KCS073 – HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING
B.Tech (SEM VII) – Exam-Oriented Answers
SECTION A
(2 Marks × 10 = 20)
a) Cluster computing vs Grid computing
Cluster computing uses tightly coupled computers in a single location, while grid computing connects geographically distributed, loosely coupled systems to share resources.
b) High performance grid
A high performance grid is a distributed computing system that integrates multiple high-speed resources to solve complex computational problems efficiently.
c) Capabilities of Open Grid Service Architecture (OGSA)
OGSA supports service discovery, resource management, security, interoperability, and scalable grid services.
d) Security issues in grid computing
Security issues include authentication, authorization, data integrity, confidentiality, and secure resource sharing across multiple organizations.
e) Cluster in computing environment
A cluster is a group of interconnected computers that work together as a single system to improve performance, availability, or scalability.
f) Cluster middleware
Cluster middleware is software that enables communication, coordination, and resource management among nodes in a cluster.
g) Advantages of parallel programming
Parallel programming improves performance, reduces execution time, enhances scalability, and efficiently utilizes hardware resources.
h) Advantages of Beowulf model
Beowulf clusters are low-cost, scalable, use commodity hardware, and provide high performance for parallel applications.
i) Types of cloud models
Cloud models include Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, and Community Cloud.
j) Advantages of cloud computing
Cloud computing offers scalability, cost efficiency, flexibility, high availability, and reduced infrastructure maintenance.
SECTION B
(10 Marks × Any 3 = 30)
a) Architecture of high performance grid
High performance grid architecture consists of resource layer, middleware layer, service layer, and application layer.
Advantages: Resource sharing, scalability, cost efficiency
Applications: Scientific simulations, weather forecasting, bioinformatics
b) OGSA capabilities and security concerns
OGSA provides standardized service interfaces, resource discovery, and lifecycle management.
Security concerns include identity management, secure communication, access control, and trust management.
c) Role of resource management in HPC
Resource management allocates CPU, memory, storage, and network efficiently. It ensures load balancing, scheduling, fault tolerance, and optimal system utilization.
d) Role of MPL in parallel programming
Message Passing Libraries (MPI/MPL) allow processes to communicate via messages. They support synchronization, data exchange, and scalability in distributed systems.
e) Cloud deployment models
Deployment models include public, private, hybrid, and community clouds. Each model varies in cost, control, security, and scalability.
SECTION C
(10 Marks × Any 1 = 10)
3(a) Models and protocols in grid computing
Grid computing uses computational grids, data grids, and service grids.
Protocols include GridFTP, GRAM, GSI, and MDS for data transfer, job execution, security, and resource discovery.
3(b) Peer-to-Peer (P2P) computing
P2P computing allows nodes to act as both clients and servers.
Advantages: Scalability, fault tolerance, resource sharing, decentralization.
SECTION D
Job schedulers in GT4 architecture
GT4 uses schedulers like PBS, LSF, Condor, and SGE.
Advantages: Efficient job execution, load balancing, resource optimization.
GSI security layer
Grid Security Infrastructure (GSI) provides authentication, authorization, encryption, and secure communication using certificates.
SECTION E
Cluster analysis Cluster analysis groups similar data points.
Steps to cut hierarchical clustering:
Build dendrogram Choose threshold
Cut tree Form flat clusters
Cluster computing and types Cluster computing combines multiple systems to act as one.
Types: High Performance Clusters
Load Balancing Clusters High Availability Clusters
