Single Node Computing
Modern personal computers are equipped multi-core CPU. Each core of CPU processes each data of SPMD model. In this kind of parallel computer, there is no need for network data transfer since all the computing and communication are in the single node.
Cluster Computing
A cluster is a group of multi-core computers connected by network. The network may vary from Gigabit Ethernet to Infiniband that transfers data at rate of 40 GBytes per second and with ultra-low latency.
Cluster generally offers the best capability/price. The cost of operating system can be even lower if Linux rather than Windows is employed. Supercomputer is too expensive for most industries. Cluster is more attractive because of its low-cost.
