Centralized and Decentralized Computing

Earlier Article: Prerequisites for network Communication

Centralization, as we call it, is an attempt to improve the efficiency of the computer system focusing on the economies of scale. It means pulling groups of computers together to create order and enforce various processes of the organization.

Decentralization, on the other hand, focuses on improving speed and to remove the problem of rigidity prevailing in the centralized system. It reorganizes networks to increase local control and execution of a service.

Practically speaking, neither absolute centralization or absolute decentralization is possible in a system, and we can not say which one has the upper hand because the use and the need for these systems differ with each entity

It would be optimal, however, to learn the needs of your organization and understand when to opt for decentralized networks and when to choose centralized networks.

And that, is what this article is all about. Let's begin with Centralized Computing.

Centralized Computing

Centralized network is a type of network where all users connect to a central server, which is the acting agent for all communications. This server would store both the communications and the user account information. Most public instant messaging platforms use a centralized network

Centralized computing is computing done at a central location, practically the server, using terminals that are attached to it. This computer itself may control all the peripherals directly (if they are physically connected), or they may be attached via a terminal server. It offers greater security over decentralized systems because all of the processing is controlled in a central location.

In addition, if one terminal breaks down, the user can simply go to another terminal and login again, and all of their files will still be accessible. Depending on the system, they may even be able to resume their session from the point they were at before, as if nothing had happened.

Disadvantages of Centralized Computing

This type of arrangement does have some disadvantages.

If the server machine goes down, clients might turn out to be useless since there is no remote server to process the requests, and clients themselves do not have enough capabilities to keep up the service in the event of such failure.

Central computing relies heavily on the quality of administration and resources provided to its users. Should the central computer be inadequately supported by any means (e.g. size of home directories, problems regarding administration), then your usage will suffer greatly.

The reverse situation, however, (i.e., a system supported better than your needs) is one of the key advantages to centralized computing.

Decentralized Computing

Decentralized computing is the allocation of resources, both hardware and software, to each individual workstation, or office location. In contrast to what we learned earlier, centralized computing exists when the majority of functions are carried out, or obtained from a remote centralized location.

There is no single server machine that is solely responsible for all the processing. There isn’t really any single point of failure because client machines aren’t relying on a single server to fulfill all requests. The system comprises of multiple nodes which might be still available to process user requests.

A collection of decentralized computers systems are components of a larger computer network, held together by local stations of equal importance and capability. These systems are capable of running independently of each other.

Decentralized systems enable file sharing and all computers can share peripherals such as printers and scanners as well as modems, allowing all the computers in the network to connect to the internet.

However, in case of upgradation, all computers have to be updated individually with new software, unlike a centralized computer system while centralized systems seeks to remove the frustrating waste of money on duplicate systems, extra work, and manual processes.

And that's all on Centralized and Decentralized Systems. If you have any queries or doubts, just let me know.

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