4.5 Connecting to Your Cluster

Connecting to Your Cluster

Your cluster is running — now let’s connect to the head node. ParallelCluster supports multiple connection methods.

Connection Methods

Method Description Best For
DCV (Browser) Remote desktop in web browser (TCP) Quick access, no install needed
DCV (Client) Remote desktop via native client (TCP + UDP) Best performance, lower latency
SSM Shell Direct shell access from PCUI Quick terminal access
SSH Traditional SSH to head node Scripting, automation

Before You Connect

  1. Ensure your cluster status is Running in PCUI
  2. For DCV, use a Chromium-based browser (Chrome, Edge) for best performance

Accessing Connections from PCUI

  1. Select your cluster in the PCUI cluster list
  2. Click DCV for remote desktop, or Shell for terminal access

Using the Clipboard in DCV

The clipboard is automatically synced when using the native DCV client. For the web client on non-Chromium browsers:

Paste into DCV:

  1. Copy content on your local machine
  2. Click the squares icon in the top-left of the DCV window
  3. Paste into the clipboard window with Ctrl+V
  4. Click “Done”, then right-click → Paste inside DCV

Copy out of DCV:

  1. Select and copy text inside DCV (right-click → Copy)
  2. Click the squares icon in the top-left
  3. Press Ctrl+C to transfer to your local clipboard

Choose Your Platform

Once connected, set up your software and data: Working with Data & Software