13.4 Server Clusters 275
13.4 Server Clusters
Another topology for multiprocessor exploitation is to use multiple servers in a cluster.
This was described in Chapter 6 in some detail, though the terminology is somewhat
vague until now as we mix systems language with database language. Let’s try now to
distinguish the concepts and clarify. Chapter 6 describes a database concept known as
shared-nothing partitioning in which multiple servers (distinct physically or perhaps
only logically) are used to each hold and process a fragment of the database. Shared-
nothing partitioning refers to how data is divided and handled, and it is a database
term. However, in the systems community (nondatabase world) the use of multiple
servers working as a group is called ...