Testbed hardware status 02/24/2000

• Have all components of 40 PCs with the exception of processors, DNARD racks, floppy drives, and the second of the dual fans. Expect the remaining hardware by, at the earliest, end of next week with the exception of the DNARD racks which may not be in by then. The DNARDS are not critical initially.
• Experiencing CPU backorder problems. Mike is hoping to order some today. Complications on current order due to quantity/net price and going through purchasing or not.
• Floppies probably won't hold up initial testbed as they're not critical. It will cause more work on Mike and Steve's part, though: about 1.5 days estimating 20 minutes installation per machine.
• Rack configuration. Mike is going to make up some xfig drawings. Once they settle on a rack and wiring config, I volunteered to call the wiring folks for info.
• Wiring.While we could wire a limited number of nodes ourselves (10?), wiring of the full testbed has to happen before the testbed is maximally useful. Jay has references from Dave for people who will, at a minimum, make cables. Not sure if they will do a big installation job. Some thought given to telecommunications but concern about (1) backlog and (2) cost. If wiring is not done correctly, we will be paying the price for a long time to come. As an alternative, perhaps we could hire a professional to come out and show us the best way to string the wires.

• 2nd fans are on their way.
• CPUs not ordered yet, but will be ordered soon.