FIT3010 - Grid computing

Leader(s): Carlo Kopp

Offered

Not offered in 2009

Synopsis

Contemporary computers grids provide means to implement on-demand computing. These grids can also provide a seamless (web-like) access to a variety of networked resources, e.g. large data stores and information repositories, expensive instruments, high-speed links, sensors networks, and multimedia services for a wide range of applications. Topics covered include: Computational and service-oriented grids. LVS and Beowulf Clusters. Gridservices, Webservices, WSDL, HPC Portals, Home Grids, and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks. Grid applications, and performance in relation to processor and network performance constraints.

Objectives

Upon completion of the unit, students should be able to:

1. Discuss some of the enabling technologies e.g. high-speed links and storage area networks for building computer grids.
2. Explain the use of some of the grid computing and clustering middleware used to implement virtual super computers, including security mechanisms.
3. Explain programming toolkits such as Parallel Virtual Machine (PVM) and Message Passing Interface (MPI) for writing parallel computer applications.
4. Explain HPC Portals, peer-to-peer (P2P) networking and semantic grids.
5. Elaborate some of the significant grid computing areas of application e.g. Bio-Technology, eHealth and eMedicine, Finance, and Computer Networks.
6. Install and configure a small computer grid using Globus toolkit or a similar middleware.
7. Gain familiarity with commonly used grid application tools and middleware interfaces.
8. Extend the grid and test these applications.
9. Gain familiarity with MPI as employed in clusters and grids.
10. Understand basic performance concepts in grids and identify frequent causes of performance problems in grid applications.
11. Understand basic software and hardware reliability concepts in grids and identify frequent causes of reliability problems in grid applications.

Assessment

Assignments: 30%, Labwork: 10%, Final examination: 60%

Contact hours

Lecture: 2hrs/week, tutorial: 2hrs/week

Prerequisites

FIT1001 and (FIT1002 or CSE1202 or CSE1301) and (FIT1005 or FIT2008).

Some experience with a C like programming language or Java.

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/units/fit3010/