Work under the Grid/Scientific Computing Program covers research and development to explore new methods of grid computing as a major tool of modern research. The Program comprises the issues of grid computing hardware, middleware, and applications. Work on all issues is carried out in close international cooperation within the framework of EU projects.

The issue of grid computing hardware focuses on the combination of computers with heterogeneous architectures in a network. This network appears to be a single supercomputer to the user. However, different architectures are used depending on the requirements. Efficient use shall be tested on the computers run by IWR, the existing vector computers being integrated in a so-called “Campus Grid“. Applications cover the fields of particle physics, bioinformation science, nanotechnology, meteorology, and flow mechanics. To meet the varying requirements of users not only within Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, restriction to a single computer architecture is impossible. Instead, a heterogeneous processor park and various storage architectures as well as the use of different communication networks between the computer nodes are required.

Between globally distributed clusters, IWR tests gigabit connections e.g. to CERN in Geneva with respect to safety and stability. Another major aspect of network transmissions is a reliable system response time. It is crucial to the processing of process data. Studies of IPE focus on the extent, to which the available internet protocols are suited for real-time applications in the second or even 100-ms range. In case the protocols are not suited for this purpose, alternatives are being developed.

Another issue pursued is the optimization of data flow in PC clusters.

Data flow may be increased drastically by the use of the infiniband technology. Accordingly equipped clusters are set up, optimized, and tested for scalability by IWR.

Under the heading of grid computing middleware, use of databases on the terabyte scale is tested and optimized by IWR. Models are developed, which allow to make available computing capacities that are equivalent to 200,000 modern PCs.

A novel approach to optimizing middleware consists in evolutionary algorithms, the use of which is studied by IAI by means of the HyGLEAM optimization tool.

For complex applications of IAI, such as the simulation of eye operations (virtual eye) and the program “Virtual Learning“, general interfaces and portals to the grid are established for execution in a grid with minimum changes.

Very high requirements on algorithms and protocols result from interactive simulations and visualization tools which are now studied systematically for the first time under the CrossGrid Project. Applications cover the scientific disciplines of medicine, meteorology, environmental protection, and particle physics. Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe plays a major role in this EU project.

The basis for the combination of globally distributed computing centers in a grid is developed under the Data Grid Project. The high requirements for the particle physics experiments at CERN are formulated in the LHC Computing Grid (LCG) Project and implemented in close cooperation with large computing centers in Europe, America, and Asia. Under the LCG, IWR contributes most of the services and developments required.