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Xgrid
Xgrid is Apple’s distributed computing technology designed to create a virtual supercomputer by connecting multiple Macs. It allows users to harness unused processing power across a network to perform intensive computational tasks in a coordinated manner..
Overview
Xgrid was developed by Apple Inc. as a distributed computing framework that enables users to cluster Macintosh systems for high-performance computing (HPC) projects. Operating as a grid computing system, it allows multiple client machines to offload computational jobs to a networked controller, which distributes workloads among available compute agents.
Protocol on Port 4111
Xgrid uses TCP port 4111 by default to facilitate communication between the controller, clients, and agents. This port handles job submissions, task management, and result collection. While it primarily uses TCP for reliable communication, Xgrid does not employ SCTP.
Deployment Context
Xgrid's design emphasizes ease of use for scientific users and developers by integrating tightly with macOS environments and Xcode. Typical applications include rendering, data analysis, scientific simulation, and any task requiring distributed processing that can benefit from parallelization across networked Mac computers.