Networks are an integral piece of modern high performance computing. The ability to maximize network throughput is often essential to the success of high performance computation. The Bandwidth Challenge challenges participants to push the envelope in terms of network throughput as it relates to high performance computing.

For SC 2004 in Pittsburgh, PA SCinet will provision as many as 8 OC-192c (10 Gbps) circuits into the convention center. This anticipated bandwidth volume will exceed the available bandwidth into and out of all but the largest countries in the world.  The challenge is to present a real application that requires massive network resources and demonstrate it during SC 2004. The following criteria will be used to judge entries:

 1. The sustained throughput

 2. The scientific merit or real world applicability of the application

 3. The use of innovative and fair TCP and non-TCP implementations

 4. The physical distance between involved sites and the associated latency

 5. The use of emerging or underutilized technologies including IPv6 and IP multicast.

The throughput will be verified using high performance monitoring equipment provided by Spirent Communications. Separate awards will be made for the best TCP and the best non-TCP application throughput.

The Bandwidth Challenge is a collaboration between SC, SCinet and Qwest Communications. Qwest Communications is generously providing a monetary prize for the winning entry. This is the fifth annual Bandwidth Challenge. The winning application in last year's Bandwidth Challenge reached 23.21 Gb/s of TCP throughput.

The deadline for submitting a full entry for the Bandwidth Challenge is September 1, 2004. However, in order to be included in the final SC 2004 program an abstract must be submitted by July 26, 2004. All submissions must be made through the following website:

Contestants with special network requirements  are urged to contact SCinet at their earliest opportunity. SCinet is responsible for all aspects of networking at SC 2004 and provides technical support to applicants, make arrangements for equipment and may be able provide rack space to support entries.

Please contact bwc@scinet.supercomp.org for further information.