Vector Clocks and Causality in Distributed Systems

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is the purpose of Christian's Algorithm in clock synchronization?

To update clocks using an external authoritative clock

To limit the skew to a delay bound

To ensure reasonable clock accuracy in LAN networks (correct)

To collaborate with nodes in the network for clock synchronization

How does Christian's Algorithm update a node's time?

By considering the round trip time and the server's current time (correct)

By measuring the delay between nodes and the authoritative clock server

By syncing with an external authoritative clock

By collaborating with other nodes in the network

What type of synchronization does Berkley Algorithm use?

External Synchronization

Internal Synchronization (correct)

Global State Synchronization

Vector Clocks Synchronization

In clock synchronization, what does 'skew' refer to?

The gradual difference in time between clocks Signup and view all the answers

What is the main limitation of Internal Synchronization for clock synchronization?

Higher delay due to round trips required Signup and view all the answers

Which algorithm requires a clock server synchronized to UTC time for operation?

Christian's Algorithm Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge in determining when events took place in a network?

Synchronizing clocks on every node Signup and view all the answers

How are hardware clocks in computers typically connected to provide an approximate representation of physical time?

Through crystal oscillators connected to oscillation counter circuitry Signup and view all the answers

What is the main problem caused by the fact that clocks in computers are not all exactly the same?

Skew Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the difference in the rate at which two clocks count time due to factors like temperature and voltage differences?

Drift Signup and view all the answers

Why is it challenging to synchronize clocks on every node in a network?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of synchronizing clocks on every node in a network?

To determine when events took place accurately Signup and view all the answers

In the algorithm for vector clocks, what does it mean when V(e) < V(e’)?

Event e is concurrent with event e’ Signup and view all the answers

What information is included in each message in the vector clock algorithm?

The number of events at all processes Signup and view all the answers

Why is garbage collection important in distributed systems?

To avoid resource exhaustion Signup and view all the answers

What problem can occur if timestamps of messages are not considered in creating a snapshot of a distributed system?

Snapshot inconsistency Signup and view all the answers

What is the key cause of deadlock in distributed systems?

Resource contention Signup and view all the answers

When does a message get delivered in the vector clock algorithm?

When its timestamp is one more than the receiver's timestamp Signup and view all the answers