File servers

CISL operates two fileservers. A Sun E5500 (right) serves files via NFS and SAMBA to front-end servers and staff workstations within the outer UCAR security perimeter. A pair of Sun 480s (left) running cluster 3 software for high availability, with full mirroring of RAIDs, serves files via NFS to supercomputer nodes within the inner security perimeter.

These fileservers make it easier for staff to access their files from multiple computers, and for multiple staff members to share common information. The fileserver for supercomputers provides a single place where users can collect data from simulation runs.

A storage area network (SAN) allows files that formerly resided only on the MSS to reside online for faster access and to reduce network traffic to the MSS. A StorNext Filesystem from ADIC Corporation resides on three Nexsan RAIDs having a total raw capacity of 54 TB. Filesystem service is provided over a private IP control network and a 2 Gbit/sec fiber network that provides high-speed transmission of files to systems on the SAN. Filesystem service is supervised by two small metadata servers, one of which is a hot spare that can auto-assume load in case of failure. The "huron" and "bison" front-ends providing DSS data are attached to the SAN, along with the "dataportal" front-end.