12.3. Chapter Summary

InfiniBand Architecture

  • InfiniBand replaces the traditional server bus with a high-speed switch matrix.

  • InfiniBand protocols enable direct data placement in memory via RDMA.

  • HCAs provide memory queueing, memory protection, and I/O protocol processing tasks.

  • TCAs enable connection to external peripherals such as storage.

  • InfiniBand switching provides 2.5 Gbps per link.

  • High speeds are achieved by bundling additional copper or fiber-optic pairs.

  • InfiniBand cabling has limited distance support, with 17 m for copper and 100 m for fiber optics.

  • Communication paths over InfiniBand links are established by VLs.

  • A single link may support as many as 15 VLs for data and one for management.

  • InfiniBand offers partitioning as a means to zone ...

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