Ethernet Challenging InfiniBand's Dominance in AI Networks
Ethernet Outpacing InfiniBand in AI Network Strategies
According to a comprehensive report by Dell'Oro Group, Ethernet technology has made remarkable strides in becoming the preferred choice for AI back-end networks. The projection indicates nearly $80 billion in data center switch sales in the upcoming five years, a significant indication of the shift in the market.
Understanding the Shift in AI Back-End Networks
Initially, the market for AI back-end networks was largely controlled by InfiniBand, boasting over 80% market share. Sameh Boujelbene, Vice President at Dell'Oro Group, mentioned that although InfiniBand was prevalent, their ongoing analyses indicated that Ethernet would take precedence in the long run. Notably, the pace at which Ethernet is capturing market share is unprecedented, particularly as the industry transitions to 800 Gbps technology and beyond.
Competitive Landscape for Ethernet Switches
As Ethernet systems gain momentum, an important question has emerged regarding NVIDIA's potential market share among various switch vendors. In 2024, major players like Celestica, NVIDIA, and Huawei were at the forefront of the Ethernet segment within AI back-end switching. However, as operations increase in scale at enterprises like Meta and Microsoft, it is expected that new entrants, such as Accton, Arista, Cisco, Juniper/HPE, and Nokia, will have opportunities to thrive
Highlights from the Advanced Research Report
The AI Networks for AI Workloads report, released recently, provides numerous insights, including:
Increased Demand from GPU-as-a-Service Providers
Upcoming growth from companies providing GPU-as-a-Service options like CoreWeave, Lambda Labs, and Vultr is anticipated to outstrip the growth of Tier 1 Cloud Service Providers in the next five years, indicating an evolving landscape.
Future Trends in Switch Ports
Significantly, the majority of switch ports in AI back-end networks are expected to reach 800 Gbps by 2025, with projections of 1600 Gbps by 2027 and 3200 Gbps by 2030, showcasing the rapid increase in data speed requirements.
Emerging Technologies in AI Clusters
Another anticipated change is the rise of co-packaged optics in AI cluster setups, with NVIDIA leading this technological advancement.
Looking Ahead for Ethernet and AI Networks
As Ethernet's presence continues to expand in the AI network sector, we anticipate significant shifts in dynamics among various technology providers. The revolutionary advancements in speeds and capabilities may redefine how companies approach their AI infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the report indicate about Ethernet's future in AI networks?
The report suggests that Ethernet is expected to surpass InfiniBand due to its increasing relevance in high-performance AI back-end networks.
2. What market size is projected for Ethernet switching?
There is a prediction of nearly $80 billion in data center switch sales over the next five years, highlighting the growth potential in this sector.
3. Who are the key players in the Ethernet market?
Some of the significant players noted include Celestica, NVIDIA, Huawei, and emerging companies like Accton and Arista.
4. How fast are the switch ports expected to go?
By 2025, most switch ports in AI networks are projected to reach speeds of 800 Gbps, further increasing to 1600 Gbps by 2027.
5. What technological advancements are anticipated in AI clusters?
The adoption of co-packaged optics is expected to begin in the upcoming years, spearheaded by innovative companies like NVIDIA.
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