Department of Computer Science
Distributed database systems
Course : Advance Database Management System
Instructor: Ahsan Ali Ahsanmsuet@gmail.com
Distributed Database System
• A distributed database is basically a database that is not limited to
one system, it is spread over different sites, i.e, on multiple
computers or over a network of computers.
• A distributed database system is located on various sites that don’t
share physical components.
• This may be required when a particular database needs to be
accessed by various users globally.
• It needs to be managed such that for the users it looks like one single
database.
Features
• Databases in the collection are logically interrelated with each other.
Often they represent a single logical database.
• Data is physically stored across multiple sites.
• Data in each site can be managed by a DBMS independent of the
other sites.
• The processors in the sites are connected via a network.
• They do not have any multiprocessor configuration.
• A distributed database is not a loosely connected file system.
Distributed Database Types:
1. Homogeneous Database:
In a homogeneous database, all different sites store database identically.
The operating system, database management system, and the data
structures used – all are the same at all sites. Hence, they’re easy to
manage.
2. Heterogeneous Database:
In a heterogeneous distributed database, different sites can use different
schema and software that can lead to problems in query processing and
transactions. Also, a particular site might be completely unaware of the
other sites. Different computers may use a different operating system,
different database application. They may even use different data models
for the database. Hence, translations are required for different sites to
communicate.
Distributed Data Storage :
There are 2 ways in which data can be stored on different sites. These are:
• 1. Replication –
In this approach, the entire relationship is stored redundantly at 2 or more
sites.
• If the entire database is available at all sites, it is a fully redundant
database.
• Hence, in replication, systems maintain copies of data.
• This is advantageous as it increases the availability of data at different
sites.
• Also, now query requests can be processed in parallel.
Distributed Data Storage :
However, it has certain disadvantages as well.
• Data needs to be constantly updated.
• Any change made at one site needs to be recorded at every site that
relation is stored or else it may lead to inconsistency.
• This is a lot of overhead.
• Also, concurrency control becomes way more complex as concurrent
access now needs to be checked over a number of sites.
Fragmentation –
• In this approach, the relations are fragmented (i.e., they’re divided
into smaller parts) and each of the fragments is stored in different
sites where they’re required.
• It must be made sure that the fragments are such that they can be
used to reconstruct the original relation (i.e, there isn’t any loss of
data).
Fragmentation is advantageous as it doesn’t create copies of data,
consistency is not a problem.
Fragmentation
• Fragmentation of relations can be done in two ways:
• Horizontal fragmentation – Splitting by rows –
The relation is fragmented into groups of tuples so that each tuple is
assigned to at least one fragment.
• Vertical fragmentation – Splitting by columns –
The schema of the relation is divided into smaller schemas.
• Each fragment must contain a common candidate key so as to ensure
a lossless join.
• In certain cases, an approach that is hybrid of fragmentation and
replication is used.
Fragmentation
• Applications of Distributed Database:
• It is used in Corporate Management Information System.
• It is used in multimedia applications.
• Used in Military’s control system, Hotel chains etc.
• It is also used in manufacturing control system.
Advantages of Distributed Databases
• Following are the advantages of distributed databases over
centralized databases.
• Modular Development − If the system needs to be expanded to new
locations or new units, in centralized database systems, the action
requires substantial efforts and disruption in the existing functioning.
• However, in distributed databases, the work simply requires adding
new computers and local data to the new site and finally connecting
them to the distributed system, with no interruption in current
functions.
Advantages of Distributed Databases
• More Reliable − In case of database failures, the total system of centralized
databases comes to a halt. However, in distributed systems, when a
component fails, the functioning of the system continues may be at a
reduced performance. Hence DDBMS is more reliable.
• Better Response − If data is distributed in an efficient manner, then user
requests can be met from local data itself, thus providing faster response.
On the other hand, in centralized systems, all queries have to pass through
the central computer for processing, which increases the response time.
• Lower Communication Cost − In distributed database systems, if data is
located locally where it is mostly used, then the communication costs for
data manipulation can be minimized. This is not feasible in centralized
systems.
