> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mariadb.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mariadb.com/docs/gridgain/gridgain-8/architecture/cluster.md).

# Cluster

How GridGain 8 nodes discover each other and form a cluster, how activation and baseline topology control the cluster lifecycle, and how the cluster protects itself from split-brain.

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[Clustering](/docs/gridgain/gridgain-8/architecture/cluster/clustering.md)
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How GridGain nodes discover each other to form a cluster, the difference between server, client, and thin clients, and how a cluster is activated.
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[Baseline Topology](/docs/gridgain/gridgain-8/architecture/cluster/baseline-topology.md)
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The baseline topology is the set of server nodes that hold data and controls when data rebalancing happens, either manually or through autoadjustment.
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[Split-Brain Protection](/docs/gridgain/gridgain-8/architecture/cluster/split-brain-protection.md)
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How GridGain helps you detect and mitigate network segmentation (the split-brain problem) using the Topology Validator and SegmentationResolver APIs.
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