Objective: Provide ATM-based high-performance networking and advanced network services for GSFC-based ESS testbed systems and users enabling: distributed processing among supercomputers and workstations, synchronization of sensitive communications such as video (with audio) conferencing among desktop workstations, and large volume and/or high-resolution image data transfers.
Approach: Utilize an ATM testbed to evaluate deployment strategies for new networking technologies. Cooperate with HPCC NREN and GSFC Computational Network Environment Projects on end-to-end architectures.
Accomplishments: Extended initial GSFC ATM testbed configuration from Building 28 to Building 22. Supported approximately 25 directly ATM-attached hosts from several different computer manufacturers. Developed network design and acquired components for interfacing with the initial NREN connection at GSFC. (See figure, 173 Kbytes)
Significance: An ATM-based network infrastructure is a key component in the evolution towards shared use of remote network-resident resources by the science community. Whether GSFC investigators use remote testbeds, remote Investigators use GSFC testbeds, Investigators move data between distributed archives and testbeds or link various combinations of distributed testbeds, or high-performance computing is used in some other scenario, an evolving high-performance transparent GSFC network is an essential component.
Status/Plans:
Point of Contact:
Pat Gary
Goddard Space Flight Center
pat.gary@gsfc.nasa.gov
301-286-9539