Received 10.08.2025, Revised 22.10.2025, Accepted 23.12.2025

Comparison of data consistency models in distributed database management systems

Andrii Myrhorodskyi , Oksana Romanyuk

The use of distributed infrastructure to ensure scalability and high availability creates new challenges for maintaining data consistency between rapidly growing information system nodes that require reliable data management for correct operation. The aim of the study was to comprehensively systematise and comparatively analyse methods for ensuring data consistency in distributed database management systems, taking into account the fundamental trade-offs between consistency, availability and update delays described by the CAP and PACELC theorems. To achieve this goal, methods of theoretical analysis, formal modelling of system behaviour, and comparative expert evaluation were used. As a result of the study, consistency models were systematised according to two main approaches: data-centric and clientcentric. The first approach analyses models that determine the global behaviour of the system: linearity, sequential, causal and eventual consistency. The advantages, disadvantages and typical application scenarios are identified for each model. The second approach considers client-oriented models that provide guarantees within a single user session: read and write consistency, monotonic read, monotonic write, and session causality. A generalised classification is proposed that visualises the relationship between the degree of consistency, delays, flexibility, fault tolerance and potential performance for each model. All considered data consistency models are compared using a number of selected essential characteristics (PACELC class, consistency, fault tolerance, potential performance, etc.) and diagrams based on their parameters. The practical value of the work lies in the formulation of clear recommendations for selecting the optimal consistency model depending on the requirements for reliability, performance, and architectural features of the information system. The results can be used to improve the efficiency of designing distributed databases in high-load systems, such as financial services, Internet of Things platforms, and cloud applications

distributed systems; Data-Centric consistency; Client-Centric consistency; CAP theorem; PACELC; system availability; fault tolerance
101-112
Myrhorodskyi , A. , & Romanyuk, O. (2025). Comparison of data consistency models in distributed database management systems. Information Technologies and Computer Engineering, 22(3), 101-112. https://doi.org/10.31649/vitce/3.2025.101

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