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Distribution models

 

Distribution Models in NoSQL Databases


1. Introduction

A distribution model defines how data and workload are distributed across servers in a database system.
NoSQL databases use different distribution models to achieve scalability, availability, and fault tolerance.


2. Single Server Model

Definition

In the single server model, all data and processing are handled by one server.

Features

  • Simple architecture

  • Easy to manage

  • No data distribution

Advantages

  • Easy setup

  • Low complexity

Limitations

  • Limited scalability

  • Single point of failure

  • Not suitable for big data

Use Case

  • Small applications

  • Development and testing


3. Master–Slave Replication Model

Definition

One server acts as master and handles all write operations, while other servers act as slaves and replicate data from the master.

Features

  • Master handles writes

  • Slaves handle reads

  • Data replication is used

Advantages

  • Improved read performance

  • High availability

  • Data backup

Limitations

  • Master is a single point of failure

  • Write scalability is limited

Examples

  • MongoDB (Replica Set)

  • MySQL replication


4. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Replication Model

Definition

In the peer-to-peer model, all nodes are equal.
Each node can handle both read and write operations.

Features

  • No master node

  • Data distributed and replicated

  • High fault tolerance

Advantages

  • No single point of failure

  • High scalability

  • Better availability

Limitations

  • Complex data consistency management

  • Conflict resolution required

Examples

  • Apache Cassandra

  • Riak


5. Combining Sharding and Replication

Definition

This model combines data partitioning (sharding) with data replication.

Features

  • Data is divided into shards

  • Each shard is replicated across nodes

  • Provides scalability and availability

Advantages

  • Handles large datasets

  • High fault tolerance

  • Better performance

Examples

  • MongoDB (Sharded clusters)

  • Cassandra

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