Abstract: A method and apparatus for fast backup of a set of compute nodes to save the state of the software in a parallel computer system. A fast backup mechanism in the service node of the computer system configures a set of nodes to be used for a backup and when needed uses the network hardware to perform a fast backup from node to node from an original set of nodes to the backup set of nodes. In the preferred embodiments a the fast backup is done with respect to a midplane or rack of nodes copied to a backup rack of nodes.

Abstract: In a networked computer system that includes multiple nodes and multiple networks interconnecting the nodes, a database query optimizer takes network choice into consideration when optimizing a query. The query optimizer logs historical information for queries that includes network information. A network monitor determines network characteristics of the multiple networks. The query optimizer then selects a network for a query based on the network characteristics, and optionally based on the historical information as well. The result is a query optimizer that takes network choice into consideration, thereby providing a query that is optimized according to the characteristics of the networks.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method optimize the operation of a parallel computer system by, in part, collecting performance data for a set of implementations of a function capable of being executed on the parallel computer system based upon the execution of the set of implementations under varying input parameters in a plurality of input dimensions. The collected performance data may be used to generate selection program code that is configured to call selected implementations of the function in response to a call to the function under varying input parameters. The collected performance data may be used to perform more detailed analysis to ascertain the comparative performance of the set of implementations of the function under the varying input parameters.

Abstract: A massively parallel nodal computer system periodically collects and broadcasts usage data for an internal communications network. A node sending data over the network makes a global routing determination using the network usage data. Preferably, network usage data comprises an N-bit usage value for each output buffer associated with a network link. An optimum routing is determined by summing the N-bit values associated with each link through which a data packet must pass, and comparing the sums associated with different possible routes.

Abstract: A massively parallel computer system contains an inter-nodal communications network of node-to-node links. Each node implements a respective routing strategy for routing data through the network, the routing strategies not necessarily being the same in every node. The routing strategies implemented in the nodes are dynamically adjusted during application execution to shift network workload as required. Preferably, adjustment of routing policies in selective nodes is performed at synchronization points. The network may be dynamically monitored, and routing strategies adjusted according to detected network conditions.

Abstract: A massively parallel computer system contains an inter-nodal communications network of node-to-node links. An automated routing strategy routes packets through one or more intermediate nodes of the network to reach a destination. Some packets are constrained to be routed through respective designated transporter nodes, the automated routing strategy determining a path from a respective source node to a respective transporter node, and from a respective transporter node to a respective destination node. Preferably, the source node chooses a routing policy from among multiple possible choices, and that policy is followed by all intermediate nodes. The use of transporter nodes allows greater flexibility in routing.

Abstract: A massively parallel computer system contains an inter-nodal communications network of node-to-node links. Nodes vary a choice of routing policy for routing data in the network in a semi-random manner, so that similarly situated packets are not always routed along the same path. Semi-random variation of the routing policy tends to avoid certain local hot spots of network activity, which might otherwise arise using more consistent routing determinations. Preferably, the originating node chooses a routing policy for a packet, and all intermediate nodes in the path route the packet according to that policy. Policies may be rotated on a round-robin basis, selected by generating a random number, or otherwise varied.

Abstract: A warning system for displaying a warning that a device unit is in use includes a sign unit configured to display warning information. A device unit includes a communication module configured to provide a wireless communication between the device unit and the sign unit such that when the device unit is activated, the communication module automatically transmits a wireless warning signal to the sign unit instructing the sign unit to display the warning information.