Open OnDemand: Web-Based Access to the Illinois Campus Cluster

Open OnDemand is a powerful, browser-based interface that gives researchers, students, and instructors intuitive and seamless access to the Illinois Campus Cluster. Built with flexibility in mind, Open OnDemand enables users to manage files, run jobs, and launch interactive applications—all from a standard web browser, with no need to install or configure local client software.

Whether you’re a seasoned HPC user or just getting started, Open OnDemand simplifies your experience and shortens your time-to-science. You can view our Open OnDemand instructions for the Illinois Campus Cluster to learn more!

7/17 Important Scratch File System Change

As part of our 7/17 maintenance, the following update has been made to the scratch storage configuration:

  • The previous /scratch file system has been mounted as /scratch_old in read-only mode.
  • The newer file system previously mounted as /scratch_new is now live as /scratch.
  • No data was migrated from /scratch to the new system.
  • You have 30 days (until August 16, 2025) to copy any needed data from /scratch_old to the new /scratch.

Please plan accordingly and move any essential files as soon as possible.

If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us at help@campuscluster.illinois.edu.

How to Access

Users can access the cluster via SSH: cc-login.campuscluster.illinois.edu

(note: 2-factor authentication via Duo is now required)

Also please note that the SSH keys of the login servers has been changed, accepting the new keys should be expected.

Documentation

Users looking to avoid re-entering passwords on ICCP can configure “ControlMaster” with their SSH client to improve their existing cluster workflow. We have a detailed document on how to set up ControlMaster (shared on Box). We are also working to integrate the contents of this document fully into our existing ICCP Documentation for all users. In the meantime, please feel free to use the instructions and share with your users. The FAQ page also covers additional changes to the cluster environment.

Do you need computing power or storage for your research?

The Illinois Campus Cluster provides access to computing and data storage resources and frees you from the hassle of administering your own compute cluster. Any individual, research team, or campus unit can invest in compute nodes or storage space. System administration is subsidized by the campus. Infrastructure fees are fees that cover the fair share portion of shared system components. Those fees vary by system type/configuration and are currently paid for by the Illinois Computes program.

Watch our video to learn more about how the campus cluster works and how it can help advance your research!