An ATM-based Distributed High Performance Computing System

We describe the distributed high performance computing system we have developed to integrate together a heterogeneous set of high performance computers, high capacity storage systems and fast communications hardware. Our system is based upon Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) communications technology and we routinely operate between the geographically distant sites of Adelaide and Canberra (separated by some 1100km) using Telstra’s ATMbased Experimental Broadband Network (EBN). We discuss some of the latency and performance issues that result from running day-to-day operations across such a long distance network. In addition to reviewing the hardware and systems software we have used, we relate some of the experience we have gained from integrating this technology into our working environment. We believe this type of distributed computing system has great potential for a range of distributed applications which we also present.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1997
• Where: HPCN
• Authors: Kenneth A. Hawick, Heath A. James, Kevin Maciunas, Francis Vaughan, Andrew L. Wendelborn, M. Buchhorn, M. Rezny, S. R. Taylor, M. D. Wilson
• Keywords: Asynchronous Transfer Mode, Distributed And Parallel Computing, HPCN 1997, Long Distance Network, We Believe