The use of a VAX cluster for the DIII-D data acquisition system

Abstract

The author describes the configuration of the DIII-D mixed interconnect VAX cluster and how it has improved the efficiency of data collection, system management, and personnel efficiency. The use of a VAX console system for central console management is also described. To improve the efficiency of the overall data acquisition system, a mixed interconnect VAX cluster has been formed consisting of 16 VAX computers. In the cluster, the software protocol for passing data around the cluster is much more efficient than using DECnet. The cluster has also greatly simplified the procedure of backing up disks. Another big improvement is the use of a VAX console system which ties all the console ports of the computers into one central computer system, which then manages the entire cluster.<>