The Difference Between a Grid and a Cluster

Several computers linked together to perform calculations.

Distributed grid computing and cluster computing methods provide far greater computational horsepower than a single system. Problems that require a tremendous amount of calculations will benefit from either of these technologies.

Similarities

Both grids and clusters use multiple computer systems to work toward a common goal. In some cases, the goal involves solving a single problem, such as solving a complex equation. In other cases, the goal is to answer several smaller computations to present a solution.

Clusters

A cluster uses several computer systems that are identical in both hardware and operating system. A single master computer administrates and schedules their work. Computer clusters are connected to each other via high-speed LAN and are housed in a single location.

Grids

A grid takes advantage of distributed computing. Any number of computers that do not need to share the same configurations, or need to be connected via LAN, work together on a set of problems. Each computer can be stored in a different geographical location. Computer grids typically work on several problems at once that may not be related, though they can be directed to solve a single computation together.

References

• Science Magazine: Drug Discovery and Biotechnology Trends
• Argonne National Laboratory & University of Chicago: What is the Grid?
• Cornell University: Clusters

Resources

• Clemson University: Cluster and Grid Computing