Bare Metal (PC Farm)
While DaDesktop primarily supports virtual desktop environments, certain tasks demand the power of a physical machine. The bare metal solution allows each participant to access a dedicated physical desktop or server, all seamlessly managed through the DaDesktop platform.
Dedicated hardware for every user
Participants are assigned their own physical machine, providing a direct alternative to standard virtual desktops.
Remote management of physical spaces
Link existing physical classrooms to DaDesktop to oversee and control the machines remotely, eliminating the need for on-site presence.
Scenarios requiring bare metal access
- Deploying software that is incompatible with virtualization, such as ONAP and OpenStack.
- Utilizing hardware that cannot be virtualized, including specific GPUs, Mellanox cards, and other networking equipment.
- Curriculum modules that involve firmware or require direct interaction with physical hardware components.
- Maintaining and managing physical classroom setups from a remote location.
Operational mechanics
Physical machines interface with a DaDesktop node via a control connection known as ddnexus. To provision a standalone or fresh-start desktop, simply select the "Metal PC" option during creation. This deploys the desktop environment directly onto the physical hardware.
PC Farm architecture
Existing office desktops can be integrated to function as bare metal nodes. In this configuration, each individual physical desktop is referred to as a potato. The central server that orchestrates these nodes is known as a pumpkin (also identified as the DaDesktop node or ddnode). The USB-based connection linking each potato to the pumpkin is termed a potato stalk.
Connections for potato stalks can be sourced from eBay or Alibaba.
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