Computing grid tested on Large Hadron Collider

By William Atkins
Saturday, 04 July 2009 18:52

Science - Energy

The world’s largest particle accelerator is testing its Worldwide LHC Computing Grid in order to prepare for its re-start later in 2009.


In order to prepare for the re-start of CERN’s Large Hadron Collider one of its most important systems must be completely tested first.

The Worldwide LHC Computing Grid (WLCG) is a global computing system that includes over 140 computer centers in 34 countries, and thousands of individual computers, from around the world.

The WLCG first became operational on October 3, 2008. As the distribution network for CERN’s LHC, it uses fiber optic cable and high-speed portions of the Internet to communicate back and forth with its users.

It is expected to generate 27 TB (terabytes, or 1,000 GB, gigabytes) of raw day each day.

The WLCG connects computers all over the world. It allows users to access information, along with the ability to use such features as its data storage capacity, processing power, sensors, and visualization tools.

According to the July 1, 2009 CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) press release Grids Step-up to a Set of New Records: Scale Testing for the Experiment Programme ’09 (STEP’09), “After months of preparation and two intensive weeks of 24 x 7 operation the LHC experiments are celebrating the achievement of a new set of goals aimed at demonstrating full readiness for the LHC data taking run expected to start later this year.”

The press release continues, “Whilst there have been several large-scale data-processing tests in recent years, this was the first production demonstration involving all of the key elements from data taking through to analysis.”

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