Networks are an integral piece of modern high performance computing. The
ability to maximize the network throughput is often essential to the success of
high performance computation. The Bandwidth Challenge challenges participants
to push the envelope in terms of network throughput as it relates to high
performance computing.
For SC2004, SCinet expects to bring 8 OC-192c circuits into the convention
center. This kind of bandwidth exceeds the available bandwidth into and out all
but the largest countries in the world.
The challenge is to present a real application that requires massive network
resources and demonstrate it during SC 2004. The following criteria will be
used to judge entries:
- The sustained throughput
- The scientific merit or real world applicability of the application
- The use of innovative and fair TCP and non-TCP implementations
- The physical distance between involved sites and the associated latency
- The use of emerging or underutilized technologies such as IPv6 and IP multicast.
The throughput will be verified using high performance monitoring gear,
provided by Spirent Communications. Separate awards will be made for the best
TCP and the best non-TCP application throughput.
The Bandwidth Challenge is a collaboration between SC, SCinet and Qwest
Communications. Qwest Communications is generously providing a monetary prize
for the winning entry. This is the fifth annual Bandwidth Challenge. The
winning application in last year's Bandwidth Challenge reached 23.21 Gb/s of
TCP throughput.
