Arista & Broadcom: AI Networking Deployment Guide

Optimizing AI Systems with High-Performance Ethernet

This document provides a comprehensive guide to configuring and deploying high-performance Ethernet networking solutions tailored for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments. It focuses on leveraging the capabilities of Arista switches and Broadcom Ethernet Network Interface Controllers (NICs) to achieve optimal performance, low latency, and high bandwidth, essential for demanding AI workloads.

Key Technologies and Configurations

Explore the critical technologies that enable efficient AI data transfer:

• RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE): Understand how RoCE facilitates direct memory access, reducing CPU overhead and enhancing throughput for AI applications.
• Priority Flow Control (PFC) and Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN): Learn how these mechanisms work together to ensure lossless network behavior by managing congestion and preventing packet loss.
• Network Architectures: Discover various network topologies, including CLOS and Planar/Rail-based designs, supported by Arista switches for scalable AI deployments.
• Broadcom NIC Configuration: Detailed instructions are provided for configuring Broadcom Ethernet NICs, including firmware updates, NVRAM settings, and driver installations for optimal RoCE performance.
• Performance Benchmarking: Insights into performance testing methodologies using tools like OSU MPI benchmarks to validate the achieved throughput and latency in an AI cluster.

Resources and Support

For further details and support, refer to the following resources:

• Arista Networks Official Website
• Broadcom Inc. Official Website
• Arista EOS Quality of Service documentation
• Broadcom Ethernet NIC Configuration Guides