Introduction

Cluster elements

A computer cluster is a set of connected computers working together so that they can be viewed as a single system. It is comprised of several emenents:

  • A node is the individual computer part of each cluster. Nodes are analogous to the computers we use everyday.

  • Nodes are logically grouped into partitions. One node can belong to several partitions.

  • Each node in turn has processors (also called sockets) made up of computing entities called cores.

Who may use HPC services

The HPC resources are available for academic research and education at Fysikum. Researchers and their collaborators will need to apply for an allocation of time/storage for their projects by emailing the Technical Division.

Cluster usage policy

  • The Fysikum cluster is a common resource supported and maintained by Fysikum available to research groups at Fysikum.

  • It is a supplement rather than an alternative to national large-scale infrastructures such as PDC and SNIC bridging the gap between desktop computers and large clusters.

  • Basic infrastructure such as rack space, power, operating system infrastructure, hardware and software installation & maintenance, basic login nodes, storage, and interconnect as well as some general computing nodes are provided by Fysikum.

  • Available compute time is shared equally between Fysikum users (managed by a queuing system).

  • Excessive use of storage (>~several TB) requires a user contribution to the cluster (approx 1kkr/TB/5 years for scratch space with no backup and 2kkr/TB/5 years for storage with backup).

  • Additional compute nodes are funded by projects/research groups. Research groups have priority on the resources they funded. If the resources are idle they are available for other users.

  • External collaborators can get access to the cluster after approval by the host. They get access to the cluster on the same premises as the host’s group members.

Getting Access

Before starting using HPC resources, you will need to get an account. Currently, we do not enforce time allocations limitting the corehours usage.

To apply for an HPC account, you need to fill in and submit the application form linked below. We do not use passwords to access the system. To be able to login, you will need to provide your public key. To apply for an HPC account, complete the form at https://it.fysik.su.se/hpc-reg/ and submit it.