Consensus Algorithms
Consensus algorithms allow the different nodes distributed throughout them to agree on a single shared value or outcome in spite of individual node failures and disagreements among them (meaning despite the situations when one of the nodes failed or there were discrepancies among them).
- They provide a fundamental basis for distributed applications like distributed DBMS, blockchain, blockchain networks, and BFT protocols such as Paxos, Raft, and BFT.
- These guidelines guarantee consistency and fault tolerance in the presence of various types of pathways.
Let’s understand consensus algorithm in distributed system using paxos algorithm:
- Initiation: In Paxos, a node, called the proposer, initiates a proposal by sending a “prepare” message to a majority of nodes (known as acceptors) in the system.
- Voting: Upon receiving the prepare message, each acceptor checks if it has promised to accept proposals with higher numbers. If not, it responds with a promise and may include any previously accepted proposal.
- Proposal Phase: The proposer collects promises from a majority of acceptors. It then sends a proposal with the highest numbered proposal among the promises to the acceptors.
- Acceptance: If the acceptors receive a proposal and have not made a promise to accept a proposal with a higher number, they accept the proposal and inform the learner.
- Consensus: Once a proposal is accepted by a majority of acceptors, consensus is reached, and the value proposed by the consensus becomes the chosen value for the system
Distributed System Algorithms
Distributed systems are the backbone of modern computing, but what keeps them running smoothly? It’s all about the algorithms. These algorithms are like the secret sauce, making sure everything works together seamlessly. In this article, we’ll break down distributed system algorithms in simple language.
Important Topics for Distributed System Algorithms
- Communication Algorithms
- Synchronization Algorithms
- Consensus Algorithms
- Replication Algorithms
- Distributed Query Processing Algorithms
- Load Balancing Algorithms
- Distributed Data Structures and Algorithms
- Failure Detection and Failure Recovery Algorithms
- Security Algorithms for a Distributed Environment