IPM-Cluster Specifications

A computer cluster is a set of loosely or tightly connected computers that work together so that, in many respects, they can be viewed as a single system. Computer clusters have each node set to perform the same task, controlled and scheduled by software.

Clusters are usually deployed to improve performance and availability over that of a single computer, while typically being much more cost-effective than single computers of comparable speed or availability.

Computer clusters emerged due to the convergence of several computing trends, including the availability of low-cost microprocessors, high-speed networks, and software for high-performance distributed computing. Prior to the advent of clusters, single-unit fault-tolerant mainframes with modular redundancy were employed; but the lower upfront cost of clusters and increased speed of network fabric has favoured the adoption of clusters. In contrast to high-reliability mainframes, clusters are cheaper to scale out, but also have increased complexity in error handling, as in clusters error modes are not opaque to running programs.

IPM-HPC Center offers a first-class computational infrastructure that supports the computing

requirements of the Laboratory’s mission and research areas.