Distributed Systems
7.1.7 Compare a centrally controlled system with a distributed system.
IB Subtopic
Centralized systems use one computer to do all the calculations. Different parts of the system will communicate with the central computer through networks. On the other hand, a distributed system is a set of individual systems that are self-sufficient that together form a bigger system. Each of these smaller systems can do calculations for its own sensors, without the need of a central authority.
| Centralized System | Distributed System |
| Benefits: – lower hardware costs – greater security – lower maintenance and administrative cost – greater overall control | Benefits: – can function without a strong network or connection signal – can be upgraded easily – fixing individual parts is simpler |
| Disadvantages: – the connection from the clients to the central processor must be stable | Disadvantages: – costs more to have individual self-sustaining systems – special software is most likely necessary – backup of the system is most costly – it’s harder to keep many systems secure as opposed to only one |