Abstract: An algorithm for mapping memory and a method for using a high performance computing (“HPC”) system are disclosed. The algorithm takes into account the number of physical nodes in the HPC system, and the amount of memory in each node. Some of the nodes in the HPC system also include input/output (“I/O”) devices like graphics cards and non-volatile storage interfaces that have on-board memory; the algorithm also accounts for the number of such nodes and the amount of I/O memory they each contain. The algorithm maximizes certain parameters in priority order, including the number of mapped nodes, the number of mapped I/O nodes, the amount of mapped I/O memory, and the total amount of mapped memory.

Abstract: Processor clock signals are generated for each processor in a HPC system, such that all the processor clock signals are of the same frequency. Furthermore, as part of a startup (boot) procedure, a process sets all time stamp counters (TSCs) of the processors, such they indicate identical times. Each blade of the HPC system recovers a recovered clock signal from a synchronous communication network, to which the blade is coupled. The blade generates a processor clock from the recovered clock signal and provides the processor clock to processor(s) on the blade. Each chassis is coupled to a second, system-wide, synchronous communication network, and each chassis synchronizes its chassis synchronous communication network with the system-wide synchronous communication system. Thus, all the processor clock signals are generated with the same frequency.

Abstract: Virtual storage pool creation is simplified by allowing a user to specify what devices to include in virtual storage pool by physical location. The virtual storage pool may be automatically generated based on the simplified user specifications. The user may specify the virtual pool configuration in a configuration file. A configuration application generates the virtual storage pool based on the configuration file. The configuration application utilizes the physical locations of block devices contained in the configuration file to generate the pool. As a result, virtual pool configuration and creation is automated, more efficient and is less error prone than previous methods that involve manually linking between physical device locations and computer generated names.

Abstract: A system reduces the impact of constrained bandwidth to long-term data storage without adding new data storage resources to the data center, typically by temporarily storing data on data storage devices that are contained within a desktop computer, a notebook computer, or other computing device. The invention stores lower priority data sets temporarily on data storage devices that are already purchased or expensed until lower priority data sets can be migrated to long-term data storage. The invention relieves the performance impact of congestion caused by slow communication interfaces, recording channels, and mechanical systems that move tape cartridges around. The invention may also be configured with security functions that restrict where or how certain data sets are stored temporarily.

Abstract: A method of distributing threads among accelerators in a high performance computing system receives a request to assign an accelerator in the computing system to a thread. The request includes a mode indicative of location and exclusivity of the accelerator for use by the thread. The method selects the accelerator according to a processor assigned to the thread. The method also assigns the accelerator to the thread with the exclusivity specified in the request.

Abstract: A high-performance-computer system includes a statistics accumulation apparatus configured to efficiently accumulate system performance data from a variety of system components, and periodically write such data to processor local memory for efficient subsequent software processing of the thus acquired data, thereby reducing the system hardware and software overhead needed for collection of such data as compared to prior art systems.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include software that provides an operator or a system service the ability to access, control, or configure a plurality of different data center resources using common sets of functions or commands even though those data center resources natively require different commands to access, control, or configure them. The invention is configured to accept common commands and then translate them from a common command format into device specific commands or command sets. The invention simplifies how data center equipment is controlled and configured.

Abstract: A primary data storage system is connected with a separate and external active archive storage system to consolidate data and allow active archive data to be managed based on primary storage system events. The primary data storage system may be managed and maintained by an external entity, and may include a manager module such as a resource manager. The active archive system may include several tiers of storage in a hierarchical storage system and logic for moving data between and among the tiers. As data processing milestones are completed or the state of data changes, in projects stored in the primary data storage system, task milestone or state change events are detected. Event detection can trigger data movement in the active archive solution. One or more software modules implementing the present invention may detect the events and trigger active archive operations based on the events.

Abstract: The front panel includes intelligence for controlling power, reset and power down functions for a storage enclosure having multiple servers, service processors, and enclosure management devices. The front panel may display information pertaining to system power state, disk activity, Ethernet activity, and other information. The front panel may implement sequencing rules for changes in power state. The front panel provides information for multiple servers and other devices through a single panel.

Abstract: A two part process is used for modifying records to be written and retrieved from tape devices. A record is appended with a cyclic redundancy check and a string of zeros. Submitting the entire record to tape drives which are logical block protection enabled will result in no change. For drives that are not LBP enabled, the string of zeros at the end of the record is removed. In addition to determining whether a drive is LBP compliant, a determination may be made as to whether a drive is a linear tape open drive from a particular manufacturer. Linear tape open drives may behave similarly as drives which may not be enabled with logical block protection.

Abstract: A high performance computing system and methods are disclosed. The system includes logical partitions with physically removable nodes that each have at least one processor, and memory that can be shared with other nodes. Node hardware may be removed or allocated to another partition without a reboot or power cycle. Memory sharing is tracked using a memory directory. Cache coherence operations on the memory directory include a test to determine whether a given remote node has been removed. If the remote node is not present, system hardware simulates a valid response from the missing node.

Abstract: Computing components housed in a chassis interacts with a bidirectional slide rail system. The bidirectional slide rail system allows the computing components to be maneuvered in two directions—it may be pulled out about halfway to the front of the cabinet and/or pulled out halfway out of the back of the cabinet. This allows for easier access to components of the storage server and allows such components to be serviced from the top of the chassis.

Abstract: High pressure fans are mounted in the middle of an enclosure to create a low pressure zone and a high pressure zone within the enclosure. The high pressure fans pull air through high density sets of hard disk drives in the back of an enclosure and push air through high density disk drives in the front of the enclosure. Being positioned in the middle of an enclosure allows the high pressure fans to mix hot air pulled through the low pressure zone with cool air existing on the other side of the fans. The fans then push the cool mixed air through the next set of hard drives, forming a high pressure zone and allowing the air to exit at the front of the enclosure.

Abstract: A toolless hot-swappable storage module system includes a base plate for mounting within a computer enclosure and a toolless hot-swappable storage module. The storage module includes a sled that is removably coupled to the base plate. The storage module further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) that is disposed on the sled. The PCB includes a plurality of storage media connectors, a PCB signal and power connectors. The storage module also includes a support frame disposed on the PCB. The support frame includes a plurality of support members that are disposed perpendicular to the PCB. Each support member has a first edge and a second edge and includes a plurality of dividers disposed in parallel rows. The support frame also includes a sidewall that is disposed across the first edge of the support members.

Abstract: A multi-tiered data management system utilizes vertical storage tiers, each with one or more horizontal data storage elements, to provide a dynamic and configurable system for managing the storing, archiving and retrieval of data. The system provides an ability to automatically copy data in parallel to multiple types of storage systems horizontally within a tier and vertically between tiers transparently from the host system or user perspective. Users may decide how many backend systems would be utilized and managed, and provide information to define rules or policies for the movement of data into, and among, and from the backend systems and tiers of storage devices. Data is managed by these set policies and determines how long the data will stay in each medium, be migrated between mediums, and otherwise managed. When a user retrieves data, the present system determines which data storage source would best suit the user's request.

Abstract: In accordance with some implementations, a method for evaluating large scale computer systems based on performance is disclosed. A large scale, distributed memory computer system receives topology data, wherein the topology data describes the connections between the plurality of switches and lists the nodes associated with each switch. Based on the received topology data, the system performs a data transfer test for each of the pair of switches. The test includes transferring data between a plurality of nodes and determining a respective overall test result value reflecting overall performance of a respective pair of switches for a plurality of component tests. The system determines that the pair of switches meets minimum performance standards by comparing the overall test result value against an acceptable test value. If the overall test result value does not meet the minimum performance standards, the system reports the respective pair of switches as underperforming.

Abstract: A fast mount cache is provided by any offline storage media for fast volume mount access. The fast mount cache may be used as the first level in a hierarchical storage configuration after the high performance tier for data having high access rates shortly after creation but decreases sharply as the data ages. The fast mount cache stores migrated data from online hard disk drive storage and maintains the data on a volume basis as opposed to a file basis. As the fast mount cache capacity fills, or other events occur triggering a volume change, the fast mount cache erases the volume having the oldest data. While data is maintained on the fast mount cache for periods of time soon after it is migrated, the data may be accessed quickly. After the initial period of time has expired, the data only exists on tape storage or low tier data.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a method of providing performance data for nodes in a high performance computing system receives a request for performance data for a node in the high performance computing system. According to the method, a driver in kernel space causes the performance data for the node to be stored in kernel memory. The kernel memory is accessible in userspace via a first system file.

Abstract: An adaptive router anticipates possible future congestion and enables selection of an alternative route before the congestion occurs, thereby avoiding the congestion. The adaptive router may use a primary route until it predicts congestion will occur. The adaptive router measures packet traffic volume, such as flit volume, on a primary network interface to anticipate the congestion. The adaptive router maintains a trailing sum of the number of flits handled by the primary network interface over a trailing time period. If the sum exceeds a threshold value, the adaptive router assumes the route will become congested, and the adaptive router enables considering routing future packets, or at least the current packet, over possible secondary routes.

Abstract: A system which semi-automates the assignment of data storage device controllers to data storage devices in a system that contains a plurality of data storage device controllers and a plurality of data storage devices. The object of the invention is to programmatically control which data storage device controllers control which specific data storage devices. The invention eliminates the need for an engineer to travel to a data center to manually reconfigure cables or interconnections between data storage device controllers and data storage devices.