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Before you start
This tutorial gives you a gentle introduction to clustering technologies available for Linux, and steps you through the process of setting up your own Linux cluster using MOSIX. Clustering technologies allow two or more Linux systems to combine their computing resources so that they can work cooperatively rather than in isolation.
In this tutorial, we're going to set up our own MOSIX cluster. This cluster will consist of two or more Linux systems, which we will call "nodes".
To set up your own test cluster, you need at least two Linux systems ready to run or already running kernel 2.4. These systems must be connected to a local area network.
For maximum cluster performance, you may want to consider building a cluster using the following components. These items are not absolutely required; some are completely optional (only for performance freaks), and others are recommended. I indicate which are which below:
At least 100Mbit (fast) ethernet is recommended. Standard (10Mbit) ethernet won't give you very good cluster performance, but should be fine if you just want to play around with MOSIX.
A good amount of swap space is recommended. This will allow nodes to be removed from your cluster without causing the existing nodes from running out of virtual memory. Again, this is recommended and will only make a difference in extreme situations where you are pushing your cluster very hard.
Gigabit ethernet is optional but beneficial. Gigabit ethernet cards are also dropping in price; reliable ones can be found for $130 to $180 USD. However, don't feel that you absolutely need Gigabit ethernet; MOSIX can do just fine with fast ethernet.
Hooking your machines' ethernet cards up to a dedicated high-speed switch is beneficial. By doing so, your systems will be able to communicate over ethernet in "full duplex" mode, effectively doubling bandwidth.
If you have a limited number of machines, you may want to consider using a specially-wired ethernet cable to directly connect the systems to one another. By doing so, you can benefit from "switch-like" full-duplex performance at a potentially lower price. This trick is very helpful when used for 2 or 3-node clusters, since these configurations only require one or two NICs per machine respectively.
Again, these suggestions are completely optional, and it is entirely possible to set up a cluster using two Pentium-class machines over a standard ethernet network. Generally, the faster your network, the better MOSIX will be able to migrate processes between nodes in your cluster, and the more fun and exciting MOSIX will be when you play with it. :)
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