Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about GridPP. If you’ve got a question that hasn’t been answered here, please contact us!
What is Grid computing?
Grid computing is a distributed computing paradigm that involves connecting and harnessing the computational power of multiple geographically dispersed computers to work together as a single, unified resource.
Unlike traditional computing models where resources are centralized, grid computing utilizes a decentralized approach, allowing organizations to aggregate and share computing resources across a network. This enables tasks to be allocated dynamically to available resources, optimizing efficiency and scalability.
Grid computing is commonly used for large-scale scientific research, data analysis, and complex simulations where immense computational power is required.
Why do we need Grid computing?
In this context, Grid computing refers to a distributed computing infrastructure primarily used for high-energy physics research in the United Kingdom.
It utilizes a grid-based model to pool together computing resources from various institutions, enabling collaborative data analysis and simulations. This infrastructure facilitates the processing and analysis of vast amounts of data generated by experiments such as those conducted at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
GridPP aims to provide researchers with access to computing power, storage, and networking resources, enhancing their capabilities to study fundamental particles and phenomena. Through coordinated efforts and shared resources, GridPP supports scientific advancements in particle physics and related fields.
What makes the Grid different to the Web or Internet?
The Grid, the Web, and the Internet are interconnected but serve different purposes and operate at different levels of abstraction.
The Internet is the global network of interconnected computers and devices, allowing communication and data exchange across vast distances. It provides the infrastructure for various services, including the World Wide Web.
The Web, often used interchangeably with the term “Internet,” specifically refers to the system of interconnected documents and resources accessible via the Internet. It is built on top of the Internet and relies on protocols like HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) to enable the retrieval and display of web pages in browsers. The Grid, on the other hand, is a distributed computing infrastructure that extends the concept of the Web. While the Web primarily focuses on accessing and sharing information, the Grid focuses on accessing and sharing computational resources such as processing power, storage, and specialized software tools. Grid computing allows organizations to pool together their resources to solve complex computational problems that may require significant processing capabilities or large datasets. It enables collaboration and resource sharing among geographically dispersed institutions or research groups.
In summary, while the Web and the Internet primarily deal with information exchange and communication, the Grid focuses on sharing computational resources for tasks such as data analysis, simulations, and scientific research.
What makes the Grid different to the Cloud?
If Grid computing can be thought of as a utlity, it is Cloud computing that allows users to harness that utility on an on-demand basis. So from an end-user point of view, there isn’t much difference. Indeed, GridPP makes use of cloud technology to create virtual worker nodes on demand within its own Grid depending on the needs of a given experiment at a given time. Arguably, GridPP’s Storage Element network is a cloud-like storage solution. But, fundamentally, Clouds rely on Grids and GridPP provides a Grid infrastructure for its end users.
How are users organised?
The users are grouped together virtually as Virtual Organisations (VOs). Any group working together, no matter where they are geographically, form a VO. For example, there exists a VO for each of the LHC experiments. To use the Grid a user must have a digital security certificate: this is what the middleware looks for when verifying if you are allowed to use the Grid. Certificates are distributed by the Certification Authority, with the person in charge of a VO authorising users (or not).
How do I get started?
Simply visit our Getting Started section – you’ll find everything you need to know there.