A relational database is a database that can be perceived as a set of tables and manipulated in accordance with the relational model of data. It contains a set of objects used to store, manage, and access data. Examples of such objects are tables, views, indexes, functions, triggers, and packages.
A partitioned relational database is a relational database where the data is managed across multiple partitions (also called nodes). This partitioning of data across partitions is transparent to users of most SQL statements. However, some DDL statements take partition information into consideration (e.g. CREATE NODEGROUP).
A federated database is a relational database where the data is stored in multiple data sources (such as separate relational databases). The data appears as if it were all in a single large database and can be accessed through traditional SQL queries. Changes to the data can be explicitly directed to the appropriate data source. See DB2 Federated Systems for more information.