Infiniband (IB)Technology
What it is, how you use it, and why you would select QLogic as a technology partner
What is Infiniband
Infiniband is a high bandwidth (10, 20 or 40Gb/sec), low latency (sub 1.5 microseconds) network communications protocol. The protocol is capable of transporting application/storage data, and systems management of a server cluster, in a single-wire configuration.
The Infiniband protocol is a mature open standard (see http://www.infinibandta.org ) with member vendors required to prove their conformity/interoperability to the standards set down.
Uses for Infiniband technology
Traditionally Infiniband use was limited to high performance computing applications used in the oil and gas, academic/research and engineering sectors.
Today the uses for Infiniband transcend most vertical markets following demand for high bandwidth/low latency message passing from new CPU architectures, clustered databases, parallelised applications, and high performance storage solutions.
The components of an Infiniband network
There are 4 basic components of an Infiniband network. These are:
- Host Channel Adapter (HCA) – a PCI-Express card that sits in the server/blade
- Infiniband switch
- Cables – to connect the switch to the HCA
- Software – provides network management tools and a subnet manager
QLogic tools to configure and manage Infiniband networks are already robust and feature rich, however, 2009 will see the introduction of additional enterprise-class capabilities such as Predictive Failure Analysis, Quality of Service, Soft Partitioning and Adaptive Routing.
Types of infiniband technology
The Infiniband protocol is now in its third iteration.
At launch, network bandwidth was set at 10Gb/second with this protocol named as Single Data Rate, or SDR. The second iteration was Double Data Rate (20Gb/sec) and 2009 has seen the launch of the latest iteration, Quad Data Rate (QDR).
QDR offers 40Gb/sec of bi-directional bandwidth through a single network connection between the server and the switch, and internally through the switch.
QLogic Infiniband Solutions
QLogic offers a comprehensive range of switch sizes to suit every corporate or academic requirement. These range from a 1u 24port DDR, to 648 ports of non-blocking QDR (40Gb/sec), or 864 ports running at speeds in excess of 20Gb/sec in a single 29u switch chassis.
Multiple switch chassis’ can be linked together to form blocking or non-blocking (full performance) network topologies.
Later in 2009, QLogic will also announce a range of QDR HCA’s to compliment its switch solutions. The HCA will be capable of processing up to 50million messages per second and incorporate Virtual Lane and Quality of Service capabilities to meet the growing demands of multi-core processors.
Why Select QLogic as your Infiniband partner
End to end build quality control
QLogic is one of only two Infiniband vendors to develop their own QDR silicon, and the only vendor to build Quality of Service, Adaptive Routing and other performance related functionality into the silicon.
By fully controlling the build quality of components used throughout its Infiniband products range, QLogic ensures that the useful life of the product is extended, with low failure rates and high performance.
System Performance
With QLogic hosting its advanced functionality in silicon, these switches should outperform competitive offerings with similar implementations that reside and are controlled in the software layer above the silicon.
In addition, with its high emphasis on maintenance of signal quality QLogic product are robust enough to cope with even the most demanding applications
Extensive Support
With its European Headquarters in the UK, QLogic has extensive engineering and commercial personnel on hand to support its End Users, Integrators, and OEMs even with the most challenging of implementations.
QLogic warranty spares service is operated from a facility in Europe ensuring that the process of obtaining replacement components is a quick and easy process.
Mature Distribution Network
QLogic operates exclusively through tier 1 OEMs and Distributors but offers direct support to both end users and Integrators considering, installing, or supporting QLogic Infiniband products.
With distributors trained not only in quoting for Infiniband products, but also in the markets that their clients operate QLogic aims to ensure that clients receive the best possible buying experience when considering its Infiniband solutions.
