Preface
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## Preface

This publication describes the Cray Network Queuing Environment (NQE). NQE is a set of clients and servers that lets users submit, monitor, and control work across a load-balanced network of hosts. NQE supports computing in a large network; up to 36 servers and hundreds of clients using the NQE database model, or an unlimited number of NQS servers. This grouping of servers and clients is referred to as an NQE cluster.

NQE consists of the following components that provide a seamless environment for client users to do their work:

- An NQE client provides the client user interfaces to NQE. It supports the submission, monitoring, and control of work from the workstation for job execution of the batch request on the nodes. It provides the NQE graphical user interface (GUI) that lets users submit batch requests to a central storage database, to control these requests, and to obtain status on their batch requests and file transfers.

- The Network Queuing System (NQS) initiates requests on NQS servers. An NQS server is the host on which NQS runs.

- The Network Load Balancer (NLB) provides status and control of work scheduling within the group of components in the NQE cluster. The NLB offers NQS a list of servers, in order of preference, to run a request; NQS uses the list to route the request.

- The NQE database provides an alternative mechanism for distributing work. Requests are submitted and stored centrally. The NQE scheduler examines each request and determines when and where the request is run.

- The File Transfer Agent (FTA) provides asynchronous and synchronous file transfer. You can queue your transfers so that they are retried if a network link fails.

This introduction describes basic user tasks, provides instructions on how to get help online, and provides troubleshooting information.

## Related Publications

The following documents contain additional information that may be helpful (this introductory guide is also provided online):

- NQE User's Guide, publication SG-2148, provides detailed user-level information, such as how to perform user tasks by using either the NQE GUI or the command line interface, and how to customize your environment.

- NQE Administration, publication SG-2150, provides information on configuring, monitoring, and controlling NQE.

- NQE Installation, publication SG-5236, describes how to install or upgrade the NQE software.

- NQE Release Overview, publication RO-5237, provides NQE release information.

These publications can also be accessed online by using the Cray DynaWeb server application and through the Silicon Graphics Technical Publications Library World Wide Web page at the following URL:

    http://techpubs.sgi.com/library/

For further information, see “Online Documentation” in Chapter 3.

## Ordering Cray Research Publications

The User Publications Catalog, Cray Research publication CP-0099, describes the availability and content of all Cray Research hardware and software documents that are available to customers. Cray Research customers who subscribe to the Cray Inform (CRInform) program can access this information on the CRInform system.

To order a document, either call the Distribution Center in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, at +1-612-683-5907, or send a facsimile of your request to fax number +1-612-452-0141. Cray Research employees may send electronic mail to `orderdsk` (UNIX system users).

Customers who subscribe to the CRInform program can order software release packages electronically by using the `Order Cray Software` option.

Customers outside of the United States and Canada should contact their local service organization for ordering and documentation information.

## Conventions

The following conventions are used throughout this document:

Convention |  | Meaning
`command` |  | This fixed-space font denotes literal items such as commands, files, routines, path names, signals, messages, and programming language structures.
`manpage`(x) |  | Man page section identifiers appear in parentheses after man page names. The following list describes the identifiers:
1 | User commands
1B | User commands ported from BSD
2 | System calls
3 | Library routines, macros, and opdefs
4 | Devices (special files)
4P | Protocols
5 | File formats
7 | Miscellaneous topics
7D | DWB-related information
8 | Administrator commands
Some internal routines (for example, the `_assign_asgcmd_info`() routine) do not have man pages associated with them.
variable |  | Italic typeface denotes variable entries and words or concepts being defined.
`user input` |  | This bold, fixed-space font denotes literal items that the user enters in interactive sessions. Output is shown in nonbold, fixed-space font.
[ ] |  | Brackets enclose optional portions of a command line.

The default shell in the UNICOS and UNICOS/mk operating systems, referred to in Cray Research documentation as the standard shell, is a version of the Korn shell that conforms to the following standards:

- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Portable Operating System Interface (POSIX) Standard 1003.2-1992

- X/Open Portability Guide, Issue 4 (XPG4)

The UNICOS and UNICOS/mk operating systems also support the optional use of the C shell.

## Reader Comments

If you have comments about the technical accuracy, content, or organization of this document, please tell us. You can contact us in any of the following ways:

- Send us electronic mail at the following address:

      techpub@sgi.com

- Contact your customer service representative and ask that an SPR or PV be filed. If filing an SPR, use `PUBLICATIONS` for the group name, `PUBS` for the command, and `NO-LICENSE` for the release name.

- Call our Software Publications Group in Eagan, Minnesota, through the Customer Service Call Center, using either of the following numbers:

  1-800-950-2729 (toll free from the United States and Canada)
  +1-612-683-5600

- Send a facsimile of your comments to the attention of “Software Publications Group” in Eagan, Minnesota, at fax number +1-612-683-5599.

We value your comments and will respond to them promptly.

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Introducing NQE |  | Chapter 1. Overview