Any Difference in the Number of Nodes Managed by the Subnet Manager for Switch, OFED, and UFM

Any Difference in the Number of Nodes Managed by the Subnet Manager for Switch, OFED, and UFM?

The switch subnet manager, the OFED subnet manager, and UFM are software that are used to initialize and manage switches and hosts in the InfiniBand network. Their main difference lies in where they run and the scope of their functions.

The switch subnet manager is software that runs on the switch itself. It can automatically discover and configure devices in the network and provide basic network monitoring and diagnostic functions. It does not require additional management nodes, but it also does not support advanced network optimization and security functions.

The OFED subnet manager is software that runs on the host. It can use the subnet management service provided by OpenSM or Mellanox OFED. It can run on multiple hosts, achieving subnet manager redundancy and load balancing. It supports some advanced network functions, such as adaptive routing and congestion control, but it also does not support network security and preventive maintenance functions.

UFM is software that runs on dedicated management nodes. It is NVIDIA鈥檚 unified network management platform. It can monitor and manage the InfiniBand network comprehensively, supporting various advanced network functions, such as adaptive routing, congestion control, network security, preventive maintenance, performance analysis, etc. It requires at least one management node and a UFM license.

Which one is more suitable for customers to choose depends on their needs and budgets. If customers only need basic network functions and do not want to add extra management nodes, they can choose the switch subnet manager. If customers need some advanced network functions and already have host nodes, they can choose the OFED subnet manager. If customers need the most comprehensive and advanced network functions and are willing to invest in dedicated management nodes and UFM licenses, they can choose UFM.

FAQS

Q: 400G QSFP-DD vs 400G OSFP/CFP8: What are the differences?

A: The table below includes detailed comparisons for the three main form factors of 400G transceivers.

Q: How does the QSFP+ to SFP+ fiber convertor allow 4x 10G?

A: To enable 4x 10G connectivity, a QSFP+ to SFP+ fiber converter utilizes a breakout cable. This cable splits the 40G channel provided by the QSFP+ transceiver into four individual 10G channels, each connected to an SFP+ transceiver. Essentially, the converter breaks down the high-speed 40G signal into four separate 10G signals, allowing each SFP+ port to transmit data at 10G speeds. This configuration is beneficial for scenarios where equipment with SFP+ interfaces needs to communicate with a device equipped with a QSFP+ port, providing flexibility and compatibility in networking setups.

Q: What does “SR8”, “DR4”, “XDR4”, “FR4”, and “LR4” mean?

A: “SR” refers to short range, and “8” implies there are 8 optical channels. “DR” refers to 500m reach using single-mode fiber, and “4” implies there are 4 optical channels. “XDR4” is short for “eXtended reach DR4”. And “LR” refers to 10km reach using single-mode fiber.

Q: Can I plug an OSFP transceiver module into a QSFP-DD port?

A: No. QSFP-DD and OSFP are totally different form factors. For more information about QSFP-DD transceivers, you can refer to 400G QSFP-DD Transceiver Types Overview. You can use only one kind of form factor in the corresponding system. E.g., if you have an OSFP system, OSFP transceivers and cables must be used.

Q: What other breakout options are possible apart from using OSFP modules mentioned above?

A: OSFP 400G DACs & AOCs are possible for breakout 400G connections. See 400G Direct Attach Cables (DAC & AOC) Overview for more information about 400G DACs & AOCs.

Q1: What is the difference between QSFP28 ER4 and QSFP28 ER4 Lite Module?

A: The QSFP 100G ER4 has a series of BER requirements of better than 1E-12 without FEC optical modules. However, the receiving sensitivity of 100G QSFP28 ER4 is not satisfied with the existing APD technology. Therefore, many optical module manufacturers/suppliers defined a non-standard 100Gbase ER4 Lite module with a QSFP28 package where the largest transmission distance is up to 40km with FEC or 30km without FEC.?Walsun provides the QSFP28 100G ER4 Lite module compliant with the Ethernet 100Gbase ER4 Lite standard to meet the harshest external operating conditions including temperature, humidity, and EMI interference.

Q2: How does the QSFP 100G ER4 Module differ from the QSFP28 4WDM?

A: The QSFP 100G ER4 optical transceiver supports dual 100G Ethernet applications while the 100G QSFP28 4DWM only supports 100G Ethernet applications. The commons and differences are listed below.