Nokia, in a strategic collaboration with Keysight Technologies, has conducted a successful end-to-end test of UET traffic across its distinguished data center switching platforms. This includes the Nokia 7220 Interconnect Router (IXR) and the 7250 IXR. This demonstration highlights Nokia's commitment to incorporating the Ultra Ethernet Consortium (UEC) Specification 1.0 into its robust AI-ready networking portfolio.
The burgeoning influence of AI has initiated a transformative re-evaluation of data centre operations. Real-time data processing dictates the necessity for ultra-low latency, where even a minor packet drop could derail a critical AI training job. Compounded by extensive bandwidth needs, data centres are experiencing unprecedented strains on existing networks.
The UEC Specification 1.0 serves as a solution to the complex requirements imposed by HPC and AI. This protocol stands as a compelling force in reshaping data centre networks, offering new standards and architectures that support the evolving demands of AI and HPC workloads. As an active UEC member, Nokia is focused on leveraging UET for interoperative, cost-effective, and seamless AI application stacks.
The testing procedure involved 800 GE interfaces, utilising flows of UET traffic generated by Keysight's AresONE 800GE-8P-QDD-M platform over a network which incorporated various models of Nokia 7220 IXR-H5 and 7250 IXR-10e. Notably, these tests exhibited the capabilities of Nokia switches operating with the SR Linux Network Operating System (NOS).
As Nokia integrates the UEC Specification 1.0 into its HPC/AI-ready data centre fabrics, global customers stand to benefit immediately from a comprehensive portfolio supporting Remote Direct Memory Access over Converged Ethernet (RoCEv2). Demonstrations showcased the support of 800 GE flows, reflecting the coexistence, openness, and flexibility inherent in Nokia's solution.
