Welcome to the Expanse User Guide‚ your comprehensive resource for mastering SDSC’s Expanse supercomputer. This guide covers accessing the system‚ managing your environment‚ and optimizing performance. Best practices‚ troubleshooting‚ and advanced features are also highlighted to help you maximize productivity. Whether you’re a new or experienced user‚ this guide will empower you to efficiently utilize Expanse’s capabilities. Get started today and unlock its full potential!
What is the Expanse System?
The Expanse System is a high-performance supercomputer designed by Dell and operated by the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC). It is part of the Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Coordination Ecosystem: Services and Support (ACCESS) program‚ providing advanced computing resources for research and development. The system features standard nodes‚ GPU nodes for accelerated computing‚ and large memory nodes for intensive tasks‚ making it a versatile tool for scientific and engineering applications.
Key Features of the Expanse System
The Expanse System offers 728 standard compute nodes‚ 54 GPU nodes‚ and four large memory nodes with 2 TB each. It provides a combined processing power of 5.16 petaflops‚ enabling high-speed computations for diverse workloads. The system supports Slurm for job scheduling and management‚ ensuring efficient resource allocation. Its scalable architecture and advanced features make it ideal for data-intensive research‚ machine learning‚ and complex simulations.
Accessing the Expanse Supercomputer
Access the Expanse system securely using SSH with multi-factor authentication. Connect via a terminal or SSH client‚ ensuring your account is approved and credentials are verified.
Logging In and Authentication
To access the Expanse system‚ use SSH with multi-factor authentication. Ensure your account is approved and credentials are verified. Authenticate securely using your assigned username and password‚ prompted during login. For enhanced security‚ two-factor authentication may be required. Always verify the connection details and avoid sharing credentials to maintain system integrity and protect your data. Follow SDSC’s security protocols for safe and authorized access.
Navigating the User Interface
The Expanse system features an intuitive command-line interface‚ allowing users to efficiently manage tasks. Familiarize yourself with basic commands to navigate directories‚ view job statuses‚ and access resources. Utilize tools like `squeue` for job monitoring and `sinfo` for node availability. The interface is designed for clarity‚ enabling quick access to essential functions. Practice with sample commands to enhance your proficiency and streamline your workflow on the Expanse supercomputer.
Managing Your User Environment
Effectively managing your environment on Expanse involves configuring your workspace‚ setting environment variables‚ and using module commands to load necessary software. This ensures optimal workflow efficiency.
Configuring Your Workspace
Configuring your workspace on Expanse involves setting up environment variables‚ customizing your shell configuration‚ and organizing your files and directories for optimal efficiency. Use module commands to load necessary software and ensure compatibility with system specifications. Review the user guide for detailed instructions on tailoring your workspace to meet specific project requirements‚ enabling a seamless and productive computing experience.
Installing and Managing Software
Installing and managing software on Expanse is streamlined using the module system. To list available software‚ use module avail‚ and load specific versions with module load. This ensures compatibility with the system. For custom installations‚ compile software in your home directory or use containers. Review the user guide for best practices‚ including verifying software compatibility with Expanse’s hardware‚ such as GPU nodes‚ to optimize performance and avoid conflicts.
Running Jobs on the Expanse System
Submit jobs using Slurm with sbatch. Monitor jobs with sacct and squeue. Use the provided Slurm job script template for efficient job submission and management.
Writing and Submitting Job Scripts
Job scripts are essential for executing tasks on Expanse. Start with a #!/bin/bash shebang and include Slurm directives like #SBATCH -n for cores and #SBATCH -t for time limits. Specify your job name with #SBATCH -J. Request resources like memory or GPUs using #SBATCH --mem or #SBATCH --gres=gpu. Include your executable commands below the directives. Save as a .sh file and submit with sbatch. Ensure scripts are tailored to your workload for optimal performance.
Monitoring and Managing Job Performance
Monitor your jobs using squeue to view queue status and sstat for detailed statistics. These tools help track resource usage and performance. Use sacct to review past job metrics for optimization insights.
Adjust job parameters as needed to improve efficiency. Terminate underperforming jobs with scancel and prioritize tasks using sbatch –priority. Regular monitoring ensures optimal resource utilization and system performance.
Hardware Specifications and Capabilities
The Expanse supercomputer features 728 standard nodes‚ 54 GPU nodes‚ and four 2 TB large memory nodes‚ delivering 5.16 petaflops of peak performance.
Understanding Standard and GPU Nodes
Expanse’s standard nodes provide general-purpose computing with Intel Xeon processors‚ ideal for serial and parallel workloads. GPU nodes‚ equipped with NVIDIA V100 GPUs‚ accelerate machine learning and HPC tasks. This dual architecture allows users to optimize job performance by selecting the most suitable node type for their applications‚ ensuring efficient resource utilization and enhanced computational outcomes across various scientific domains.
Utilizing Large Memory Nodes
Expanse’s large memory nodes‚ equipped with 2 TB RAM‚ are designed for memory-intensive applications. These nodes enable efficient handling of large datasets‚ ideal for tasks requiring extensive in-memory processing. Users can leverage these nodes to run complex simulations‚ data analytics‚ and machine learning models that demand high memory resources‚ ensuring optimal performance and minimizing data bottlenecks for their computational workflows.
Best Practices for Using the Expanse System
Optimize efficiency by adhering to best practices for using Expanse. Plan jobs carefully‚ utilize resources effectively‚ and follow system guidelines to enhance productivity and performance.
Optimizing Job Efficiency
Optimizing job efficiency on the Expanse system is crucial for maximizing productivity. Always test scripts with smaller datasets before running full-scale jobs. Utilize Slurm parameters effectively to allocate resources appropriately. Prioritize jobs based on their requirements and deadlines. Regularly monitor performance to identify bottlenecks and adjust workflows. Leveraging the system’s GPU and large memory nodes when necessary can significantly enhance efficiency. Adhere to best practices for job submission and resource management to ensure optimal system utilization.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Troubleshooting common issues on the Expanse system ensures smooth operation. Begin by reviewing job logs for error messages. Verify resource requests in job scripts and ensure compatibility with allocated nodes. Connectivity issues often resolve by checking SSH configurations. For persistent problems‚ consult the Expanse user guide or contact support. Regularly updating software and scripts can prevent recurring errors. Effective troubleshooting enhances productivity and minimizes downtime.
Advanced Features of the Expanse System
Unlock advanced features like large memory nodes and GPU acceleration. Leverage these capabilities for high-performance computing‚ enabling efficient data analytics‚ simulations‚ and specialized research tasks. Maximize productivity with Expanse.
Using Large Memory Nodes for Intensive Tasks
The Expanse system offers four 2 TB large memory nodes‚ ideal for memory-intensive workloads. These nodes are designed to handle large datasets‚ complex simulations‚ and high-performance applications requiring extensive RAM. Users can leverage these nodes to run tasks that exceed the memory capacity of standard nodes‚ ensuring efficient processing of demanding computations. Optimize your workflow by selecting the appropriate node type based on your job requirements for maximum performance.
Leveraging GPU Nodes for Accelerated Computing
Expanse features 54 GPU nodes‚ each equipped with advanced accelerators for high-performance computing tasks. These nodes are optimized for GPU-accelerated applications‚ enabling faster processing of complex simulations‚ machine learning models‚ and data-intensive workloads. By utilizing GPU nodes‚ users can significantly accelerate their computations‚ achieving superior performance for tasks requiring parallel processing. This makes them ideal for research and applications requiring rapid data processing and scalable solutions.
Support and Resources
Access comprehensive support through webinars‚ user guides‚ and a vibrant community. Resources include detailed documentation‚ tutorials‚ and expert assistance to help users maximize Expanse’s capabilities effectively.
Accessing User Guides and Tutorials
Accessing user guides and tutorials for the Expanse system is straightforward. Webinars‚ detailed documentation‚ and hands-on training sessions like “Expanse 101” are available to help users get started. These resources cover topics such as system access‚ job submission‚ and software management. Tutorials are designed to guide users through practical tasks‚ ensuring they can efficiently utilize the Expanse supercomputer’s capabilities. Regular updates and new materials are added to keep users informed and skilled.
Engaging with the Expanse User Community
Engaging with the Expanse user community offers valuable support and collaboration opportunities. Join forums‚ attend webinars‚ and participate in workshops to connect with other users. Share experiences‚ ask questions‚ and learn from experts. Community-driven resources‚ such as tutorials and documentation‚ are available to help you maximize your use of the Expanse system. Active engagement ensures you stay updated on best practices and system enhancements‚ fostering continuous learning and improvement.
Security Best Practices
Protect your data by securing credentials and using encryption. Regularly update software and follow compliance protocols to maintain system integrity and ensure secure access to Expanse resources.
Protecting Your Data on the Expanse System
Ensure data security by using encryption for file transfers and storage. Implement strong access controls and regularly back up critical data. Monitor account activity and report suspicious behavior promptly. Adhere to compliance protocols and system policies to safeguard sensitive information. Utilize secure communication channels and avoid sharing credentials. Regularly update security software and follow best practices to protect your data on the Expanse system.
Compliance and Security Protocols
Adhere to all security protocols to maintain compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements. Use multi-factor authentication for secure access and ensure all data transfers comply with encryption standards. Regularly review and update security settings to align with system policies. Familiarize yourself with access control lists and audit logs to monitor user activities. Stay informed about security updates and training programs to maintain a secure environment on the Expanse system.
Future Directions and Upcoming Features
Stay tuned for upcoming enhancements‚ including expanded GPU capabilities‚ improved user interfaces‚ and advanced job management tools. Regular updates will ensure the Expanse system remains cutting-edge.
Planned Upgrades and Enhancements
Expanse’s future includes significant upgrades to its infrastructure‚ such as expanded GPU nodes and enhanced memory capabilities. These improvements aim to boost processing power and support demanding workloads. Additionally‚ the system will feature updated software tools and a more intuitive user interface‚ ensuring seamless performance. Regular maintenance and user feedback will guide these developments‚ keeping Expanse at the forefront of supercomputing technology and user satisfaction.
Staying Updated with System Changes
To stay informed about Expanse’s updates‚ users can subscribe to SDSC’s newsletter and review release notes. Regular webinars and training sessions are also available to introduce new features. Monitoring the system’s official communication channels ensures users are aware of maintenance schedules‚ new tools‚ and best practices. Engaging with the user community and forums can provide additional insights and tips for optimizing your experience with Expanse.
Final Tips for Mastering the Expanse System
To fully master the Expanse system‚ prioritize continuous learning and experimentation. Regularly explore SDSC resources‚ attend webinars‚ and engage with the user community for shared insights. Optimize your workflows by testing job scripts and leveraging advanced features like GPU nodes. Stay updated on system upgrades and adapt to new tools. By combining practice with community support‚ you’ll unlock the Expanse system’s full potential and enhance your computational research capabilities.
Continuous Learning and Improvement
Continuous learning is key to maximizing your use of the Expanse system. Stay updated with the latest features‚ best practices‚ and system changes through webinars‚ user guides‚ and community forums. Engage with the Expanse user community to share knowledge and gain insights from experienced users. Regularly review documentation and experiment with new tools to enhance your skills. By committing to lifelong learning‚ you’ll ensure optimal performance and adaptability in your computational workflows.