Accessing Matlab MDCS Cluster over SSH

Question

I just installed Matlab's Distributed Computing Server on a bunch of machines and it works, but only for those physically connected to the cluster's network. For remote access those machines are 2 SSH hops away. How this problem is usually solved? I thought in setting up a VPN, but to me this seems like last resort.

What I want is that everybody in the lab, using their own versions of Matlab, with the correct Toolbox, just run their code in the cluster somewhat effortlessly. I guess I could ask to everybody just tar-ball their files and access a remote installation of matlab, somehow forwarding the GUI session (VNC or X-Forward), but that seem ugly.

Any help?

Answer 1

It is possible to set up "remote access" to a cluster running MDCS so that clients without direct access can submit jobs there. The documentation for this starts here:

http://www.mathworks.com/help/mdce/configure-parallel-computing-products-for-a-generic-scheduler.html

I'm not quite sure how to configure things so that the submission can work across two SSH connections - the example integration scripts shipping with MDCS all presume only one. However, it should be possible providing that:

1. The client can put the job and task files somewhere the execution nodes can see them
2. The client can trigger the appropriate qsub or whatever on the cluster headnode

You might also consider simply contacting MathWorks installation support.