Towards a clustered system for supercomputing

Abstract

High Performance Clusters (HPCs) are increasingly becoming popular in the field of supercomputing. Improved performance/price ratio is the major driving force. As a result, HPCs are taking over the role of traditional super computers. This study investigates HPCs in relation to providing a cost effective solution to the problem of low processing power. It examines the available methodologies of implementing High Performance Computing using open source software. An evaluation of these methodologies is critically analyzed. The building blocks and challenges of HPCs are also given attention. Consequently, an openMOSIX cluster is proposed for adaptation in the Mathematics Department, Makerere University to enhance its computational power. The study also describes the structure and the design of the would be system. Finally, details of a mini cluster built using the proposed solution are given.