Platform Core Components; Cluster Components - HP Cluster Platform Introduction v2010 Introduction Manual

2 Platform Core Components

A cluster is a set of independent computers combined into a unified system through system
software and networking technologies. An overview of the generic HP Cluster Platform
architecture is provided in the Cluster Platform Overview.
The HP Cluster Platform consists of a combination of three component groups: the servers
(nodes), the interconnect, and the core components that are common to all models of HP Cluster
Platform. Depending on the model of HP Cluster Platform, there are also rail kits and cable
management kits required to mount components in the rack and to manage the many cables.
The following information is provided in this chapter:
• A list of HP Cluster Platform core components
• A description of HP Cluster Platform models
• HP 10000 Series Racks
• HP Rack 10000 G2 Series
• HP Modular Cooling System
• HP ProCurve switches
• HP rack-mount keyboard and monitors, console switches, and an expansion module
(Section
• Power distribution units — PDUs
• Optional storage components

2.1 Cluster Components

The HP Cluster Platform hardware is comprised of standard HP components organized into
rack modules and available in either dense preconfigured clusters or modular clusters. The
generic architecture of the HP Cluster Platform is described in the Cluster Platform Overview.
The HP Cluster Platform uses the following rack-mounted components:
• HP ProCurve Ethernet switches:
— HP ProCurve Gigabit Ethernet and 10/100 switches used in the Administration and
Console network.
• Rack-mounted display with integrated keyboard and trackball mouse.
• Optional console switch and, if necessary, an expansion module connecting the rack-mounted
display to specific cluster nodes.
• Up to four power distribution units (PDUs) per rack.
• Optional modular storage arrays, or a separate storage cluster that is connected to the cluster
interconnect.
Note:
Additional hardware components are supported in release updates. See the current product
specification to determine supported products and options.
The following sections describe these components in detail.
HP Cluster Platform supports different operating environments. An operating environment
might place specific requirements on the cluster components, such as the following:
(Section
(Section
(Section
(Section
2.7)
(Section
(Section
(Section
2.3)
2.4)
2.5)
2.6)
(Section 2.8)
2.9)
2.1)
2.2)
2.1 Cluster Components 21