How to set up Cluster [Computing Technology]

A computer cluster consists of a set of loosely connected computers that work together so that in many respects they can be viewed as a single system.

The components of a cluster are usually connected to each other through fast local area networks, each node (computer used as a server) running its own instance of an operating system. Computer clusters emerged as a result of convergence of a number of computing trends including the availability of low cost microprocessors, high speed networks, and software for high performance distributed computing.

Computer clustering relies on a centralized management approach which makes the nodes available as orchestrated shared servers. It is distinct from other approaches such as peer to peer or grid computing which also use many nodes, but with a far more distributed nature.

A computer cluster may be a simple two-node system which just connects two personal computers, or may be a very fast supercomputer. A basic approach to building a cluster is that of a Beowulf cluster which may be built with a few personal computers to produce a cost-effective alternative to traditional high performance computing.

Although a cluster may consist of just a few personal computers connected by a simple network, the cluster architecture may also be used to achieve very high levels of performance. Clusters are usually deployed to improve performance and availability over that of a single computer, while typically being much more cost-effective than single computers of comparable speed or availability.

Steps to Set Up a cluster

The instructions for setting up a cluster are as follows:

1. Use a table or area that possesses enough space to hold the nodes of a cluster.A rack or a stand may be used to accommodate the CPUs,depending on the number of computers used in the cluster.There often a requirement to access the individual nodes of the cluster are easily accessible.You should also ensure that the nodes of a cluster can be removed whenever required.
2. Verify whether the power provided to a cluster is capable of supporting the nodes of the cluster or not.If required,install a surge operator on the outlet,used to plug in computers,to protect the electrical devices from voltage spikes.You can plug in more than two computers to an outlet by using power cable.
3. Install an appropriate OS,preferably the Linux OS and cluster softwer application on every node of the cluster.
   example of cluster softwer application is Beowulf cluster that runs on identical and commonly grade computers connected in a LAN to share the processing load, thereby providing good performance.
4. Plug in the power cord for a network switch to which all the cluster nodes would be connected.
5. Put the switch at a centralized location among the cluster nodes and connect all the nodes to the switch using Ethernet switch.
6. Configure a cluster node as a master computer that would be used by the users. The master computer cosists of a moniter,keyboard and mouse.Usually, it is configured first in a cluster.
7. Set up a slave nodes or secondary computers of the cluster.The secondary computers assist the master node in the processing.Plug the secondary computers into the network using the switch.
8. Configure the secondary computers as slaves.The cluster softwer would help you in the configuration of the secondary computers.
9. Restart all the nodes in order to test the cluster.You can also execute few softwer applications to test the performance of the cluster.