[Beowulf] Confused over the term cluster

[Gerry Creager]

Didn't we hash through this a few years ago, too?  I seem to recall a 
similar definition, but one that specifically indicated that shared 
memory wasn't an element of a Beowulf Cluster?  Didn't that make it into 
Kragen's FAQ?

gerry

Douglas Eadline wrote:
> My short operational definition of a cluster is collection of
> independent systems (motherboards) that communicate
> over a private network/interconnect, none of which
> are dependent on the other for operating, with
> excetion of the head/master/gateway node.
> 
> Under this definition, a multi-core node is not a cluster
> nor is any design whose operation is dependent
> upon shared memory between nodes, even though the
> nodes are separate systems. Of course this is my
> definition.
> 
> BTW, I believe the following is also used:
> 
> N=nodes
> P=cores/processors per node
> 
> P>=N = cluster
> N<P = constellation
> 
> 
> --
> Doug
> 
> 
>> Hi,
>>
>> I am kinda confused with term cluster and now am sure if this where I can
>> post my question. What exactly can be defined as a cluster ?, We have a 32
>> node cluster in our lab. and the number 32 here is referred to 32 separate
>> machines ( each with its own processor ). What about the new machines
>> like,
>> dual core processors or the quad core processors, are those considered
>> clusters also. For example, should we refer to a quad core processor as a
>> cluster of 4 processors. Hope someone out there could explain. Thanks
>>
>>
>> !DSPAM:47ec49f7195876865219710!
>> _______________________________________________
>> Beowulf mailing list, Beowulf at beowulf.org
>> To change your subscription (digest mode or unsubscribe) visit
>> http://www.beowulf.org/mailman/listinfo/beowulf
>>
>>
>> !DSPAM:47ec49f7195876865219710!
>>
> 
> 
> --
> Doug
> _______________________________________________
> Beowulf mailing list, Beowulf at beowulf.org
> To change your subscription (digest mode or unsubscribe) visit http://www.beowulf.org/mailman/listinfo/beowulf

-- 
Gerry Creager -- gerry.creager at tamu.edu
Texas Mesonet -- AATLT, Texas A&M University	
Cell: 979.229.5301 Office: 979.458.4020 FAX: 979.862.3983
Office: 1700 Research Parkway Ste 160, TAMU, College Station, TX 77843