InfiniBand: Revolutionizing High Performance Networking

What is InfiniBand?

The InfiniBand standard, developed by the InfiniBand Trade Association (IBTA), establishes a widely accepted communication specification. This specification outlines a switched fabric architecture designed to interconnect servers, networking equipment, storage, and embedded systems within data centers.

How Does InfiniBand Work?

InfiniBand is a channel-based fabric that facilitates high-speed communications between interconnected nodes. An InfiniBand network is typically made up of processor nodes, such as PCs, servers, storage appliances and peripheral devices.

Each processor node is equipped with a host channel adapter, while each peripheral device has a target channel adapter. InfiniBand follows a channel model similar to that used by many large-scale computers. All transmissions begin or end at channel adapters, which exchange information to ensure security or operate at a given QoS level. In InfiniBand networks, data is transmitted in the form of packets, which are organized into messages. InfiniBand serves as a messaging service in itself.

How to Use InfiniBand?

InfiniBand is typically implemented in the form of four parallel channels. The product was first introduced in 2001 with a four-channel speed of 8 Gbps. Currently, InfiniBand technology has evolved to support speeds of up to 800G.

High-performance Computing

Initially embraced by high-performance computing environments, InfiniBand networking technology distinguished itself with its capacity for delivering data swiftly, with minimal latency and CPU overhead. Leveraging Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) technology, data is transferred directly from application buffers to the network adapter, circumventing processor involvement and caching. This approach drastically reduces the customary latency and CPU overhead associated with data transfers by bypassing the host operating system. For related knowledge about InfiniBand and high-performance computing, you can check out: Why Is InfiniBand Network So Important in HPC Data Centers?

Expanding Applications

Beyond its traditional stronghold in high-performance computing, InfiniBand's capability to interconnect vast clusters of compute nodes with low latency, while offering quality of service and failover support, has broadened its application scope. InfiniBand networking technology is increasingly considered for database and enterprise resource planning systems, big data environments, demanding web applications, and highly virtualized environments.

What Are the Advantages of Infiniband?

• High bandwidth and low latency: The architecture of InfiniBand makes it highly suitable for performance-sensitive application environments, reducing reliance on central processing unit resources.

• Swifter and More Efficient: As the volume of data flowing within and between computer components increases, existing bus systems become bottlenecks. InfiniBand uses serial links and buses to send data one bit at a time, resulting in faster and more efficient communication.

• Cost-effective and Reliable: InfiniBand connections require fewer pins and electrical connections, reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing reliability. The serial bus supports simultaneous transmission of multiple data channels through multiplexing signals. Additionally, InfiniBand enables the support of multiple memory areas, accessible by both processors and storage devices.

• Scalability and Flexibility: InfiniBand offers a relatively simple and highly scalable architecture, standardized management infrastructure, enabling control of the InfiniBand environment through existing enterprise management tools.

Summary

InfiniBand has revolutionized high-speed communication in data centers and high-performance computing environments, offering unparalleled bandwidth, low latency, and exceptional reliability. With its ability to interconnect diverse components and support a wide range of applications, InfiniBand continues to drive innovation and efficiency in modern computing infrastructures. At FS, we are proud to offer high-quality infiniband switches and infiniband modules, enabling our customers to build robust InfiniBand networks that meet their specific requirements with precision.