5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Distributed System | Limitations & Benefits of Distributed System

 

Distributed System: What is it?

A distributed system is one in which numerous computers are networked to give the impression of being a single entity. It may consist of workstations, mainframes, or personal computers, each with a unique configuration. 

Every computer has a unique node that allows for efficient communication between them. Users can efficiently share all of a software's components in this way.

Which kinds of Distributed Systems exist?

All of these computers collaborate despite their differences in order to finish a single task. It can use a Wide Area Network (WAN) or a Local Area Network (LAN) for this purpose. Distribution systems can be divided into two categories according on how they are set up. The client systems and peer-to-peer systems are those. 

While distributed systems have significant advantages in terms of speed and power, they are not perfect. They can also go wrong if not handled correctly. The following advantages and disadvantages should aid you in deciding if this is the best system.


I'll be looking at the 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Distributed System | Limitations & Benefits of Distributed System in this post. You will learn about the pros and cons of using distributed systems from this post.

Now let's get started,
 

Advantages of Distributed System

1. Cost Effective

Over time, distributed systems prove to be cost-effective despite their initial high implementation costs. In contrast to a mainframe computer, which consists of a single system made up of multiple processors, a distributed system consists of multiple computers working together. 

 

When compared to a mainframe system, this kind of infrastructure is significantly more affordable.


2. Efficiency

Because distributed systems have several computers, they are designed to be extremely efficient in every way. These computers may all operate independently to find solutions to issues. Not only is this regarded as efficient, but it also saves the user a great deal of time.


3. Scalability

Systems that are distributed are designed to be scalable by default. Users have the option to add new workstations if there is a rise in workload. One system does not require an upgrade. 

 

Furthermore, there are no limitations on the quantity of machines. It implies that these devices will have no trouble handling workloads with high demand.


4. Reliability

When it comes to failures, distributed systems are significantly more reliable than single systems. The remaining servers are not affected in the event of a single node malfunction. Other nodes can carry on operating normally.


5. Latency

Low latency is the effect of distributed systems. The distributed system ensures that traffic from a node that is nearest to the user is received by the system. The user may thus observe a significant reduction in the time required to serve them. 

Disadvantages of Distributed System

1. Startup Cost

The implementation cost of a distributed system is much higher than that of a single system. A distributed system is costly due to the infrastructure required. Furthermore, ongoing information transfer and processing overhead raise costs even further.

2. Complexity

Distributed systems are complicated to implement, maintain, and troubleshoot because of their inherent challenges. In addition to physical complexity, distributed systems also face software challenges. 

 

Software used in distributed systems must handle security and communication with great care. 

 

3. Security

Because distributed systems include open system features, there are always security vulnerabilities. The user's data is kept on many workstations. 

 

As a result, the user must ensure that each of these PCs is secure for their data. Furthermore, controlling data access in a distributed system is a difficult undertaking, in contrast to a centralized computing system.

 
4. Overheads

Overheading is a prevalent issue encountered by distributed systems. When every workstation tries to function simultaneously, this occurs. 

 

There will eventually be an increase in computing time, even though this basically produces the intended results. In the end, this affects how quickly the system responds.


5. Network Errors

Network mistakes in distributed systems can lead to a breakdown in communication. It's possible that the information won't arrive or won't arrive in the right order. Error debugging is also a challenging operation because the data is dispersed among multiple nodes.