INTRODUCTION (Grid computing) :

• Grid computing is a computer network in which each

computer’s resources are shared with every computer
in the system.
• It is a distributed architecture of large number of
computers connected to solve a complex problem.
• Here the servers or personal computers run
independent tasks and are loosely linked by the
internet.
• In ideal environment, every resource is shared , turning
a computer network into a powerful supercomputer.
• Every authorized computer would have access to
enormous processing power and storage capacity.
TYPES OF GRID COMPUTING :

• Computational Grid : A computational grid is a hardware and software

infrastructure that provides dependable ,consistent , pervasive and inexpensive
access to high and computational capabilities. For example:-science grid (US
department of energy).

• Data Grid : A data grid is a grid computing system that deals with data- the
controlled sharing and management of large amount of distributed data. For
example:-Biomedical informatics research network (BIRN),the southern california
earthquake center (SCEC).

• Service Grid : A Grid Service is a Web Service which conforms to a set of

conventions (interfaces and behaviors) that define how a client interacts with a Grid
service.
Grid Topologies :
• Intra-grid :
1. local grid within an organization: single organizations.
2. A single cluster.
3. Trust based on personal contracts.
• Extra-grid :
1. Resource of a organization connected through ( virtual ) private network.
2. Multiple clusters.
3. Trust based on business of business contracts
• Inter-grid :
1. Global sharing of resources through the internet.
2. Many multiple cluster Trust based on certification.
PROCEDURE :
• When a computer makes a request for resources to the control node, control node gives the
user access to the resources available on the network.

• The nodes may consist of machines with similar platforms using same OS called
homogeneous networks, else machines with different platforms running on various different
OS called heterogeneous networks.

• When it is not in use it should ideally contribute it’s resources to the network. Hence a normal
computer on the node can swing in between being a user or a provider based on it’s needs.

• For controlling the network and it’s resources a software/networking protocol is used
generally known as Middleware. This is responsible for administrating the network and the
control nodes are merely it’s executors.

• As a grid computing system should use only unused resources of a computer, it is the job of
the control node that any provider is not overloaded with tasks.
• Another job of the middleware is to authorize any process that is being executed on the
network. In a grid computing system, a provider gives permission to the user to run anything
on it’s computer, hence it is a huge security threat for the network.
APPLICATIONS :
• Distributed Supercomputing : Distributed supercomputing may seem like a
fancy term but it’s very easy to understand. Let me put it this way, a grid
computing network spread across different geographical areas, even
different countries is distributed supercomputing.

• On-demand Supercomputing : One of the applications of grid computing is

on-demand supercomputing. Came into existence to overcome the
problems that enterprises faced during fluctuating demand.

• Data-intensive Supercomputing : This is a kind of parallel computing

wherein a massive volume of data is divided into chunks of data which are
then processed simultaneously.
• Grid Computing in the Movie Industry : One of the major reasons for
recruiting the best talent is the increased need for realism in the movies
or what we call special effects.
Many films can’t be made without the use of grid computing not only
because of special effects but also because of the fact that grid
computing enables faster production of a film.

• Grid Computing in the Gaming Industry : Traditionally, the gaming

industry was an in-house scenario. By in-house, I mean publishers
hesitated in outsourcing any element of the project.
But with the growing popularity of online gaming, networking is becoming
pivotal, thus comes the grid computing.
• In-game art internal creation
• In-game cut scenes rendering
• Packaging game assets for multiple platforms
• Distribution of online program
• Hosting of a massively multiplayer online game
REQUIREMENTS :
A Grid computing network mainly consists of these three types of machines

1. Control Node:
A computer, usually a server or a group of servers which administrates the whole
network and keeps the account of the resources in the network pool.
2. Provider:
The computer which contributes it’s resources in the network resource pool.
3. User:
The computer that uses the resources on the network.
ADVANTAGES :
• Grid computing are not that expensive. They are quite efficient
and reliable machines and can solve complex problems in
limited time.
• They are scalable ,grid computing follows distributed
computing architecture. Grid computing is application oriented.
• They work in a decentralized management system. They can
use existing hardware. Can easily associate with other
organization
• Tasks and instructions can be performed in parallel speeding.
They are capable of using CPU’s extended power.
• Grid computing follows distributed computing architecture.
• Capable of solving larger , more complex problems in shorter time.
• Easier to collaborate with other organizations.
• Grid computing works in a group if any one of the computer is
unavailable the workload is distributed across the remaining
computers.
• The grid computing can be upgrade on the fly without scheduling
downtime.
• The software is considered as the brain behind the grid computing .
Policies can be managed by the grid software.
DISADVANTAGES :
• They are not interactive for job submissions. Grid system is not
fully evolved.
• Learning curve to get started .Difficult in sharing resources across
different admins.
• Grid environment can work with smaller servers.
• Some applications may not work with full potential.
• Grid software and standards are still evolving.
• Political challenges associated with sharing resources. Many groups
are reluctant with sharing resources even if benefits everyone
involved.
• You may need to have an interconnection between compute
resources.
• Applications would need tweaking to take full advantage of new
models of computing.
LAYERED GRID ARCHITECTURE :
LAYERS…
• Bottom layer is the network layer, which assures the connectivity
for the resources in the Grid.

• On top of it lies the resource layer, made up of the actual.

resources that are part of the Grid, such as computers, storage
systems, electronic data catalogues, and evensensors such as
telescopes or other instruments, which can be connected directly
to the network.
LAYERS :
• The middleware layer provides the tools that enable the various
elements (servers, storage, networks, etc.) to participate in a
unified Grid environment.

• The middleware layer can be thought of as the intelligence that

brings the various elements together -the "brain" of the Grid!

• The highest layer of the structure is the application layer, which

includes all different user applications (science, engineering,
business, financial), portals and development toolkits supporting
the applications
• Application layer : The final layer consists of the user application and
programs and which call upon another layer. This layer comprises the user
applications that operate within virtual organization environment. This is the
layer that grid users “see” and interact with. It includes applications in science,
engineering, business, finance and development toolkits to support the
applications.

• Collective layer : Responsibility of this layer is to interaction across the

collection of resources and overall resources management. The Grid collective
layer focuses on the coordination of multiple resources. Collective layer includes
data replication services, monitoring and diagnostics services.

• Resource layer : Sharing a single resource is its main function. Resource layer
need access to resource such as invoke remote computation, monitor
computation, discover resources and to perform data transport.
• Connectivity layer : Connectivity layer provide secure grid communication and
authentication for specific network transactions. Connectivity layer assumes
trust in based on user, not on service providers. It use public key infrastructure.
In it, User is recognized by a certificate authority within grid and allows users to
authenticate only once.

• Fabric layer : Fabric layer is the bottom layer or the lowest layer of grid
architecture. Responsibility of this layer is to manage a resource like to reserve
usage in advance and allocate apace. Grid fabric layer provides standardized
access to local resources-specific operation. Fabric layer diverse resources such
as computers, storage media, networks and sensors.