computeKnoten

ComputeKnoten is a compute node in a computer cluster, used in high-performance computing and data processing environments. It provides the processing power for user applications, while other nodes handle scheduling and data management.

A computeKnoten typically consists of one or more CPUs with many cores, substantial RAM, local storage, and a high-speed network interface to other nodes. Some nodes are equipped with GPUs or other accelerators to accelerate specific workloads. The hardware configuration is chosen to match the expected workload, memory bandwidth, and interconnect performance of the cluster.

Each node runs an operating system and a minimal set of services. A batch scheduler such as Slurm, PBS, or Grid Engine coordinates resource allocation across the cluster. Parallel workloads commonly use MPI or OpenMP, and container runtimes (for example Singularity) may be used to provide isolated environments for applications and dependencies.

Workloads are submitted by users and scheduled to run on available computeKnoten. Performance is influenced by interconnect topology, node memory, and CPU/GPU capabilities, as well as software configuration and job scheduling policies. Nodes often provide local scratch storage for temporary data during execution.

Administration and maintenance involve monitoring health and utilization, applying firmware and software updates, and managing power and cooling. Security considerations include user isolation, access controls, and, where appropriate, containerization to limit the impact of user code.

Related concepts include cluster computing, high-performance computing, head nodes, and batch scheduling.