Services
Cycles on Demand: Shared Interactive Computing
By Virginia To, Special Initiatives Lead, ARL MSRC/vtk Solutions
Recently, there has been growing requirements in the DoD HPC user community for shared interactive high performance computing resources. The users primarily come from the Signal/Image Processing, Forces Modeling & Simulation and Integrated Modeling & Testing communities. The HPCMP and ARL MSRC have agreed to support this important and growing demand by dedicating a 256 processor Linux Networx Evolocity II system, known as Powell, for shared interactive use.
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| Powell 256 Processor Linux Networx cluster |
Each of the system’s 128 nodes is comprised of dual 3.06 GHz Intel Xeon processor, 2 GB memory with gigabit Ethernet and Myrinet2000 interconnects. There are three, two terabyte shared disk volumes available from each login and compute node. This machine is currently running RedHat Enterprise 3 Advanced Server linux distribution along with the Red Hat Global File System. Current interactive projects include Hyperspectral work from the Air Force and the One Semi-Automated Forces (OneSAF) Objective System for the Army’s Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, & Instrumentation.
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| Powell node reservation web form and calendar lets you reserve time via the ARL MSRC website. (Kerberos user authentication required) |
Since this is the first shared interactive HPC resource supported at a HPCMP MSRC, there are still many unanswered questions on how to best support the users operationally. The Center is working with the user community to develop policies on the use of this system. Open questions include: use of the machine on demand - allow the scheduler to manage the request; advanced reservations - request for a time window and number of processors; determining priorities - first come/first served, allocations, review panel. An initial capability using a web-based reservation form and the ability to view the system-wide calendar is functioning in a proof of concept mode. If you have an interactive computing requirement, please contact the ARL MSRC helpdesk via 1-800-275-1552 or 410-278-1700/6933 or e-mail msrchelp@arl.army.mil
| Powell Interactive Reservation: https://www.arl.hpc.mil/reserve/powell.jsp |
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