RoCEv2, or RDMA over Converged Ethernet version 2, is a network protocol that facilitates efficient data transfers by enabling RDMA over Ethernet, minimizing latency and CPU load during direct memory access between systems. The Hedgehog data plane manages congestion and adapts routing in backend GPU fabrics with RoCEv2 for optimal AI network performance.
RDMA over Converged Ethernet version 2 (RoCEv2) is an evolution of the RoCE protocol, allowing for the direct memory access between computers over Ethernet. Unlike its predecessor, RoCEv2 operates over Layer 3 (the network layer), which means it can function across routed networks, expanding its usability in large-scale and distributed networks. This capability is particularly advantageous in modern data centers and cloud computing environments where workload distribution across multiple nodes is typical.
RoCEv2 is widely used in scenarios demanding high-performance computing, such as AI and machine learning, financial services, and cloud storage. Its low latency communication enhances the efficiency of data-intensive applications by bypassing the traditional TCP/IP stack, thus reducing overhead and improving data transfer speeds.
One common misconception is that RoCEv2 requires lossless network infrastructure, which is typically associated with InfiniBand. However, RoCEv2 can operate effectively over standard Ethernet infrastructure with the help of congestion control mechanisms like Priority Flow Control (PFC) and Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN), making it a versatile solution for deploying RDMA technology.
In summary, RoCEv2 improves upon its predecessor by enabling RDMA communication across IP networks, making it a key technology in the optimization of network traffic and the performance of high-throughput, low-latency applications.