Server Cluster: Advantages, Types, and How They Work

One way for business owners to increase efficiency and protect their databases is to provide a capable server. Therefore, a server cluster can be the right choice, to meet the needs of a server with a reliable and efficient system.  

In addition, its use can also be an important part of increasing efficiency in sending and receiving data quickly when users use interconnected servers.  

Using a server cluster also has several advantages, including protecting files or databases when there is accidental damage, such as a power outage. To better understand what a server cluster is, let’s look at this article which will discuss starting from the definition and types to the advantages of using it.  

What is a server cluster?

Server clusters are developments and innovations in information technology that are present as a solution to improve the optimization and efficiency of data centers. Furthermore, in this context, a server cluster is a combination of many servers managed under the same IP address, allowing various servers to work cooperatively to provide better performance, higher availability, and greater scalability as compared to using a single server. This system plays an important role in various critical applications that require high availability and reliability.

Each server in the cluster is known as a “node.” Each node has its own storage (hard drive), memory (RAM), and processing (CPU) resources. In a cluster system, these nodes work independently but are integrated into the larger system. When one node receives a request from a user, the workload can be distributed among the other nodes in the cluster, increasing overall efficiency and response speed.

Server clusters are commonly used in applications that require continuous access to data, such as files, databases, and messaging systems. While in business environments that usually require availability and reliability of services, the use of server clusters can be the right choice. Because this system can ensure that the service continues to run even if one of the nodes experiences problems or failures.

Advantages of Cluster Server/ Server Clusters

As mentioned briefly in the previous discussion, one of the advantages of a server cluster is that it can protect files and databases stored on the server when there is accidental damage.  

In addition, server clusters are also the right choice to maintain the efficiency and reliability of IT infrastructure. Here are some other advantages of server clusters that you need to know: 

Performance Improvement by Server Clusters

One of the main advantages of using a server cluster is its ability to improve overall system performance. By distributing the workload among the nodes in the cluster, each node handles only a portion of the total load.  

This allows applications and services to operate more efficiently, avoiding overloading a single server, and resulting in faster response times. Data processing capabilities are also increased, which is critical for applications that require high computing resources such as big data processing and high-traffic web applications.

Also Read: What are Servers? Types, functions, & how it works!

High Flexibility by using a Server Cluster

Server clusters provide high flexibility in terms of configuration and resource upgrades. Web developers can easily increase or decrease the number of servers in a cluster according to operational needs.  

With this advantage, it allows companies to adjust IT infrastructure dynamically without having to make large investments in hardware or major changes to existing systems. This flexibility also allows organizations to respond quickly to changing market trends and dynamic operational needs.

Ease of Management

The next advantage is ease of management. Server cluster management becomes easier thanks to the centralized management feature. Administrators can monitor and manage the entire cluster from one location, saving time and effort. In addition, facilities such as automatic monitoring, routine maintenance, and update deployment become more efficient. This helps ensure that all nodes in the cluster are consistently updated and secured, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities and unexpected downtime.

Continuous Operations

Server clusters also play a vital role in ensuring the continuity of business operations. By providing high availability and redundancy, server clusters enable businesses to continue operating despite hardware failures or other disasters.  

Data redundancy and automatic failover reduce the risk of lost revenue and reputational damage that can occur due to downtime. Additionally, server clusters have a disaster recovery plan, ensuring that data and applications can be quickly restored and brought back online after an incident or disaster.

Types of Server Clusters

Server clusters have several types based on their purpose and how they work. Here is an explanation of the types of server clusters that we can select according to infrastructure needs:  

1. Cluster Failover (High Availability Cluster)

The first type of server cluster is Cluster Failover (High Availability Cluster). It is categorized as a server cluster designed to create high availability on the system by minimizing downtime.  

We usually use this type of cluster, for business websites that have high traffic such as e-commerce. Because by using this type of cluster, it will save costs, minimize the risk of downtime, and improve the user experience to be more comfortable.

Also Read: High-Performance Computing (HPC): Definition, Functions, and Advantages

2. Cluster Load Balancing

The next type is cluster load balancing which we use to send user requests and workloads to several servers in the cluster. Basically, this cluster functions to manage traffic so that the load of requests from users can be distributed among the servers.  

So with the use of this type, it will be possible to use many links at once. This is useful for businesses that have a lot of or excessive infrastructure because with cluster load balancing it can become a data center, reduce costs, and optimize high bandwidth data distribution, and have better scalability.  

3. High-Performance and Clustered Storage

This type of cluster, also known as a supercomputer, consists of many computers connected in the same network. Where some clusters can be connected to a data storage center to speed up data processing. This type of cluster is widely used in Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to handle big data in real time. We can use this cluster in several projects such as live streaming, weather predictions, and patient health analysis. Basically, this type of server cluster is often used in research and media or financial companies.

4. Clustered Storage in a Server Cluster

The last type of server cluster is clustered storage. Clustered storage consists of at least two storage servers that allow for increased system performance, node input/output (I/O) capacity, and reliability. This cluster can be installed in a flexible manner, either loosely or tightly, depending on business needs and storage demands.

Tightly coupled clusters focus on primary storage and break data into small blocks across nodes. Loosely coupled clusters, on the other hand, offer more flexibility but do not store data across nodes. In a loosely coupled architecture, performance and capacity are limited to the capabilities of the nodes storing the data. 

Also Read: 10 Different types of servers and their functions

How Server Clusters Work

After knowing the types of server clusters, you may be curious about how server clusters work. Basically, server clusters work by involving coordination and collaboration between several nodes. To understand it, here are the stages of how server clusters work that you need to know:  

Distribution and Sharing of Loads in a Server Cluster

The first step in how a server cluster works is distribution and load sharing. A server cluster automatically distributes the workload among the nodes in it. The goal is to ensure that no single server is overloaded. In addition, it also helps maintain the overall performance and speed of the system. It allows each request or task to be processed most efficiently.

Automatic Monitoring and Failover

The second stage is monitoring and automatic failover. The cluster system continuously monitors the health and status of each server. If one of the servers fails, the automatic failover mechanism is activated. This process ensures that tasks previously handled by the failing server are transferred to other nodes in the cluster, minimizing downtime and service disruption.

Redundancy and High Availability

The final step is redundancy and high availability. Server clusters are designed for redundancy, which means that data and applications are often replicated across multiple servers. This way, data, and services remain available through other servers in the cluster if one fails. The main goal of this step is to ensure high availability and continuity of service, even in the face of hardware failures or other disruptions.

Also Read: What is a VPS? Complete Explanation and Types

Conclusion

Overall, server clusters offer many benefits to web developers and businesses. Server Clusters improve performance, offer flexibility in resource management, simplify management, and ensure continuous business operations. Server clusters are a highly effective solution to the technological and operational challenges of the digital age.