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Build Supercomputers with Raspberry Pi 3
Build Supercomputers with Raspberry Pi 3

Build Supercomputers with Raspberry Pi 3: A step-by-step guide that will enhance your skills in creating powerful systems to solve complex issues

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Build Supercomputers with Raspberry Pi 3

Chapter 2. One Node Supercomputing

This chapter discusses one node supercomputing. Initially, you will install the Linux (Ubuntu) OS on your PC (one node). Next, you will be instructed on how to access your PC processor's specs within the Windows environment. This information is critical for determining how many cores and/or threads (see Appendix) are available for Message Passing Interface (MPI) processing when using the -H command (this command is discussed in detail later in the book). You will then write and run a simple serial π equation code, and then write and run the MPI version of the serial π code. This coding exercise provides an initial feel for converting serial coding to MPI coding. The critical structure of the MPI π code's for statement is discussed, and finally, you will employ the MPI technique to generate π from the Euler, Leibniz, and Nilakantha infinite series expansions.

In this chapter, you will learn about the following...

Linux installation

Before we embark on our digital odyssey, the reader is advised to install the Linux OS on their main PC as we will be using command-line instructions to communicate remotely with your Pi2 or Pi3, via Secure Shell (SSH) protocol (more on this later). You may visit the Ubuntu website: http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/install-ubuntu-desktop for tutorial/instructions, and download a free version of the OS. In addition, when installing Ubuntu, select the option that allows you to access the Windows OS as you also will eventually be using Windows apps such as win32 Disk imager, and an SD card formatter (we will discuss their download and applications later when you begin configuring your eight-node Pi2 or Pi3 super cluster).

PC processor

The processor in modern PCs has multiple cores. Earlier PC models had two cores, but later PCs typically have four cores, each running at GHz speeds, thus making it possible for you to test/debug the same MPI programs you will be running on your eight-node, 32-core Pi supercomputer. Initially, you will utilize the CPU in your main PC as a one node supercomputer. This step will give you a quick introduction to and demonstration of the MPI protocol. Incidentally, the author's PC has an i7, four-core processor, each core running at 4 GHz, and can run two processing threads per physical core. The initial MPI runs included in this book were done using this 4 GHz machine.

Accessing processor technical details

You can access the technical details of your processor via the Control Panel on your computer. On a Windows 7 machine, click on Systems & Security, then click on System, then Device Manager, and click on Processor. On the other hand, if you have a Windows 10 OS, proceed as follows. Click on the Windows icon at the bottom left of the taskbar, and then click on the File Explorer icon, then click on the This PC icon. Next, click on the Computer tab at the top left of the displayed window, then click on System properties. Note the information displayed in the window. Next, click on Device Manager, and then click on Processors. You should now see the total number of processors/compute threads in the cores in your PC.

Write/run serial π code

Using your PC as a one-node supercomputer is quite easy, and can be quite a fun exercise as you command the cores in the processor to do your digital bidding. From here on, it will be assumed that the reader has a working knowledge of the C language. So, the first step on your digital journey will be to write and run a simple C code to compute π. This code will perform numeric integration (using 300,000 iterations) on an x function representation of π. You will then convert this code's logic into its MPI version, run it on one core of the processor, and then gradually bring online the remaining cores. You will observe progressively improving processing speed as you activate successive cores. Let's start with the simple π equation:

Write/run serial π code

This equation is one of many that are available for obtaining an approximate value of π. In later sections, we will explore a few more complex and famous equations that will give your supercomputer...

Linux installation


Before we embark on our digital odyssey, the reader is advised to install the Linux OS on their main PC as we will be using command-line instructions to communicate remotely with your Pi2 or Pi3, via Secure Shell (SSH) protocol (more on this later). You may visit the Ubuntu website: http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/install-ubuntu-desktop for tutorial/instructions, and download a free version of the OS. In addition, when installing Ubuntu, select the option that allows you to access the Windows OS as you also will eventually be using Windows apps such as win32 Disk imager, and an SD card formatter (we will discuss their download and applications later when you begin configuring your eight-node Pi2 or Pi3 super cluster).

PC processor


The processor in modern PCs has multiple cores. Earlier PC models had two cores, but later PCs typically have four cores, each running at GHz speeds, thus making it possible for you to test/debug the same MPI programs you will be running on your eight-node, 32-core Pi supercomputer. Initially, you will utilize the CPU in your main PC as a one node supercomputer. This step will give you a quick introduction to and demonstration of the MPI protocol. Incidentally, the author's PC has an i7, four-core processor, each core running at 4 GHz, and can run two processing threads per physical core. The initial MPI runs included in this book were done using this 4 GHz machine.

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Key benefits

  • Carlos R. Morrison from NASA will teach you to build a supercomputer with Raspberry Pi 3
  • Deepen your understanding of setting up host nodes, configuring networks, and automating mountable drives
  • Learn various math, physics, and engineering applications to solve complex problems

Description

Author Carlos R. Morrison (Staff Scientist, NASA) will empower the uninitiated reader to quickly assemble and operate a Pi3 supercomputer in the shortest possible time. The lifeblood of a supercomputer, the MPI code, is introduced early, and sample MPI code provides additional practice opportunities for you to test the effectiveness of your creation. You will learn how to configure various nodes and switches so that they can effectively communicate with each other. By the end of this book, you will have successfully built a supercomputer and the various applications related to it.

Who is this book for?

This book targets hobbyists and enthusiasts who want to explore building supercomputers with microcomputers. Researchers will also find this book useful. Prior programming knowledge is necessary; knowledge of supercomputers is not.

What you will learn

  • Understand the concept of Message Passing Interface (MPI)
  • Understand node networking
  • Configure nodes so that they can communicate with each other via the network switch
  • Build a Raspberry Pi3 supercomputer
  • Test the supercluster
  • Use the supercomputer to calculate MPI ? codes
  • Learn various practical supercomputer applications
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to Argentina

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Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Mar 23, 2017
Length: 254 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781787282582
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Raspberry Pi
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Product Details

Publication date : Mar 23, 2017
Length: 254 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781787282582
Vendor :
Raspberry Pi
Category :
Languages :

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Table of Contents

12 Chapters
1. Getting Started with Supercomputing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
2. One Node Supercomputing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
3. Preparing the Initial Two Nodes Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
4. Static IP Address and Hosts File Setup Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
5. Creating a Common User for All Nodes Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
6. Creating a Mountable Drive on the Master Node Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
7. Configuring the Eight Nodes Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
8. Testing the Super Cluster Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
9. Real-World Math Application Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
10. Real-World Physics Application Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
11. Real-World Engineering Application Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
A. Appendix Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

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Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon 4.3
(7 Ratings)
5 star 71.4%
4 star 14.3%
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2 star 0%
1 star 14.3%
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Amazon Customer Aug 20, 2018
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Well written book on Pi Cluster Computing. The example codes are easy to implement and run. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to get into supercomputing. FYI, some basic knowledge of C is needed.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Yay Aug 17, 2018
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
This book is an excellent book for introducing a novice to supercomputing using the Pi computer. It was a lot of fun “one node supercomputing” on my PC, as discussed in detail in chapter 2, pg. 41 - 62, where you are instructed on using all four microprocessor cores simultaneously to calculate pi. I then proceeded to build my Pi2 cluster as per the remaining chapters in the book. This was indeed an interesting, and informative book/project. The book is easy to follow, and the codes (C files) supplied online through Packt books are also easy to follow and implement. I would recommend this book to any high school senior, enthusiast or hobbyist eager to learn about supercomputers or supercomputing. No knowledge of Linux is required, however, a working knowledge of C is necessary in order to read, and understand the codes you would be implementing.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Alpha69 Apr 04, 2021
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
An invaluable addition to my set of computer technology books. The book is easy to follow and the reader doesn't need a background in computer science to build this blazingly fast mini supercomputer. It took me only a few hours to build this fine machine. I recommend this book to anyone curious about supercomputing. I would give the book six solid stars if it were possible.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
crm60 Apr 26, 2020
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
A gentle introduction to building your supercomputer using multiple Raspberry PI nodes. The book stands out for its step-by-step nature, making it well-suited to readers with limited familiarity with Linux. The author details the hardware cluster build, software setup for networking, and operating system setup and walks the reader through multiple examples. The use of the MPI interface closes the circle to enable students to write their very own "supercomputer" programs on their PI clusters. Links for downloading the color versions of the figures in the chapters and pre-written copies of the codes are provided at the beginning of the book. I love my PI2 supercomputer. This is a beautifully written introductory book on supercomputing. I highly recommend this book to anyone curious about supercomputing.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
DaveWR May 26, 2018
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Excellent book with lots of good information to cluster computers. It's easy to set up the cluster as described. There are no significant technical glitches which prevent duplication of the exercises. It's also a good review of relevant Linux commands.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
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