1. Glossary
  2. Blockchain Terms
  3. Distributed Network

Distributed Network

Definition of ‘Distributed Network - What is a distributed network? A distributed network is a computer system in which programming, software, and data are spread out across more than one computer.

What is Distributed Network?

Distributed network Definition - A distributed network is a computer system in which programming, software, and data are spread out across more than one computer. This allows for complex messages to be communicated between nodes (computers) and helps keep the system dependable.

distributed network

In a supply chain, a distribution network refers to an interconnected group of storage facilities and transportation systems that receive inventories of goods and then deliver them to customers.

By using this type of network, businesses can improve their efficiency by ensuring that products move quickly from production to consumers.

There are many types of distributed networks, but the most common are peer-to-peer (PTP) networks and client/server networks.

PTP networks allow each node to share responsibility for the network's operation, while client/server networks assign specific roles to each node. In a distributed system, all nodes are equal, so they are very reliable and resistant to failure.

When choosing a distributed network for your business, there are many factors you need to consider. The most important of these include the size of your company, the type of data you plan on exchanging, and your budget.

Distributed network and blockchain

Blockchain technology is a distributed network that allows for secure, transparent transactions between two or more parties.

This makes it the perfect solution for businesses that need to exchange sensitive data. Blockchain is also very reliable and resistant to failure, making it a good choice for companies with large operations.

FAQs

What are examples of distributed networks?

There are three primary types of distributed networks:

  • Peer-to-peer networks: In a peer-to-peer network, each node is both client and server, allowing devices to share resources
  • Client/server networks: Client/server networks use centralized servers to manage tasks and communication between clients.
  • Distributed systems: In a distributed system, each node is responsible for its own tasks and shares the workload with other nodes. This allows the system to scale efficiently and handle large amounts of traffic.
What are the advantages of a distributed network?

Distributed networks are reliable and resistant to failure, even when individual nodes fail. They’re also scalable and can handle large amounts of traffic but are also perfect for smaller businesses. Distributed networks improve efficiency by allowing products to move quickly from production to consumers. And they’re highly secure, so they are ideal for companies dealing with sensitive data.

What is the use case of distributed networks?

Distributed networking is used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Peer-to-peer file sharing
  • Cloud computing
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Big data
  • Distributed storage systems

Join Hashnode - the dev community of over a million active developers.

Over 100,000 tech blogs and growing. Be a part of an active community of developers, tech enthusiasts and creators. Blog on a personal domain, share ideas, and connect with the global tech community.

Global map