Shared nothing MP

The processors share nothing (each has its own memory, caches, and disks), but they are interconnected. This type of muliprocessing is also called a pure cluster.

Each processor is a complete stand-alone machine and runs a copy of the operating system. When LAN-connected, processors are loosely coupled. When connected by a switch, the processors are tightly coupled. Communication between processors is done through message-passing.

The advantages of such a system are very good scalability and high availability. The disadvantages of such a system are an unfamiliar programming model (message passing).