Difference between Grid computing and Cluster computing

Difference between Grid computing and Cluster computing


Cluster Computing:
A Computer Cluster is a local network of two or more homogenous computers.A computation process on such a computer network i.e. cluster is called Cluster Computing.

 

Grid Computing:
Grid Computing can be defined as a network of homogenous or heterogenous computers working together over a long distance to perform a task that would rather be difficult for a single machine.


Difference between Cluster and Grid Computing:

Cluster Computing

Grid Computing

Nodes must be homogenous i.e. they should have same type of hardware and operating system

Nodes may have different Operating systems and hardwares. Machines can be homogenous or heterogenous.

Computers in a cluster are dedicated to the same work and perform no other task.

Computers in a grid contribute their unused processing resources to the grid computing network.

Computers are located close to each other.

Computers may be located at a huge distance from one another.

Computers are connected by a high speed local area network bus

Computers are connected using a low speed bus or the internet.

Computers are connected in a centralized network topology.

Computers are connected in a distributed or de-centralized network topology.

Scheduling is controlled by a central server.

It may have servers, but mostly each node behaves independently.

Whole system has a centralized resource manager.

Every node manages it’s resources independently.

Whole system functions as a single system.

Every node is autonomous, and anyone can opt out anytime.