What are the two schemes of distributed system?
1. Client-Server Scheme
In this scheme, the system is divided into clients and servers. Clients request services or resources, and servers provide these services.
- Features: Centralized control, easier management, and clear separation of roles.
- Examples: Web applications, database servers.
- Advantages: Simplifies resource management and provides structured communication.
- Disadvantages: Can become a bottleneck if the server is overloaded or fails.
2. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Scheme
In this scheme, all nodes (peers) are equal and share resources without a centralized server. Each node acts as both a client and a server.
- Features: Decentralization, dynamic scalability, and resource sharing.
- Examples: File-sharing networks (e.g., BitTorrent), blockchain systems.
- Advantages: Fault-tolerant, scalable, and removes dependency on a central server.
- Disadvantages: Difficult to manage, and performance depends on the cooperation of peers.
Both schemes are widely used in distributed systems depending on the application’s needs, offering trade-offs in terms of scalability, fault tolerance, and complexity.
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System Design Interview
CONTRIBUTOR
Arslan Ahmad
ex-FAANG engineering manager and author or Grokking series.
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