As technologies progress further and the demand of work that needs to be produced are set at increasingly tight deadlines it is important to be aware the hardware capabilities and limitations that might influence the work that needs to be delivered. Especially when gigabytes and even terabytes of information are being processed when creating high-resolution models of environments, high-volumetric simulations and photoreal digi-doubles are the standard of work that are worked on by VFX artists.
INTERNAL COMPUTER HARDWARE
Visual effects work wouldn’t be possible without high-end computers. These computer systems function through the different components that are fitted together in encased computer tower casing. Each individual pieces all contribute and work together to form the computer systems. A strong built computer will power through the most intensive tasks.
Motherboard
The main circuit board that holds and contains slots for CPUs, RAM chips, data disks, video cards – all connected and allow communication between each computer components.
CPU
The central processing power where most calculations and logical instructions are dealt and performed in. Multi-core processors (e.g. 16 core processors) contained in a single unit which allow multiple instructions to run all at once increasing the speed at which applications can be ran. Background renders use idle CPU workstations’ processing power.
GPU
Graphics processing unit processes visual output to the display device while also manages most 3D calculations. GPUs support certain functions such as accelerated video decoding (offloading CPU demand), texture mapping (wrap texture data around 3D model) and rendering (process of generating digital images). 3D software like Maya and 3DS Max feature integrated GPU processing, upgrading graphics card can boost the performance when other components are not up to speed.
RAM
Random-access memory is a data storage device used to temporarily read and write data. RAM is volatile memory which will lose the memory that it stores when the system is powered off. It allows VFX applications to keep track of the things that are currently opened and in use. More RAM will make it easier to work on big projects and multitask between applications.
NETWORK INTERFACES
Connection between a computer and a public/private network would form a network address that provide passing messages, and connect and disconnect functions via a network interface care (NIC)
Ethernet
A wired network solution that requires computers to be connected by cables via switches that direct incoming data to a designated device. In comparison to wireless solution this technology is more reliable as there are less physical obstructions and electromagnetic interference that can disrupt the connection.
Wi-Fi
A wireless network solution supported by most modern consumer computers such as mobile phones, tablets, printers and gaming/entertainment systems. A Wi-Fi enabled device can be connected to a wireless modem (Wi-Fi hotspot). Though you can get password-protected Wi-Fi, this type of connection is more susceptible to attacks than wired networks since it is transmitted into radio wave from one system into another. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a more secure technology that protects the movement of information across the network.
NETWORK TYPES
PAN
Personal area network enables communication between nearby personal devices (e.g. laptop, smartphones, wireless headphones) centred on an individual’s workspace. Bluetooth technologies uses wireless personal area network (WPAN). A USB connection is an example of a wired PAN.
LAN & WAN
Both networks have an ability to connect between multiple computers, mostly commonly via Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections. Wide Area Networks cover a greater geographical area. Local Area Networks are used within one building such as schools or home network. Whereas WAN might be used to describe an office network that extends to multiple sites or larger networks such as the Internet.
EPN
Commonly known as the Intranet, an Enterprise Private Network is a private and secure network (either LAN or WAN) that is only accessible to members of the staff within the facility. This type of network is used for sharing private work-related and commercially sensitive data which is protected by expensive firewalls that have been put in place. The VFX industry heavily relies upon these networks since confidentiality and security builds a strong relationship with clients that want their work to not be distributed or leaked to the public.
VPN
Virtual Private Network is a way to connect a private network through public network like the Internet. This ensures that your location is private, data is encrypted and can also browse the Web anonymously. A use for this particular network is for safe and secure connection when working remotely online to prevent hacking or any form of data loss.
WORKING FROM HOME
During these unprecedented times massive changes had to be made in order to allow artists to work from home. Setting up the VPN to be able to grant access to the DNEG servers was crucial. It had to be set up individually which was a challenging frontier since the London site equates to 1000+ personel and other sites across the globe.
Once VPN is enabled you are able to work from home. However this in turn would lock out your workstation from the site which was a problem that occurred when they were transitioning people home. Licensing for the PCoIP client server was another issue since a lot of the artists need to be able to connect remotely from home.
The advantage of having to connect remotely is that you can pretty much run your workstation at the comfort of your home and be safe from the risk at contracting COVID-19. However there would be latency and issues revolving connectivity and hardware limitations. And not to mention not being able to tap your co-worker’s shoulder and get a direct answer as soon as. There are video conferencing calls that can be made through Zoom but it isn’t the same as being able to be surrounded by people that can help you straight away.
I did eventually have to also improve my hardware and upgrade from a laptop to a custom built machine that can enable more robust and powerful performances.
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