Connecting to HPC Systems

Learn how to connect to NREL's High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems.

NREL Employee on NREL Device

If you are an NREL employee using an NREL device and you are on the NREL network, then you can use SSH to get a shell on NREL HPC systems in the NREL HPC Data Center.

Windows

You will need to install an SSH client.  Some free options include PuTTY, the Windows Subsystem for Linux, Git Bash, and Cygwin.

For all except PuTTY, use your SSH client to run the command:

$ ssh username@<hostname>.hpc.nrel.gov

For PuTTY, follow the detailed instructions for using <hostname>.hpc.nrel.gov as the host name.

Mac or Linux

Use the built-in Terminal app to run the command:

$ ssh username@<hostname>.hpc.nrel.gov

Not an NREL Employee and/or Not on NREL Device

If you are not an NREL employee or not on an NREL device, you need to use one of the following methods, which use two-factor authentication.

First, you will need to set up your account for two-factor authentication. See Multifactor Tokens.

Prerequisite Software

Windows

You will need to install an SSH client.  Some free options include PuTTY, the Windows Subsystem for Linux, Git Bash, and Cygwin.

Mac or Linux

Use the built-in Terminal app.

Command Line Access

If you just need access to a command line on an HPC system, use one of the following methods:

eagle.nrel.gov (Eagle access) - see Eagle System User Basics.

hpcsh.nrel.gov (non-HPC access) - see System Connection via SSH Gateway.

Non-Command Line Access

For non-command line access (for example, visualization and web apps), you should connect to the HPC VPN.

Visualization

FastX is available for HPC users to use graphical applications on Data Analytics & Visualization (DAV) nodes.

Also, see Visualization and Analytics Software Tools for Eagle System.

If you will need to connect to an X11 application running on an HPC resource, an X11 Server application is required.  The visualization compatibility table contains software options and usage suggestions.

In general, with an SSH client and X11 server running, connect with the -Y switch before running your application: 

$ ssh -Y username@<hostname>.hpc.nrel.gov
$ glxgears
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