InfiniBand Network Architecture

Brief Layer Descriptions

Upper Layer Protocols (ULP—i.e., software)

A software application or driver builds the message data and transfer request in system memory. It then posts a message send or receive request to a local QP's SQ or RQ. It subsequently handles notice of successful completion or any errors that may be reported back by the verbs or by the transport layer.

Verb Layer

A software application calls the verbs to perform operations such as:

• HCA management.

• QP management.

• EEC management.

• Memory Region and Window management.

• Post work requests to send and receive queues.

• Handle message transfer completions.

• Handle unexpected events.

Transport Layer

The Transport Layer is responsible for sending and receiving messages across the fabric between ...