First Steps in Accessing CLAIX
This tutorial is designed to help new users set up everything required to access the RWTH HPC system CLAIX. There are three prerequisites:
- An RWTH account
- An HPC account
- A connection to the RWTH network or partner network
IMPORTANT: The RWTH IdM and HPC account (via RegApp) both require a separate multifactor authentification (MFA) method. We recommend using a hardware token or a Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) app on your smartphone (e.g., Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator or FreeOTP). |
Note: If you are affiliated with RWTH Aachen University, you may skip some of the steps described here.
If you run into any problems, feel free to reach out to us.
1. Creating an RWTH Account in our Identity Management (IdM)
If you are an RWTH student or employee you already have an RWTH account and can skip this step. Others must obtain an account through the partner process, which involves receiving a coupon code via email. This process can be initiated in one of the following ways:
- You applied for a computing time project and received approval.
- You are affiliated with Forschungszentrum Jülich or Uniklinikum Aachen and asked your institution to be partnered with RWTH.
- You have been sponsored by an RWTH employee, for example, as part of the organization "HPC-Projektnutzende" (HPC project users) in the role of "Angehörige Organisationseinheit" (member of the organizational unit)
- You got sponsored by a non-RWTH PI of a computing time project.*
* currently not possible - reach out to us for assistance.
If you received an email with a coupon:
- Follow the instructions described here to create an RWTH account
- Make sure to note down your user ID (e.g. ab123456) and password
2. Setting up MFA for the RWTH IdM Account
To use your RWTH IdM account effectively, you must set up a multi-factor authentication (MFA) method.
- Log into the IdM Selfservice
- Please follow the instructions described here and create a TAN list with backup codes for MFA.
- Create an additional token (e.g. TOTP with a smartphone).
3. Registering an HPC Account
Note: Please wait at least two hours after creating your RWTH account before proceeding.
With your RWTH account, you can now create an HPC account in the RegApp. Please note that the user ID of your HPC account is identical to your RWTH IdM account.
- Follow the instructions described here to register for an HPC account.
4. Setting an HPC Password and SSH Key
Your HPC account cannot be used without a password. For security reasons, please choose a password that is different to your RWTH account.
- Follow the instructions described here to set a password.
- We also recommend to set an SSH key for accessing the HPC infrastructure later
5. Setting up MFA for the HPC Account
To use your HPC account you need to set up a multi-factor authentication (MFA) method. Note that this one is different to the RWTH IdM MFA you have set up before.
- Follow the instructions here to set up MFA for your HPC account.
- Important: Also, create a TAN list with backup codes in case you lose your smartphone, for example.
6. Connect to the RWTH Network via VPN (might be optional)
Our cluster can directly be accessed through the RWTH network, networks that are linked to DFN, and certain other designated university networks. If you are on an external network, you need to use the Cisco Secure Client to establish a VPN connection to the RWTH network.
- If not done before, set a password for your VPN account in the IdM Selfservice. (See instructions for additional details)
- Download the Cisco AnyConnect, as described for Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
- Establish a VPN connection.
7. Connect to the HPC Cluster
After completing all the steps above, you should be able to log into the cluster. There are several option to access the system:
- using SSH in a classical terminal
- using a remote desktop session with FastX
- using our HPC JupyterHub service
8. Further Steps
To maximize your efficiency with the HPC infrastructure and the Linux operating system, working via the console is recommended. The HPC-Wiki provides some helpful tutorials and resources.
For resource-intensive workloads you will need to apply for a computing time project. Depending on your needs different projects may be appropriate for you. Reach out to us if you need help.