* SC07 builds a monster network in Reno
Every year, the SCxy conference for supercomputing pushes the envelope – not just for computing, but for high-performance networking as well.
The SC07 conference is going on this week in Reno, Nev., and the network, called SCinet, is expected to be impressive. The conference organizers claim it is the most powerful, advanced network ever built for a conference.
The network has to be substantial to support the conference activities. For example, there is the annual Bandwidth Challenge. Seven research teams will try to make the most use out of the 10Gbps WAN links, using supercomputing power from around the world.
Last year, nine teams competed. The winning team came from the National Center for Data Mining at the University of Illinois at Chicago. It was able to get a sustained transfer rate of 8Gbps on a 10Gbps network link, with a peak transfer rate of 9.18Gbps.
Last year I wrote about the network for SC06, but I focused a little too narrowly on one of the contributors to the network and had to issue a mea culpa the following week (see the correction at the bottom of the newsletter).
So, rather than venture down that road again, I’d rather take a look at some fun facts that SC07 displays on its Web site about SCinet:
* The network is built entirely by volunteers.
* Total bandwidth is 200Gbps.
* The network is modeled after regional networks, with NOCs serving as “cities.”
* 48 miles of fiber-optic lines will be used.
* The wireless network will also be the largest conference implementation.
* The intrusion-detection systems operate at 40Gbps.
* 56 institutions and companies donate time and equipment.
And of course, the entire thing is built on glass, so be careful where you step. The conference organizers write:
“Exhibitors please note: It is important when constructing your booth that you do not place heavy booth material on the fiber near the edge of your booth. To avoid damage to the network fiber taped to the exhibit hall floor, point-loads must not be positioned within 18″ inside the booth boundary along all aisle ways.”
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