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Clusters
When a client sends batches to the Apple Qmaster system, all the processing and
subsequent moving of any output files is performed by a group of
Apple Qmaster–configured computers called a cluster. To set up Apple Qmaster services,
you use the Apple Qadministrator application to create one or more clusters of service
nodes, with one cluster controller included in each cluster. Each computer in the cluster
is connected to the other computers in the cluster through a network connection. See
the Distributed Processing Setup Guide, available in Apple Qmaster Help, for more
information on cluster setup. In particular, see “Preparing a Network for Distributed
Processing.”
Note: See the Shake Support website (http://www.apple.com/support/shake) for an online
guide to setting up a full-time “render farm,” incorporating an Xserve computer and
cluster nodes.
Service Nodes
When you combine multiple nodes into a cluster, they function as one very powerful
computer because all their resources are shared. You make a computer available as a
service node by configuring it in the Apple Qmaster pane in System Preferences. The
steps involved in using System Preferences to configure a service node are described in
“Creating and Administering Clusters” in the Distributed Processing Setup Guide, available
in Apple Qmaster Help.
Cluster Controllers
The cluster controller software acts as the manager of a cluster. The cluster controller
directs the distribution of batches within the cluster. It has the ability to determine the
best use of the cluster resources based on work and availability variables. (See the
Distributed Processing Setup Guide, available in Apple Qmaster Help, for more details.) You
make a computer available as a cluster controller by turning on the cluster controlling
service in the Apple Qmaster pane in System Preferences. (See “Configuring Service Nodes
and Cluster Controllers” in the Distributed Processing Setup Guide, available in Apple Qmaster
Help.)
9Chapter 1 Using Apple Qmaster 3