Book Image

Raspberry Pi Super Cluster

By : Andrew K. Dennis
Book Image

Raspberry Pi Super Cluster

By: Andrew K. Dennis

Overview of this book

A cluster is a type of parallel/distributed processing system which consists of a collection of interconnected stand-alone computers cooperatively working together. Using Raspberry Pi computers, you can build a two-node parallel computing cluster which enhances performance and availability. This practical, example-oriented guide will teach you how to set up the hardware and operating systems of multiple Raspberry Pi computers to create your own cluster. It will then navigate you through how to install the necessary software to write your own programs such as Hadoop and MPICH before moving on to cover topics such as MapReduce. Throughout this book, you will explore the technology with the help of practical examples and tutorials to help you learn quickly and efficiently. Starting from a pile of hardware, with this book, you will be guided through exciting tutorials that will help you turn your hardware into your own super-computing cluster. You'll start out by learning how to set up your Raspberry Pi cluster's hardware. Following this, you will be taken through how to install the operating system, and you will also be given a taste of what parallel computing is about. With your Raspberry Pi cluster successfully set up, you will then install software such as MPI and Hadoop. Having reviewed some examples and written some programs that explore these two technologies, you will then wrap up with some fun ancillary projects. Finally, you will be provided with useful links to help take your projects to the next step.
Table of Contents (15 chapters)
Raspberry Pi Super Cluster
Credits
About the Author
About the Reviewers
www.PacktPub.com
Preface
Index

Completing the initial setup


Each chapter in this book will guide you through when you need to connect each hardware device and install software as necessary.

There is however some setup you will need to perform initially:

  • Start by connecting your switch to your router using a network cable and then connect the power unit to the switch to power it up.

  • Using a PC or similar device with an Ethernet connection, plug it into the switch and test that you can access the network and Internet.

  • Next select a single Raspberry Pi. This will be your Master unit.

  • Connect the mouse, keyboard, and the monitor to the Raspberry Pi.

  • Test that the Raspberry Pi is in easy reach of the switch by connecting them together via an Ethernet cable. Once you have confirmed this you can disconnect the Ethernet cable.

  • If you are using an USB hub or two separate USB power units, plug these into your mains power and position them so they are within easy reach of the Raspberry Pi.

  • Next check that the USB cables can easily plug...