|
Context:
Atomistic Simulation Centre (ASC) is the dedicated PHD Research facility of Queen’s University, Belfast, specialising in the field of basic atomic and electrical properties. The behaviour of materials and fluids depends on the motion of atoms, and this motion is simulated by the utilisation of clustered computing technology.
Client/Brief:
five-ninesolutions was appointed by the ASC at Queens University in Belfast to construct a 64 -node dual Opteron computer cluster for a new research project.
Solution:
Tasked with the provision, installation and configuration of a 64 Node SUn v20z Cluster interconnected with ultra low latency, MPI interfaces from Myrinet and running SUSE Linux software, five-ninesolutions set about designing the solution.
Considerations had to be given to cabling, network topology and mechanical installation of the racks and computer equipment. Working closely with Dr. Tony Paxton from the University, the specification was ratified as following:
Two Knurr 19” Industrial Server Racks were installed and locked together to ensure stability and support. The servers were fully tested prior to installation and the Myrinet Fibre card installed. With the servers in place, the Power Distribution Units (PDU), were mounted internally, allowing an individual connection to each unit. Next it was the turn of the Ethernet backbone used to pass control messages throughout the node. These were then connected to two HP Procurve switches.
Each of the Sunv20z nodes comes equipped with a LOM (Lights Out Management) controller, allowing a remote system administrator to log into any of the machines and check system status such as temperature, CPU usage, network statistics, etc, even when the host system is not in operation.
Finally, the previously installed Myrinet cards were connected via the fibre to the 64 Way Myrinet switch, providing the ultra low latency Message Passing Interface (MPI), essential for high speed clustering.
The University developed its own flavour of SUSE Linux to provide the best perfromance for its data and with the aid of grid software, the cluster was completed.
Impact:
ASC carreis out extremely complex molecular research requiring an extremely reliable, high performance installation. Having had some bad experiences with suppliers in the past, ASC took advantage of five-ninesolutions total customised service. five-ninesolutions delivered the equipment directly to ASC’s dedicated computer room, and installed and configured the system on site, enabling the cluster to be up and running in the shortest possible time.
Satisfaction:
“I am delighted with five-ninesolutions customer commitment and would recommend the company to anyone contemplating a similar project. Thanks Andy for your attention to detail, that’s what matters.”
Contact:
Custom built computers and fully bespoke systems designed and built to your exact requirements from five-ninesolutions.
www.five-9s.net
|
