Cluster controller definition
A cluster controller is a component responsible for managing a cluster of nodes. Cluster controllers make sure that the nodes operate efficiently while following the rules set out by the cluster’s operator.
See also: network node manager, node, network management system
Cluster controller functions
- Resource management: Overseeing the optimal allocation of resources within the cluster, such as CPU, memory, storage, and network bandwidth.
- Load balancing: Redistributing workload across nodes to prevent overload and bottlenecks.
- Fault recovery: Monitoring the health of the nodes within the cluster and taking action if an abnormality is detected in any individual node (such as restarting it, reallocating resources, or initiating a failover to backup nodes).
- Coordination: Facilitating synchronization among nodes to ensure consistent behavior and prevent conflicts in data processing.
- Enforcement: Maintain consistency across all nodes through cluster-wide rules. Cluster controllers define parameters such as replication factors, data partitioning schemes, and access control rules.
- Scalability: Dynamically managing the addition or removal of nodes to help scale the cluster in response to changing circumstances.
Real examples of cluster controller use
- Big data processing: Distributed data processing frameworks use cluster controllers to process large volumes of data across multiple nodes at the same time.
- High-performance computing (HPC): Cluster controllers are used in HPC environments to coordinate scientific computations and simulations.
- Cloud computing: Cloud computing platforms like Microsoft Azure use cluster controllers to manage cloud data center infrastructure.
- Internet of Things (IoT): In IoT deployments, cluster controllers manage clusters of edge devices or gateways.
