Distributed Systems and Fundamentals of Block Chain — Winter 2025

What is a Distributed System? And Its key characteristics

Discuss the different types of distributed systems and their key characteristics.

Explain the role of networking in distributed systems. Why is network communication crucial in distributed systems?

What are the types of system architectures used in distributed systems? Give examples.

Explain self-management in distributed systems and how it enhances system resilience.

Described the Remote Procedure Calls (RPC)? How do they differ from message-oriented communication? Explain the different types of communication in distributed systems.

Discuss stream-oriented communication and its use cases in distributed system explain in detail.

What is clock synchronization in distributed systems, and why is it important?

Define the logical clocks and their role in event ordering in distributed systems.

Demonstrate How do election algorithms work in distributed systems? Provide an example.

Define the structured naming? How does it improve efficiency in large-scale systems?

What is the difference between names, identifiers, and addresses in distributed systems?

Explain attribute-based naming and give examples of where it is applied in details

What are the main security threats in distributed systems?

Discuss the different security policies and mechanisms used in distributed systems.

Illustrate the basics of cryptography and its application in distributed systems in details. OR1

What is authorization management, and how does it differ from authentication?

Explain the role of firewalls in securing distributed systems.

Demonstrate the significance of secure group management in distributed systems with details.

What is blockchain technology? Its origin and key concepts.

Described the concept of decentralization and distribution in blockchain.

Explain the consensus protocol and key characteristics of a consortium blockchain. Its objectives in block chain networks.

What is a consensus mechanism in Blockchain?

Explain the different types of smart contracts and how they are used in Blockchain.

Explain the Proof of Stake (PoS) and Proof of Work (PoW) as a consensus mechanism and its pros and cons.