Setting up a 4 node Raspberry Pi 2 Cluster

Setting up the right hardware.

Intro

Earlier I talked about, how I set up a single node Raspberry Pi.
This is post is about setting up, a 4 node Raspberry Pi 2 cluster aka C4Rpi based on this external post.

Components

Cluster set up can be split into 3 different functionalities.

1. Each node consist of a Raspberry Pi with Micro SD card and enclosed in a case.
   In this cluster, we have 4 individual nodes.
2. Network switch to connect 4 nodes together and to provide an external link.
   Chosen network switch has 5 slots in it.
3. Power supply to power individual nodes as well as the network.
   Chosen power supply has 5 USB ports, 4 for powering 4 nodes and remaining 1 to power the Network switch.

This cluster has two connections to outside world.

• Power supply cable, that can be connected to the mains power supply.
• Network cable, that can be connected to LAN.

Pictures speak more

4 Raspberry Pi nodes + 1 Power Supply + 1 Network Switch

With required cables

Note: Black wire and USB cable has to be linked.

Full set up with everything connected

Bill of Materials

Core Components

• 4 x Raspberry Pi 2 - MODB - 1GB - Quad core - ₹ 2889.00
• 4 x Strontium Nitro 32GB 70MB/s UHS-1 Class 10 microsdhc Memory card - ₹ 579.00
• 4 x Raspberry pi 2 Model B/B+ ABS Glossy White Modular case - ₹ 439.00
• Total = ₹ 4 x (2889.00 + 579.00 + 439.00) = ₹ 15628.00

Network

• 1 x TP-Link TL-SF1005D 5-Port 10/100Mbps Desktop Switch - ₹ 515.00
• 1 x CNCT White 1m (3.25ft) Cat 6 Network Patch Cord - ₹ 114.95
• 4 x CNCT White 1ft Cat 6 Network Patch Cord (0.3M) - ₹ 109.95
• Total = ₹ 515.00 + 114.95 + 4 x 109.95 = ₹ 1069.75

Power Supply

• 1 x Anker 40W 5V / 8A 5-Port Family-Sized Desktop USB Charger - ₹ 2530.00
• 5 x SToK Micro USB Charging Cable for All Android Phone- 25cm - ₹ 72.00
• 1 x Cable to hack, a USB to barrel jack DC power supply converter - ₹ 30.00 - Bought it offline.
• Total = ₹ 2530.00 + 5 x 72.00 + 30.00 = ₹ 2920.00

Overall Cost

So, overall cost is ₹ 15628.00 + 1069.75 + 2920.00 = ₹ 19617.75 (or $ 289.63 (at $1 = ₹67.64)).
This cost list is specific to Indian Market and based on Amazon.in prices as on Jan 18, 2016.
If you are ready, for approx ₹ 20k you can set up a 4 node Raspberry Pi 2 cluster.

Aesthetics

• I had chosen all components to have same colour.
• This includes, RJ45 network cable, USB cable, Raspberry Pi 2 case, Network switch and Power supply.
• But, Jack barrel pin cable that powers the network switch is still black. No alternatives found in Indian Market.
• In short, White everywhere, except one little piece.

Footnote

I will write about how to set up the required software and use this cluster.

Update on Jan 19, 2016

• Added new pictures of the setup.
• Minor edit in footnote.