Broadcom Unveils Thor Ultra: The Next Generation 800G AI NIC
Introducing Broadcom's Thor Ultra 800G AI Ethernet NIC
Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:AVGO) has launched an exceptional advancement in networking technology with the introduction of the Thor Ultra 800G AI Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC). Tailored for high-performance AI workloads, this groundbreaking product enables the seamless interconnection of hundreds of thousands of XPUs, pushing the boundaries of processing capability. Thor Ultra, developed in alignment with the open Ultra Ethernet Consortium (UEC) specification, facilitates unmatched scalability and efficiency within an open ecosystem.
Key Features of Thor Ultra
According to Ram Velaga, senior vice president and general manager of the Core Switching Group at Broadcom, Thor Ultra embodies the UEC’s vision of modernizing Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) for expansive AI clusters. The NIC is built from the ground up, ensuring full compliance with UEC specifications. This sophisticated network technology represents a significant leap forward in performance and utility.
Advanced RDMA Innovations
Despite the traditional limitations of RDMA, like a lack of multipathing and out-of-order packet delivery, Thor Ultra introduces a series of advanced features designed to tackle these challenges effectively. Some innovations include:
- Packet-Level multipathing to enhance load balancing capabilities.
- Out-of-Order packet delivery to optimize memory application and improve fabric utilization.
- Selective retransmission to facilitate efficient data transfers.
- Advanced congestion control algorithms for both receivers and senders.
These enhancements empower customers to achieve high-performance RDMA capabilities in a diverse environment, thereby reducing reliance on conventional solutions.
Comprehensive Product Highlights
Thor Ultra is not just about advanced functionality; it also comes with impressive specifications:
- Compatible with standard PCIe CEM and OCP 3.0 form factors.
- Offers both 200G and 100G PAM4 SerDes, capable of handling long-reach passive copper connections.
- Features the industry’s lowest Bit Error Rate (BER) SerDes, significantly reducing link interruptions and expediting job completion times.
- Supports PCI Express Gen6 x16 host interface for robust connectivity.
- Incorporates line-rate encryption and decryption with PSP offloading, minimizing the load on the host/XPU.
- Equipped with secure boot and signed firmware for enhanced protection.
- Programmable congestion control pipeline for tailored network management.
- Compatible with Tomahawk 5 and 6 or any UEC-compliant switch.
By providing a state-of-the-art NIC, Broadcom furthers its commitment to creating a versatile Ethernet AI networking portfolio. Thor Ultra works seamlessly alongside existing products, such as the Tomahawk 6, to support expansive, high-performance deployments.
Availability Information
Broadcom has announced that the Thor Ultra NIC is currently available for sampling. Those seeking further details can explore more about this innovative product on Broadcom’s official website.
About Broadcom
Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) is recognized as a global technology leader that designs an extensive array of semiconductor and software solutions. The company’s offerings span crucial markets including cloud infrastructure, data centers, networking, broadband, and enterprise software. With a strong commitment to innovation, Broadcom continues to evolve its product portfolio to meet the demands of modern technology landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Thor Ultra NIC?
The Thor Ultra is Broadcom's first 800G AI Ethernet NIC designed for extensive AI workloads and interconnectivity.
What are the key features of Thor Ultra?
Thor Ultra boasts advanced RDMA features, lowest BER SerDes, and works seamlessly with various networking equipment.
How can Thor Ultra impact AI workloads?
By enabling efficient scaling and performance, Thor Ultra allows for improved AI workload processing and greater efficiency.
Where can I find more information about Thor Ultra?
More details about Thor Ultra can be found on Broadcom's official website, where they provide comprehensive product information.
How does Broadcom position itself in the AI market?
Broadcom remains a leader by delivering advanced solutions like the Thor Ultra, adapting to industry needs while fostering an innovative ecosystem.
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