Definitions: Clustering

Definition

Clustering is the practice of grouping similar computing systems together so they appear as a single unit to the larger network. Clustering can  involve servers and processing, storage, even network resources.

The main benefit comes from the combined horsepower of multiple devices working on a single function or set of functions. Rather than have 20 x86 servers operating independently, clustering combines each unit into a giant computer, at a fraction of the cost of standard big iron mainframes or  supercomputers.

Business Applications

One of the chief benefits of clustering is their ability to scale. With high-speed interconnects like Infiniband, clusters can scale bot resources and I/O bandwidth to meet a wide variety of data loads.

When combined with virtualization technology, clustering also supports server and storage consolidation efforts, particularly those that run extremely large databases.

Clustering also protects against failure. Modern server management systems can provide automated failover that shifts data loads to other members of the cluster should one or more devices fail.

Deployment Concerns

As with any complex computing environment, solid management is key. Clustered systems usually involve numerous nodes and pathways, with each device maintaining a specific address and other descriptors. A central management stack is needed to keep tabs on all of this hardware and to ensure data can be accessed and delivered to where it needs to go.

Most cluster installations are coordinated through vendors, distributors, system integrators and outside consultants. Rare is the deployment that doesn’t encounter its fair share of bugs, failures and integration issues.

Usually, the first step in setting up a cluster is finding an experienced  consultant.

Technical details

A wide range of cluster software is readily available, from communications libraries like MPI to platform-specific systems like Beowulf and MPICH for  GNU/Linux and Windows Compute Cluster Server for Microsoft.

Sun Microystems recently opened up its Solaris cluster code as a means to broaden support for its overall enterprise platform.