Virtual Clusters: A Cost-Benefit Look Into the Future of Computing at CMU Alok Chatterjee Anusha...
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Transcript of Virtual Clusters: A Cost-Benefit Look Into the Future of Computing at CMU Alok Chatterjee Anusha...
Virtual Clusters:Virtual Clusters:A Cost-Benefit Look Into the Future of Computing at CMUA Cost-Benefit Look Into the Future of Computing at CMU
Alok Chatterjee
Anusha Krishnakumar
November 25th 2002
Introduction - What is a Introduction - What is a Virtual Cluster?Virtual Cluster?
VC Locations– University Center VC (Apple grant)– GSIA (IBM ThinkPads)
“Laptop check-out system” very similar to library system
Background on “VC’s”– Planning process begun in 1994
GSIA Virtual ClusterGSIA Virtual Cluster
First VC opened in 1998 (pilot program)– 28 IBM ThinkPads
GSIA full service VC– 50 ThinkPads today
Various known problems going into VC project
GSIA VC CostsGSIA VC Costs
Main costs associated with VC:– Need for More Man-Power– Network issues (wireless supports far less bandwidth)
Further costs:– Laptop / Battery lifecycle
Replacement costs
– Skilled labor / Training costs– Waiting time
Back-to-back classes, etc
– Laptop availability Not available 24 hours
Need for More Man-PowerNeed for More Man-Power
• Training (i.e., logistics for running the cluster)
• Cluster needs to be constantly staffed
• Certain Technical Skills (e.g., technical support)
• Higher salaries associated with the above attributes
Network issuesNetwork issues
• Wireless supports far less bandwidth, resulting in more jams
• Users closer to wireless hubs tend to use up more bandwidth, detracting from other users’ usage capabilities
GSIA VC BenefitsGSIA VC Benefits
Various benefits too– Space conservation– Energy savings– Flexibility / Mobility
Space ConservationSpace Conservation
• Small checkout hub, located near classrooms / auditoriums
• The GSIA virtual cluster takes up approximately one-tenth of the space that the Baker cluster does
• Given the shortage of classrooms on campus, the potential benefits resulting from more virtual clusters, and, by extension, fewer desktop clusters, could be enormous
Energy SavingsEnergy Savings
– Laptops tend to take less energy than desktops
Dependent upon the power consumption of the battery charger
These computers will NOT be left on all the time like the cluster computers
Flexibility / MobilityFlexibility / Mobility
– All the benefits of a laptop, plus an Ethernet connection
– Especially useful given space constraints
– Can effectively control the size of the cluster
Wrap-upWrap-up
Various benefits and costs as mentioned earlier– Space, energy, replacement costs, etc
Success of Virtual Cluster system today– Laptops checked out on a regular basis, popular with
students and professors
Our recommendation– Expand the virtual cluster service and eliminate some
desktop clusters
Questions?Questions?