Data centers are undergoing a decisive shift towards accelerated computing, driven by the momentum of AIGC. To meet the growing demands of high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence, and expanded infrastructure, there is a clear need to accelerate interconnectivity and deploy smarter network solutions. Against this backdrop, InfiniBand products have emerged as a focal point of industry attention, meticulously addressing these pressing needs.
Basics of InfiniBand
InfiniBand is a high-speed, low-latency interconnect technology primarily used in data centers and high-performance computing (HPC) environments. It provides a high-performance fabric for connecting servers, storage devices, and other network resources within clusters or data centers. Overall, InfiniBand technology offers the following advantages: high speed and scalability, low latency, and low power consumption.
InfiniBand in HPC Networking
In the field of high-performance computing (HPC), high-speed interconnect (HSI) networks play a crucial role in system performance and efficiency. As one of the fastest-developing HSI technologies, InfiniBand offers bandwidth of up to 200Gbps and point-to-point latency of less than 0.6 microseconds, providing robust support for building high-performance computing clusters.
With the high-speed networking capabilities of InfiniBand, HPC systems can effectively combine multiple servers to achieve linear performance scalability. Therefore, the importance of InfiniBand technology in the HPC field is not only reflected in enhancing the performance of computing clusters but also in providing essential support for data centers of different scales, driving the overall development of the HPC ecosystem.
For more information about InfiniBand, please refer to Getting to Know about InfiniBand.
Tips for Choosing InfiniBand Product
InfiniBand products play a crucial role in high-performance computing data centers, and choosing the right products is essential for operational success. Selecting suitable InfiniBand products is paramount for high-performance computing data centers. Factors to consider include bandwidth and distance requirements, connectors, budget, compatibility, reliability, and future needs, all of which contribute to choosing the appropriate IB connector.
Regarding InfiniBand network interconnect products: DAC high-speed copper cables provide an economical solution for short-distance high-speed interconnects. AOC active cables utilize optical technology for long-distance data transmission.
Optical modules are typically used for long-distance, high-speed interconnects. Understanding the different product categories, rates, and packaging modules helps make informed decisions, while selecting the right vendor ensures receiving high-quality InfiniBand products that meet performance and budget requirements.
200G Data Centers: Choosing Between QSFP56 and QSFP-DD as the Dominant Standard
With the rapid development of optical communication and the internet, the demand for networks has correspondingly increased, leading to a significant annual growth rate of 50% to 80% in telecom backbone network traffic. To meet user demands, the transmission rates of optical communication have continuously evolved, progressing from 10G, 25G, and 40G to the current 100G, 200G, 400G, and beyond. Currently, there are two main forms of 200G optical modules in the market: 200G QSFP56 and 200G QSFP-DD.
FS offers a full range of next-generation 200G InfiniBand and 200G Ethernet products, including 200G QSFP56 SR4, 200G QSFP56 FR4, 200G QSFP56 LR4, 200G QSFP-DD 2SR4, 200G QSFP56 AOC, 200G QSFP-DD AOC, 200G QSFP56 DAC, and 200G QSFP-DD AOC—both DAC and AOC support “breakout” applications.
The 200G QSFP56 SR4 optical module is suitable for data centers, high-performance computing networks, enterprise core, and distribution layer applications.
The 200G QSFP56 FR4 transceiver is suitable for 200G Ethernet, data centers, and cloud networks.
The 200G QSFP56 LR4 transceiver is suitable for 200G Ethernet, data centers, and 5G backhaul.
The 200G QSFP-DD 2SR4 transceiver is suitable for 2×100GBASE-SR4 Ethernet, data centers, as well as switch and router connections.
200G AOC and DAC are typically used for connections between access switches and servers. In basic interconnection scenarios between access switches and servers, branch DAC and AOC can meet diverse requirements beyond standard direct DAC and AOC connections. FS provides a range of 200G to 4x50G, 200G to 8x25G, and 200G to 2X100G DAC and AOC products, offering data centers more flexible and adaptable solutions.
A Closer Look at 200G Active Optical Cables (AOC) in Data Centers
In the data center environment, a 200G AOC specifically refers to AOC designed to handle a 200 Gbps data rate. The core principle of a 200G AOC is to utilize lasers at one end to convert electrical signals into optical signals and then convert them back into electrical signals at the other end. This process ensures long-distance, high-speed, and reliable data transmission within the data center.
The landscape of 200G AOC includes variants such as 200G QSFP-DD AOC and 200G QSFP56 AOC. The former is based on the Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Double Density (QSFP-DD) standard, known for its high density, with each channel supporting 8 channels of 25G or 50G. The latter is based on the QSFP56 standard, providing an economical and efficient solution for 200G connections. A fundamental feature of 200G AOC is its ability to branch into multiple low-speed channels, providing flexibility in various network scenarios.
The versatility of 200G AOC makes it suitable for various applications. Specific use cases include data center networking, high-performance computing (HPC), cloud computing, supercomputing and research, video production, and broadcasting.
Advantages of AOC over DAC
Compared to 200G Direct Attach Cables (DAC), 200G Active Optical Cables offer several advantages, making them a preferred choice in certain scenarios:
Longer Reach:
AOC can transmit data over longer distances compared to DAC, making them suitable for applications where the endpoints are not close.
Lighter Weight:
AOC is generally lighter than DAC, contributing to easier cable management and reduced strain on equipment.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Immunity:
AOC is less susceptible to electromagnetic interference, ensuring a more stable and reliable signal transmission in environments with high interference.
How FS Can Help
FS is an elite partner of NVIDIA® and offers a rich variety of InfiniBand products on its official website, including NVIDIA® InfiniBand Switches, InfiniBand modules, InfiniBand cables, and NVIDIA® InfiniBand Adapters. FS website maintains an ample stock of InfiniBand products and ensures swift delivery. If you wish to purchase InfiniBand products or obtain InfiniBand solutions, you can contact FS for assistance.
For detailed information on purchasing 200G InfiniBand products, you can read:
200G Data Centers: Choosing Between QSFP56 and QSFP-DD as the Dominant Standard | FS Community
InfiniBand 200Gbps QSFP56 DAC/AOC Cable and Transceiver Solutions | FS Community
200G Active Optical Cables (AOC) in Data Centers | FS CommunityTips on Choosing InfiniBand Products for HPC Computing | FS Community
