Supercomputing Division, Information Technology Center, The University Tokyo

Tokens

Tokens, which refers to the duration that compute nodes are available for use, are allocated for the Reedbush system based on the course of use (personal course, group course, etc.) and the number of sets that the user has applied for. There are no restrictions to the number of sets that can be used within the constraints of the allocated tokens (with the exception of some courses and services), and batch jobs can be executed up to the maximum number of nodes that can be used. This page explains the concept of tokens, and the important points to be noted.

Overview (Applicable from April 1, 2018)

The tokens are needed (consumed) during the execution of batch jobs. The number of tokens allocated is determined beforehand based on the course and number of sets applied for. Batch jobs can be executed up to the maximum number of nodes that can be used, regardless of the number of nodes applied for, with the exception of some courses. Please refer to the following chart on the relationship between the number of tokens allocated based on the course of use applied for, and the maximum number of nodes.


Number of tokens allocated for Reedbush
Number of usable nodes Number of tokens allocated (per year) Consumption coefficient
Personal course Reedbush-U :
Maximum 128 nodes

Reedbush-H :
Maximum 32 nodes

Reedbush-L :
Maximum 16 nodes
8,640 node-hours
(Per set)
Reedbush-U : 1.00
Reedbush-H : 2.50
Reedbush-L : 4.00
Group course (General) Reedbush-U :
Maximum 128 nodes

Reedbush-H :
Maximum 32 nodes

Reedbush-L :
Maximum 16 nodes
8,640 node-hours
(Per set)
Group course (fixed nodes)
Reedbush-L
Reedbush-L :
Maximum 16 nodes
34,560 node-hours
(Per set)
Reedbush-L : 4.00

The tokens are consumed corresponding to the number of nodes and execution time for the execution of each batch job. Hence, it will no longer be possible to execute a batch job at the point when the tokens run out (or at the point when it becomes clear that the job will exceed the number of remaining tokens even before the execution of the job). However, even after the tokens have run out, it will still be possible to login to the login nodes (operation) and execute an interactive job.

The tokens for Reedbush and Oakforest-PACS are compatible with one another, and can be transferredmutually. For details, please refer to the section on “Transfer of tokens.”

Calculation of tokens

As explained in the overview, tokens are consumed for the execution of each batch job. The system allows for the execution of batch jobs above the number of sets applied for. Please refer to the calculation formula and specific examples of calculation shown below.

Calculation formula for tokens

Tokens = [Lapsed time] × [No. of nodes] × [Consumption coefficient]

* Examples of calculation for tokens (in the case of the execution of a 24-hour, 128-nodes job, using Reedbush-U)

   Tokens = 24(hours) × 128(nodes) × 1.00(consumption coefficient of Reedbush-U)
       = 3072(Tokens)

Use of tokens under the group course

While tokens are allocated to individuals (to each User ID) under the personal course, they are allocated to an entire group (overall) under the group course. The tokens allocated are shared and consumed among all the users registered in the group. However, it is possible either for just one user registered in the group to consume all the tokens allocated to the group, or to set a maximum number of tokens that can be used by each user in the group.

Setting a maximum number of tokens

Points to note when using tokens

Depending on the token system, it is possible to execute batch jobs flexibly for more than the number of sets applied for. However, it will no longer be possible to execute batch jobs once all the tokens have been consumed. (Please be sure to check the number of remaining tokens.) For that reason, the addition of tokens is accepted (additional application) only in cases where there are system resources to spare. However, there is no guarantee that all tokens can be used within the period in which use is permitted. As use of the tokens is only allowed during the period in which use is permitted (effective validity of the tokens), the remaining tokens cannot be carried out to the next fiscal year or refunded.

Is there a way of verifying the status of use of tokens?
You can verify this using the “show_token” command.
With regard to submitted jobs, is there a way of verifying which tokens had been used for the job? In addition, is it possible to verify jobs that were submitted using the same tokens?
These can be verified using the “rbstat” command.
What should I do if I wish to change the number of tokens allocated to users within a group?
The group administrator can set the number of tokens for users within a group. Please consult with the administrator for your user group (group administrator).
I submitted an application for 4 sets under the group course, but can I change this to xxx sets?
It is possible if there are system resources to spare (number of tokens that can be added).
Does it mean that I will not be able to login once the tokens have run out?
Tokens are consumed only when a batch job is executed. Even if the tokens run out (become “0”), you will be able to login (interactive job execution).
Is it possible to add tokens?
It is possible if you have run out of tokens (or have a very small number of tokens left). However, this is possible only in cases where there are system resources to spare (number of tokens that can be added).
How can tokens be added?
Please submit an application form for changes. However, depending on the contents of the application, there may be cases where the addition is not approved.
I added tokens as my tokens had been used up. Although 8,640 (node-hours) were added, the actual number is below 8,640 (node-hours). Why is that so?
The number of tokens used in excess prior to the addition of tokens is added, and the tokens are allocated. For example, If the excess usage had been 640 (node-hours) at the point of application for additional tokens, the number of usable tokens would be 8,000 (node-hours).
The number of remaining tokens
The amount of tokens used in excess is deducted from the tokens added, and the remaining tokens is the number of tokens available for use.
As the deadline has passed for the acceptance of applications for additional tokens, it is not possible to add more tokens. Does this mean that it will no longer be possible to execute jobs?
After the deadline has passed for the acceptance of applications for additional tokens, for users with no tokens or insufficient tokens required for the execution of the job, there are cases where “low-priority job classes (low-priority queues)” are set (provided) in order to enable them to execute jobs, when there are spare calculation resources.
For details, please refer to "Low-priority job classes".

Low-priority job class setting (provision): Illustration

Execution of batch job (image)
I added the number of sets applied for (addition of tokens as all the tokens had been used up). Will there be any changes to the maximum number of tokens allocated to individual users within the group?
There will be no changes. The maximum number of tokens (value set by the group administrator) can only be changed by the group administrator. A change in the number of maximum tokens through the addition of tokens needs to be made by the group administrator.
Is there a validity period for the tokens?
The validity period is the period in which the use of computers is permitted (processing day at the end of the month of expiration of use, or the day for the end of services at the end of the fiscal year in question). Hence, even if there are any remaining tokens, they cannot be carried over to the next fiscal year or refunded.
I could not finish using the tokens during the period in which use is permitted. As I am submitting an application for continued use, can I continue to use the remaining tokens?
The validity period of allocated tokens is within the initial period in which use is permitted (processing day at the end of the month of expiration of use, or the day for the end of services at the end of the fiscal year in question). Hence, even if you submit an application for continued use, they cannot be carried over beyond the initial validity period nor refunded.
I am a member of several groups, but am unable to finish using my tokens within the validity period for the group. Can I use these tokens under other groups after the validity has expired for the group in question?
The validity period for tokens is the period in which the use of computers is permitted (processing day at the end of the month of expiration of use, or the day for the end of services at the end of the fiscal year in question). Hence, even if your User ID remains effective, tokens that have been allocated to a group for which validity has expired cannot be used in another group.
Token use expiration