Definition
Distribution ( Distributed System)
Distribution, as a scaling technique, divides data, work or responsibility among multiple components so that different parts can be handled at different locations rather than passing through one central point.
Partitions assign separate portions to different components; hierarchies subdivide responsibility through domains or zones. Unlike replication, the purpose is to split responsibility, not to maintain several copies of the same logical resource.
Scaling Effect
Adding components can increase capacity when requests can be handled within their assigned parts. Uneven load and operations requiring coordination across all parts can still limit the benefit.
Example
DNS Zones
The DNS distributes responsibility for names through a hierarchy of zones, rather than storing and resolving every name at one site.