Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

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

At the completion of this unit students will be able to:

• discuss some of the enabling technologies e.g. high-speed links and storage area networks for building computer grids;
• explain the use of some of the grid computing and clustering middleware used to implement virtual super computers, including security mechanisms;
• explain programming toolkits such as Parallel Virtual Machine (PVM) and Message Passing Interface (MPI) for writing parallel computer applications;
• explain HPC Portals, peer-to-peer (P2P) networking and semantic grids;
• elaborate some of the significant grid computing areas of application e.g. Bio-Technology, eHealth and eMedicine, Finance, and Computer Networks;
• install and configure a small computer grid using Globus toolkit or a similar middleware;
• gain familiarity with commonly used grid application tools and middleware interfaces;
• extend the grid and test these applications;
• gain familiarity with MPI as employed in clusters and grids;
• understand basic performance concepts in grids and identify frequent causes of performance problems in grid applications;
• understand basic software and hardware reliability concepts in grids and identify frequent causes of reliability problems in grid applications.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Contact hours

2 hrs lectures/wk, 1 hr laboratory/wk, 1 hr tutorial/wk

Prerequisites

FIT1001 and one of FIT1002, CSE1202 or CSE1301 and one of FIT1005 or FIT2008

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

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