The SCxy conference series on high-performance networking and computing has long been a place where high-performance computers and high-speed networks meet. At SC'2002 in Baltimore, the SCinet team will create a particularly exciting network infrastructure with a backbone consisting of 10 Gigabit Ethernet and OC-192 WAN connections, multiple Gigabit Ethernet, SONET, and ATM links to the exhibit floor and high bandwidth connections to many high-speed national research networks. SCinet is continuing the tradition of challenging the community to show how this unique network can be used to demonstrate exciting applications at the maximum possible speed. Last year at SC'2001, one application broke the 3 gigabit limit, while another attempted to squander bandwidth from as many different remote sites as possible.
To this end, SCinet and SC'2002 are soliciting proposals for innovative and bandwidth-intensive application demonstrations for a High-Performance Bandwidth Challenge. The challenge is to propose ideas for meaningful applications that will significantly stress the SCinet network infrastructure and capacity while delivering innovative application value on an OC-48 or higher interconnect. In turn, SCinet will provide technical support to applicants throughout the planning and implementation process to ensure successful demonstration of their application. Limited and special arrangements for equipment and floor and rack space can also be made for applicants with demonstrable needs. SCinet, through the SC'2002 Publications Chair, will work to ensure that contestants receive recognition for their efforts, through publicity prior to and during the conference, inclusion in the SC'2002 Final Program, and potentially awards. Qwest is again sponsoring the award of monetary prize(s) for the application(s) that the judges believe make the most effective and/or courageous use of SCinet resources. The primary measure of performance will be the verifiable network throughput as measured from the contestant's booth through the SCinet switches and routers to external connections. SCinet will provide the necessary measurement tools. These tools require no integration with the monitored application, and have no effect on application performance.
To assist with planning, we request a statement of intent to participate by July 12th, followed by a proposal no later than August 2nd, 2002. Please note that we will continue to accept submissions up until the start of the show, but only those submissions who meet the deadlines below will be included in the SC'2002 Final Program.
The results from this year's challenge can be found at:
Examples and results of past contests are available at:
SCinet is using a formal "call for participation" process for two reasons:
To respond to the call for participation:
1. Demonstration title.
2. Primary contact person's name, institution, and e-mail address.
3. Contact information for all collaborators (name, institution, and e-mail address).
4. Project description:
a. A paragraph summary of your application and its significance.
b. A paragraph summary of hardware, software, and networking resources required for your application.
c. A paragraph summarizing how you propose to communicate how your network uses SCinet resources.
d. URL address for further project documentation.
e. Graphics illustrating your application are encouraged.
5. Detailed technical requirements, including answers to these questions:
a. What wide-area network(s) do you expect to use and with whom are you coordinating?
b. Where are any off-site resources you will be using?
c. In what booth are any on-showfloor resources you will be using?
d. Does your application require access to any non-IP protocols? If so, provide details.
e. Do you require specialized on-showfloor equipment for your demonstration, such as storage, computers, display devices? If so, provide details.
A jury will review proposals for feasibility, and feedback will be provided to ensure successful presentations.