QuickSpecs
hp
AlphaServer
SC20
DA-10976
North America — Version 1 — May 24, 2002
2
Preface
Preface: AlphaServer SC Architecture
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Each AlphaServer SC20 system consists of at least one and up to five Cluster File System Domains (CFS Domains, or Domains) built from
system building blocks. These building blocks include the Interconnect, Compute/Base, Storage, and Management Building Blocks.
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There are two types of domains -- a File Server Domain and a Compute Server Domain. Each consists of up to 32 AlphaServer nodes
interconnected to one another, and to the other domains, by the Interconnect Building Block. AlphaServer SC System Software supports up to
128 interconnected nodes. Each domain is configured with a Cluster File System (CFS), which forms part of a global AlphaServer Super Cluster
File System (SCFS).
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The system building blocks are designed to incorporate the components required for the operation of a basic AlphaServer SC System. The
building blocks also incorporate the integration services required to stage, integrate and test the entire system at the factory, as well as to install
the system at the customer site. AlphaServer SC System Software and AlphaServer SC Development Software enable administration and usage
of the AlphaServer SC systems. The AlphaServer SC System Software is factory installed.
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One File-Serving Domain is required for each AlphaServer SC System. File-Serving Domain consist of a total of at least two and up to 32 File-
Serving nodes. All nodes should be of the same type. The File-Serving nodes may also be used for computation other than file services. Nodes
are configured in the Compute Building Blocks (CBBs – Step 1), each of which houses four or 32 nodes. Additional nodes, if required, are
selected as Base Building Blocks (BBBs – Step 1), to house up to 36 nodes in a cabinet. It is recommended that the File-Serving Domain be
configured with the maximum anticipated number of File-Serving nodes, since later expansions would require rewiring, as well as rebuilding of
the file systems for the domains. In addition, highly available CFS storage is included for both the local CFS operating system files, and for the
high-speed system-wide user files. The storage is provided by one or more Storage Building Blocks (SBBs – Step 5) each of which includes a
RAID subsystem. The amount and type of storage depends on considerations of total capacity, bandwidth, and availability. One SBB is
mandatory for the File Server Domain. The others are optional and integration services must be separately ordered for them. A storage specialist
should be consulted before configuring extra storage.
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Each Compute-Serving Domain consists of one or more CBBs or BBBs with a total of at least 2 and up to 32 compute nodes. Within each
domain, all nodes should be of the same type. It is recommended that the Compute-Serving Domains be configured with the maximum possible
number of nodes, since later expansions would require rewiring, as well as rebuilding of the file systems for the domains. AlphaServer SC
System Software supports up to four Compute-Serving Domains. For each compute server domain, CFS storage is included for the local CFS
operating system. The storage is provided by extra disk drives, which are accommodated in the primary SBB for the File Server Domain. Extra
storage can optionally be configured and integrated. A storage specialist should be consulted before configuring extra storage.
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Interconnect Building Blocks (IBBs – Step 3) provide high-speed connectivity between nodes. Single 16-way or 128-way IBBs are selected
according to the anticipated maximum scale of the system. IBBs incorporate management components (see the description below of the MBB).
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Management Building Blocks (MBBs – Step 4), and console and management expansion options (Step 4) provide extra infrastructure for
managing the AlphaServer SC System. For systems with a 16-way or 128-way IBB, the MBB is not sold as a separate part, but rather is a
combination of management components incorporated in the IBB, and a Management Server consisting of a specially configured AlphaServer
DS20E or DS10. The AlphaServer SC 16-way and 128-way IBBs have full console and management support for up to 16 nodes. For additional
nodes, extra components are selected according to the rules of Step 4. Each AlphaServer SC System also requires one or more monitors and
keyboards. Step 4 lists the possible options, including a choice of either rackmount or tabletop console.
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Every node of an AlphaServer SC20 system must have special software configured and licensed to manage the system and to execute parallel
jobs. This software, AlphaServer SC System Software, is licensed using combinations of part numbers explained in Step 9. The licenses also
permit usage of the software on management servers. Optional development software, AlphaServer SC Development Software (Step 9), can be
licensed for compilation and analysis of user applications on the AlphaServer SC20 systems.
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Options are available for Ethernet, ATM, and HIPPI connectivity (Step 6) of the AlphaServer SC system to external networks. Options are also
available for adding cabinets (Step 8) to the AlphaServer SC system to house storage and other devices. When adding cabinets, it is mandatory
to purchase integration services to ensure correct installation.
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Hardware and software support services are highly recommended, and are available in various combinations described in Step 10.
A 3-day (16-way IBB) or 5-day (128-way IBB) on-site AlphaServer SC system software support is provided by Professional Services. Additional
services (Step 11) may be selected for extra installation and administrative support, as well as for training.
