ServerNet II SAN Interconnect for Scalable Computing Clusters

W
HITE
P
APER
(cont.)
9
Doc Number
TC000602WP
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T
HE
F
UTURE WITH
I
NFINI
B
AND
Although ServerNet II SAN architectures provide excellent performance for today’s parallel
application clusters, distributed computing systems still require multiple interconnects because
interprocessor communication is different from I/O communication. Distributed computing
systems consist of multiple, function-specific fabrics for interprocessor communication, IP
networks, and storage area networks. A single I/O architecture is needed both to simplify existing
interconnect methodologies and to provide a flexible framework for proven computing and storage
technologies to evolve. Therefore, in 1999 Compaq and other industry leaders
2
formed the
InfiniBand
SM
Trade Association (http://www.infinibandta.org) to develop a new industry-standard
specification for a channel-based, switched fabric I/O interconnect. The goal of the InfiniBand
Trade Association is to combine the best traits of existing interconnect technologies into a single
specification called the InfiniBand Architecture.
The InfiniBand Architecture will reduce the complexity of distributed computing systems by using
a single communication fabric for both I/O and interprocessor communication. During 2000,
Compaq ServerNet II will provide customers with a bridge to InfiniBand by implementing
InfiniBand verbs over ServerNet II. This will allow ISVs and early adopters to begin porting their
applications to InfiniBand before InfiniBand hardware is available.
S
UMMARY
Compaq's ServerNet II SAN interconnect addresses the need for efficient messaging in scalable
computing clusters. ServerNet II leverages several industry-standard features of the VI
Architecture to handle intense messaging efficiently and reliably with minimal impact to other
critical system resources. These features add robustness to a cluster and allow it to scale to tens of
servers.
For the long term, Compaq is investing in the InfiniBand Architecture as a common I/O switched-
fabric interconnect for the industry. Compaq intends to emulate InfiniBand verbs using ServerNet
II during 2000 for early InfiniBand development partners.
2
Steering committee companies include Compaq, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, and Sun Microsystems.
Sponsoring companies include Adaptec Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., Fujitsu-Siemens, Hitachi, Lucent Technologies, NEC,
Nortel Networks Corp, and 3Com. There are also over 120 member companies.