There are three main types of MPI topologies:

Table 19.1: Topologies

	A single computer. Single CPU or multi-cores. Communication system: Local (Shared memory).
	Multiple computers on a network. Communication system: Ethernet.
	Computer cluster, with queuing system. Communication system: Ethernet / Infiniband / Myrinet or other high-speed, dedicated network.

Even if the various modules of FENSAP-ICE are used on a single computer, the MPI environment must still be properly configured. FENSAP-ICE bundles Intel MPI in the installation package and therefore no configuration is required. This document addresses advanced configurations and alternate MPI libraries.