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Division of IT: Policies
Using Cluster Technology
Objective
Defines circumstances when clustered computers are allowed and the network configuration required to connect clusters to the network.
Affected Parties: MU researchers.
Policy
Using computer clusters for legitimate research-oriented applications that require clustering technology is supported without incurring excess port charges. Clustered configurations which use departmentally-owned and operated network equipment and do not pay Ethernet port charges for the individual computers in the cluster are acceptable as long as:
- Clusters are used for specific research purposes that require cluster technology.
- Cluster PCs utilize routing across TigerNet very sparingly. Only traffic required for the management of the cluster is allowed.
- Cluster PCs use Network Address Translation (NAT) and there is no direct connection to TigerNet. Private addressing will be used.
- Cluster Control PC connects to both TigerNet and the departmental cluster.
- Cluster Control PC performs NAT routing for cluster PCs. A standard port charge is charged for the TigerNet connection.
- The department is responsible for the cluster network.
- Cluster networking equipment does not attach directly to TigerNet.
- Clusters must be approved and registered by submitting the network consultation form.
- The Division of Information Technology reserves the right to audit the cluster configuration for compliance with this policy.
Using computer clustering technology to evade port charges is in violation of MU and Division of IT networking policies. Clusters, mostly Beowulf clusters on the MU campus, can be configured in differing ways. These configurations allow for the computers in the cluster to have differing levels of access to resources outside the cluster.
Configurations
In a typical cluster individual computers in the cluster communicate across a private network to a control station. This control station has a Ethernet connection to the outside network to allow for control of the cluster and the transfer of data. Only the control station can communicate across the outside network and only the control station pays a Ethernet port charge.
Another possible cluster configuration allows for the control station to act as a NAT router. This enables the other stations in the cluster to communicate across the outside network. Both configurations are acceptable as long as the previously listed criteria are met.
Consultation Form
Division of IT is available for cluster consultations. Complete the network consultation form.
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