Definition
The architectural framework where RAG components—such as vector databases, embedding models, and LLM inference engines—are partitioned across multiple networked nodes to enable horizontal scaling, fault tolerance, and high-throughput processing. In AI Agents, this refers to the orchestration of multiple autonomous processes or services communicating via message protocols to execute complex, multi-step tasks.
Focuses on the multi-node infrastructure of production AI rather than a single-process local script.
"A global logistics network where specialized warehouses (nodes) handle different regions, but a central dispatch (orchestrator) ensures a single package (query) arrives at its destination."
- Sharding(Prerequisite)
- Horizontal Scaling(Component)
- Eventual Consistency(Component)
- Load Balancing(Prerequisite)
Conceptual Overview
The architectural framework where RAG components—such as vector databases, embedding models, and LLM inference engines—are partitioned across multiple networked nodes to enable horizontal scaling, fault tolerance, and high-throughput processing. In AI Agents, this refers to the orchestration of multiple autonomous processes or services communicating via message protocols to execute complex, multi-step tasks.
Disambiguation
Focuses on the multi-node infrastructure of production AI rather than a single-process local script.
Visual Analog
A global logistics network where specialized warehouses (nodes) handle different regions, but a central dispatch (orchestrator) ensures a single package (query) arrives at its destination.