Abstract:Construction of computer clusters. PBS. Hybrid clusters. GPGPU. Constructing efficient high-performance computer clusters as well as delivering HPC services to an end user in a convenient way can be a challenging task and there are a number of options one can try to solve this problem out of which virtualization-based solution is the simplest one. However, software configuration also have to be taken into account in order to boost performance of scientific software packages and to set up user-friendly graphical interface of a virtual machine. So, overall system architecture and configuration of individual components both have to be considered to deliver HPC services in an efficient and user-friendly way.

Outline of the contents:

Theoretical part

1. Introduction to computer clusters, pros and cons, examples.


2. Cluster creation using portable batch system (PBS).


3. PBS basics, comparison with other approaches, outline of different PBS implementations (PBS TORQUE, PBS Professional).


4. Optimization questions for real scientific applications (SPbSU clusters).


5. Hybrid clusters.


6. GPGPU Basics, pros and cons.

Practice (with remote access to SPbSU hybrid cluster).

1. Using PBS (SPbSU clusters).


2. Running different tasks on cluster (tests and real applications).


3. GPGPU applications on cluster (SPbSU hybrid cluster).

Presenter: Vladimir Gaiduchok, Ivan Gankevich (Saint Peterburg State University, Russia)

Please be aware that the number of participants is limited.

The tutorial is orginized in the conjunction with CSIT'2013 conference within the INARMERA-ICT (Integrating Armenia into ERA: Information and and Communication Technologies) Project  funded by the EU Seventh Framework Programme.