Informational-theoretical approach to the evaluation of supercomputers

Предложен теоретико-информационный подход к оценке производительности суперкомпьютеров. Этот подход основан на характеристике “вычислительная способность”, которую можно определить теоретически, опираясь исключительно на описание архитектуры исследуемой системы. Предложен метод определения вычислительной способности суперкомпьютеров с учетом влияния межпроцессорного взаимодействия. Метод применяется в работе для оценки производительности пяти суперкомпьютеров среди первых 50 позиций в списке TOP500 (ноябрь 2016). Полученные результаты сравниваются с аналогичными значениями бенчмарка LINPACK и характеристиками Theoretical peak, используемыми для формирования рейтинга TOP500. По результатам сравнения делаются выводы относительно применимости указанного подхода для оценки производительности суперкомпьютеров на этапе разработки. In this paper we present the informational-theoretical approach to the evaluation of performance for supercomputers. This approach is based on the computer capacity characteristic which can be estimated theoretically (without any experiments over the working model of the investigated computer) relying on the description of the architecture of the system under study. We describe the method for estimation of the supercomputers Computer capacity which takes into account the influence of the interprocess communication. The described method is used in this paper to estimate the performance of the five supercomputers among the first fifty positions in TOP500 list (according to November 2016 data). The obtained results are compared with the values of LINPACK benchmark and Theoretical peak characteristic which are used to form the TOP500 rating. Based on the comparison we draw conclusions about the applicability of the presented approach to the evaluation of supercomputers performance at the design stage.

History of Supercomputing and Supercomputer Centers

This chapter begins with the definition of supercomputers and shifts to how the supercomputers have evolved since the 1930s. Supercomputing need is stressed, including issues in time and cost of resources currently faced by the researchers. The chapter transitions to an overview of the supercomputing era with a small biography of Seymour Cray. The timeline of Cray's history and various Cray inventions are discussed. The works of Fujitsu, Hitachi, Intel, and NEC are clearly demonstrated. A section on Beowulfs and S1 supercomputers is provided. A discussion on applications of supercomputing in healthcare and how Dell is emerging in its supercomputing abilities in 21st century are cohesively explained. The focus is shifted to the petaflop computing in the 21st century, current trends in supercomputing, and the future of supercomputing. The details of some of the global supercomputing centers in the Top500 list of fastest supercomputers in the world are also provided.