Foundation Technologies

UK Supercomputer

A new IBM supercomputer, housed in the Center for Computational Sciences, is a System Cluster 1350. With a peak performance of 16.3 teraflops, it is one of the fastest university supercomputers in the world. The supercomputer is available to analyze large datasets, especially genomic data, where analysis will only be practical on the supercomputer.

The center also offers other high-performance computing resources to UK researchers through the NSF TeraGrid. Using high-performance network connections, the TeraGrid integrates high-performance computers, data resources and tools, and high-end experimental facilities around the country. Currently, TeraGrid resources include more than 750 teraflops of computing capability and more than 30 petabytes of online and archival data storage, with rapid access and retrieval.

High Bandwidth Network Connection

UK, in collaboration with the University of Louisville and the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (KCPE), developed a Kentucky regional optical network, to qualify for the connection to the NewNet access point in Louisville. NewNet, a recent upgrade to Internet2, is the most advanced and fastest fiber optical network in the world, with Louisville as one of its 26 national access points.

High Bandwidth Network Connection

KPCE has already established the initial required 10-gigabit production network connection, and is using a recently awarded Health Resources and Services Administration grant to establish the required complementary 10-gigabit research network connection.

UK is purchasing a seven-year Indefeasible Right to Use the 10-gigabit fiber optic network, and hardware to upgrade the NewNet port access to 10 gigabits. The goal of this upgrade is to improve (1) health care delivery; (2) medical education; (3) translation of research findings to health care practice; and (4) medical research.