The SGI Graphics Cluster provides low-cost semi-immersive graphics capabilities for visual simulation and virtual reality applications. The product is available in two models, the SGI Graphics Cluster Series 11 and the SGI Graphics Cluster Series 12. Each model consists of a single master node, multiple visual channel nodes (each with a commercial graphics card), and an Ethernet backbone, including a network switch. The SGI Graphics Cluster uses either the Linux or Windows NT operating system and incorporates proprietary hardware and software from SGI.
Each model of the SGI Graphics Cluster is available in two formats:
Short rack with one master node, a network switch, and as many as three visual channel nodes
Tall rack with one master node, a network switch, and as many as seven visual channel nodes
This chapter introduces the SGI Graphics Cluster systems, in these sections:
Figure 1-1 shows an example of a tall rack for the SGI Graphics Cluster.
Figure 1-2 shows an example of a short rack for the SGI Graphics Cluster.
The tall rack comes with a 220-V power distribution unit (PDU); the short rack comes with either a 120-V PDU or a 220-V PDU.
This section introduces SGI Graphics Cluster hardware in the following sections:
An SGI Graphics Cluster node is a rackmounted IA-32 workstation running either Windows NT or Red Hat Linux. Nodes are of two types: master and channel.
The master node is the main compute node in the system; it handles all system synchronization and provides a network gateway. Each base rack has only one master node, positioned at the bottom of the rack.
The master node is available in two formats: single-CPU, used in the SGI Graphics Cluster Series 11, and dual-CPU, used in the SGI Graphics Cluster Series 12. The master node has standard input and output devices, such as monitor, keyboard, and mouse. In the SGI Graphics Cluster Series 12, the master node is at the head of the SGI ImageSync daisy chain.
A channel node is the primary graphics element in the system. Each channel node can drive a single display or can be combined with other channel nodes to drive a large display.
The short rack can include as many as three channel nodes; the tall rack accommodates as many as seven channel nodes.
In the SGI Graphics Cluster Series 12, each master and channel node includes a commercial graphics card and an SGI ImageSync card. These cards are designed to work together to communicate with the SGI ImageSync network. Chapter 2, “SGI Graphics Cluster Master and Channel Nodes” describes the nodes and their components in detail.
Figure 1-3 diagrams an example of connections within an SGI Graphics Cluster system.
Each SGI Graphics Cluster system includes a 100-Base-T Ethernet switch for system networking; an optional gigabit Ethernet switch can be added, for example, for connection to a storage area network.
The network switch, which is standard in each SGI Graphics Cluster, is described in the documentation provided by its manufacturer.
For complete IP address information, see “Channel Names and Addresses” in Chapter 3.
Each node includes a CD-ROM disk drive, a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive, and a hard disks. Additional internal storage options are available. In addition, optional networked storage can be connected via an optional gigabit Ethernet switch.
The audio on the motherboards is disabled in the SGI Graphics Cluster nodes. The master node of the SGI Graphics Cluster Series 12 has a SoundBlaster Live! Value sound card; you can download its manual free from the manufacturer's web site, http://www.soundblaster.com.
On the master node of an SGI Graphics Cluster running Linux, the audio card is factory set to snd-card-0 and the onboard audio is disabled.
The SGI Graphics Cluster Series 11 is designed as an entry-level system. It provides easy administration and is an ideal solution where video synchronization is of little importance. The master node in the SGI Graphics Cluster Series 11 has a single CPU and runs either Linux or Windows NT 4.0. See “System Software” for a list of software included with each operating system.
The SGI Graphics Cluster Series 12 is the premier member of the SGI Graphics Cluster family. It is ideal for cost-effective multichannel solutions with existing graphics cluster-enabled applications. The master node in the SGI Graphics Cluster Series 12 has dual CPUs, an audio card, and ImageSync technology, including the SGI ImageSync card (described in “SGI ImageSync Card (SGI Graphics Cluster Series 12 Systems Only)” in Chapter 2) and software. The SGI Graphics Cluster Series 12 runs either Linux or Windows NT. See “System Software” for a list of software included with each operating system.
Guides included with the SGI Graphics Cluster describe the system software in detail and explain how to use it for specific tasks. Each software module is designed to support the developer and the end user. It provides the critical flexibility of allowing use of some, all, or none of the modules so that you can customize your work environment.
Both the SGI Graphics Cluster Series 11 and the Graphics Cluster Series 12 are available with either the Red Hat 7.1 Linux operating system or with Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6A operating system. The Linux operating system includes XFS for Red Hat 7.1. For information on the operating systems, see the books listed in “System Administration References” in Chapter 3.
Table 1-1 summarizes software included with SGI Graphics Cluster systems.
System | Software |
|---|---|
Red Hat 7.1 Linux operating system | |
Red Hat 7.1 Linux operating system | |
Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6A | |
Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6A |
Figure 1-4 diagrams software architecture.
If your system is ordered with fewer than the maximum number of channels (three for a short rack, seven for a tall rack), you can order additional channel nodes and install them by following the instructions in this guide. Additional monitors (CRT and flat panel) are also available, as are country-specific keyboards and rack power cables.
Additional storage for the SGI Graphics Cluster is available from SGI, as follows:
Additional SCSI disk drives
Additional removable disk drives
DDS4 DAT tape drive
Chapter 4, “Adding and Replacing Nodes ” in this guide contains instructions on installing additional storage options.
Upgrades for the graphics cards in the systems will be available; check with your SGI service representative. An upgrade from the SGI Graphics Cluster Series 11 to the SGI Graphics Cluster Series 12 is not available.