CAVENDISH ZAMBIA UNIVERSITY
COURSE: IT313 CLUSTERS AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE
COMPUTING (HPC)
Lecturer: Jervas Mwiinga
Meng-ICT, Bsc-Computer System & Networking, Dip. Computers Studies,
Cert. SAP, Cert. Android Application Development
+260 977 335639 / 0954 684766
[email protected] [email protected] INTRODUCTION
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Your expectations in “CLUSTERS AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE
COMPUTING (HPC)
What is CLUSTERS AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING
(HPC)?
WHAT IS HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING
Involves using powerful computers and
clusters of computers to solve complex
problems and process large amounts of data
at high speeds.
the practice of combining computing power
to deliver far greater performance than a
typical desktop or workstation, in order to
solve complex problems in science,
engineering, and business
HPC systems are essential for tasks that
require significant computational power,
such as weather forecasting, scientific
simulations, and big data analysis
KEY COMPONENTS OF HPC
Computer Nodes:
Processors: The core of HPC systems, often
consisting of multiple CPUs or GPUs that perform
calculations.
Memory: High-speed memory (RAM) to store
data temporarily while computations are being
performed.
Physical Storage: On-premises storage solutions
like parallel file systems, SANs, or NAS systems.
Cloud Storage: Scalable and flexible storage
solutions hosted in the cloud.
Hybrid Storage: A combination of physical and
cloud storage to balance performance and cost.
KEY COMPONENTS OF HPC
Networking:
High Bandwidth: Ensures fast data transfer
between nodes.
Low Latency: Reduces the delay in
communication between nodes, which is crucial
for synchronized computations.
Software:
Operating Systems: Linux is commonly used, but
other systems like Windows and Unix can also be
employed.
Schedulers and Managers: Software that
manages the distribution and execution of tasks
across the compute nodes
BENEFITS OF HPC
Accelerating Innovation - Rapid Computation:
HPC systems can process complex computations
quickly, enabling researchers and scientists to
iterate and experiment more efficiently. This
leads to faster scientific and technological
advancements.
Improving Efficiency - Optimized Processes:
Industries can use HPC to run simulations and
analyze data, which helps in optimizing
processes and reducing costs. This enhances
overall productivity and operational efficiency1.
Enabling Scalability - Handling Large Data: HPC
systems can manage growing data and
computational demands, making them
adaptable to various applications across different
BENEFITS OF HPC
Cost Efficiency - Cloud-Based HPC: Pay-as-you-go
pricing models in cloud-based HPC reduce upfront
investment costs, making HPC more accessible to
startups, research institutions, and enterprises.
Enhanced Problem-Solving - Complex Simulations:
HPC allows for the creation of detailed simulations in
fields like weather forecasting, genomics, and
engineering, which can lead to better decision-making
and problem-solving.
Supporting Advanced Research - Scientific
Discoveries: HPC is crucial for advanced research in
areas such as climate modeling, drug discovery, and
astrophysics, enabling breakthroughs that would be
impossible with standard computing.
SUMMARY OF KEY COMPONENTS OF HPC
Computer Solving complex problems
Nodes in science, engineering,
and business eg.
• weather forecasting
HPC
• Scientific simulations
Networki Software
ng (OS) • Big data analysis
• Financial modelling
• Drug discovery
Scheduler
& • Astrophysics
amanager
s
THE END
