Distributed Databases Notes
1. Definition of a Distributed Database
A Distributed Database (DDB) is a collection of logically related databases stored in different
locations but connected through a network and managed as a single database system.
A Distributed Database Management System (DDBMS) manages distributed databases and
provides transparent access to users.
2. Characteristics
• Data stored at multiple sites
• Sites connected through a network
• Local processing at each site
• Data sharing among sites
• Appears as a single database to users
3. Components
Database Sites, Communication Network, Distributed DBMS, and Data Dictionary.
4. Types of Distributed Databases
Homogeneous: Same DBMS and data model across sites.
Heterogeneous: Different DBMSs and data models across sites.
5. Data Distribution Strategies
Fragmentation: Horizontal, Vertical, and Mixed Fragmentation.
Replication: Full Replication and Partial Replication.
6. Transparency Types
Location, Replication, Fragmentation, and Failure Transparency.
7. Advantages
Improved reliability, faster access, better performance, scalability, reduced communication costs,
and enhanced data sharing.
8. Disadvantages
Complexity, security risks, administration challenges, communication costs, backup difficulties, and
consistency issues.
9. Design Process
Requirements analysis, global schema design, fragmentation, allocation, replication strategy
selection, implementation, and testing.
10. Distributed Transaction Management
ACID Properties: Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability.
11. Two-Phase Commit Protocol (2PC)
Phase 1: Prepare. Phase 2: Commit or Rollback depending on responses from participating sites.
12. Challenges
Network failures, synchronization, security, concurrency control, integrity maintenance, and
transaction management.
13. Applications
Banking, airline reservations, e-commerce, telecommunications, universities, and government
systems.
Revision Questions
1. Define a distributed database.
2. Differentiate between homogeneous and heterogeneous distributed databases.
3. Explain three advantages of distributed databases.
4. Describe horizontal and vertical fragmentation.
5. What is replication? Explain its types.
6. Explain four types of transparency.
7. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of distributed databases.
8. Explain the Two-Phase Commit Protocol.
9. Describe the components of a distributed database system.
10. Explain challenges faced in distributed database management.