Loosely and tightly coupled multiprocessing

A multiprocessing system does not necessarily have to be implemented within a single system, but can also consist of multiple systems which are connected in a network. Such a cluster is then called a loosely coupled multiprocessing system. We cover distributing computing in Chapter 9, Multithreading with Distributed Computing.

This is in contrast with a tightly coupled multiprocessing system, whereby the system is integrated on a single printed circuit board (PCB), using the same low-level, high-speed bus or similar.