A cluster is a type of
parallel or distributed processing system, which consists of a collection of interconnected
stand-alone computers cooperatively working together as a single, integrated computing
resource. This cluster of computers shares common network characteristics like
the same namespace and it is available to other computers on the network as a
single resource. These computers are linked together using high-speed network
interfaces between themselves and the actual binding together of the all the individual
computers in the cluster is performed by the operating system and the software
used. he recent advances in high-speed networks and improved microprocessor performance
are making clusters or networks of workstations an appealing vehicle for cost
effective parallel computing. Clusters built using commodity hardware and software
components are playing a major role in redefining the concept of supercomputing.
Clustering using Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) is way cheaper than buying specialized
machines for computing. Cluster computing has emerged as a result of the convergence
of several trends, including the availability of inexpensive high performance
microprocessors and high-speed networks, and the development of standard software
tools for high performance distributed computing.As processing power becomes available,
applications which require enormous amount of processing, like weather modeling
are becoming more common place requiring the high performance computing provided
by Clusters.