Grid computing is generally classified as follows.
Computing grid
A computing grid consists of high-performance computers. This allows researchers to utilize the combined computing power of the computers. Researchers use grid computing to perform resource-intensive tasks such as mathematical modeling.
Grid computing
Despite their similarity to computational grids, many conventional computers have CPU refining grids. The term scavenging describes the process of finding available computing resources in a network of ordinary computers. While other users on the network access the computers for non-grid-related tasks, the network software uses these nodes when they are free. Grid scrubbing is also known as CPU scrubbing or loop scrubbing.
Data grid
A data grid is a networked computing network that connects to multiple computers to provide large storage capacity. You can access the stored data as if it were on your local machine without having to worry about the physical location of your data on the grid.
What is distributed computing?
Distributed computing refers to a computing system where software components are shared among a group of networked computers. However, users using the software will see a single, consistent interface. For example, a web search engine is a distributed computing system. It allows you to search for a specific site by sending a request to multiple servers.
Distributed computing versus grid computing
Distributed computing is aimed at achieving a single goal at any given time. In contrast, grid computing does not act in a coordinated manner, but rather allocates resources across its network to many related subtasks. A grid computing network can consist of several distributed computing systems.
What is cluster computing?
Cluster computing describes a network system consisting of homogeneous computers. Homogeneous computers have the same hardware and software. You can connect them to a high-speed local area network to create a computer cluster that performs similar tasks. A centralized server controls and coordinates the work of the machines.
Cluster computing versus grid computing
Cluster computing has rigid and specific hardware, tasks, and management structure. Meanwhile, grid computing is flexible in terms of resource sharing. Computers in a grid network work independently and are not required to share resources. They have a resource manager that shares unused resources at runtime.