Computing is implimented where nodes do not need to communicate with each other.

Grid Systems also can impliment cycle-scavenging, this can allow for machines to run the calculations in the background or while idle - See HTCondor Volunteer Computing projects have made large use of these systems