HP XC System Software Administration Guide Version 3.1

1 HP XC Administration Environment
This chapter introduces the HP XC Administration Environment. This chapter addresses the following
topics:
• “Understanding Nodes, Services, and Roles” (page 25)
• “File System” (page 27)
• “HP XC Command Environment” (page 30)
• “Configuration and Management Database” (page 34)
• “HP XC Configuration File Guidelines” (page 35)
• “Installation and Software Distribution” (page 37)
• “Improved Availability” (page 38)
• “Networking” (page 38)
• “Modulefiles” (page 39)
• “Security” (page 40)
• “Recommended Administrative Tasks” (page 41)
1.1 Understanding Nodes, Services, and Roles
The HP XC system consists of individual computers, called nodes, that supply various services. For
example, some nodes provide services that provide networking while others provide services that allow
users to run jobs.
This section describes nodes, services, and roles.
1.1.1 Nodes
Each node of an HP XC system is an individual computer. All nodes of an HP XC system must be of the
same architecture. Some nodes contain their own local storage.
1.1.1.1 Node Types
Generally, there are two types of nodes in the HP XC system:
compute nodes Provide the basic services that let users run jobs. Any node in the HP XC system
is capable of being a compute node.
An HP XC system is comprised mostly of compute nodes.
management nodes Perform system management and other functions for the HP XC system. These
functions can include the following:
• Maintain system software images for installing and updating software on
all the nodes in HP XC system
• External network communications
• Networked file system services
• System monitoring
• Resource management
A management node often hosts multiple management functions. A node is
classified based on the service it provides, so it can be known by multiple names.
The head node is a special management node. It is the node that is installed first. The head node is
established with the alias nh during installation. You can use this alias in command lines when you want
to designate the head node.
In some configurations, the head node provides all management functions; in other configurations, the
head node is one of many management nodes.
Note:
Perform all system administration from the management node that provides the appropriate service,
usually the head node.
1.1 Understanding Nodes, Services, and Roles 25