Augernome & XtremWeb: Monte Carlos computation on a global computing platform

TL;DR

This paper introduces XtremWeb, a global computing platform designed to efficiently run Monte Carlo simulations for high-energy cosmic ray research at the Auger experiment, leveraging idle interconnected machines.

Contribution

It presents the architecture and deployment of XtremWeb, a global computing platform tailored for distributed Monte Carlo computations in high-energy physics.

Findings

Successful deployment of XtremWeb for Auger Monte Carlo simulations

Enhanced computational capacity using idle networked machines

Proof of security and fault tolerance in distributed environment

Abstract

In this paper, we present XtremWeb, a Global Computing platform used to generate monte carlos showers in Auger, an HEP experiment to study the highest energy cosmic rays at Mallargue-Mendoza, Argentina. XtremWeb main goal, as a Global Computing platform, is to compute distributed applications using idle time of widely interconnected machines. It is especially dedicated to -but not limited to- multi-parameters applications such as monte carlos computations; its security mechanisms ensuring not only hosts integrity but also results certification and its fault tolerant features, encouraged us to test it and, finally, to deploy it as to support our CPU needs to simulate showers. We first introduce Auger computing needs and how Global Computing could help. We then detail XtremWeb architecture and goals. The fourth and last part presents the profits we have gained to choose this platform. We conclude on what could be done next.