半导体行业观察·2025-09-11 01:47Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence and significance of Ultra Ethernet (UE) in high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors, highlighting its advantages over traditional InfiniBand networks, particularly in large-scale deployments [1][27]. Group 1: Ultra Ethernet Overview - Ultra Ethernet Consortium (UEC) was established in July 2023, comprising major companies like AMD, Intel, and Microsoft, aiming to develop an open standard for high-performance Ethernet [2]. - The UE specification 1.0 is set to be released in June 2025, with over 100 member companies expected by the end of 2024 [2]. Group 2: Compatibility and Scalability - UE is designed to be compatible with existing Ethernet infrastructures, allowing for easy deployment without the need to dismantle current systems [3]. - It supports massive scalability, accommodating millions of network endpoints, which is essential for future AI systems [3]. Group 3: Performance Features - High performance is achieved through efficient protocols designed for large-scale deployments, enabling point-to-point reliability without added latency [4]. - UE introduces features like packet spraying to enhance load balancing and reduce congestion issues [16]. Group 4: Network Types and Applications - UE distinguishes between three network types: local networks, backend networks, and frontend networks, with a primary focus on backend networks for high bandwidth applications [6][8]. - The specification supports various configurations tailored for HPC and AI workloads, allowing for flexibility in implementation [15]. Group 5: Loss Detection and Recovery - UE defines advanced loss detection mechanisms to improve response times for lost packets, including packet trimming and out-of-order counting [19][20]. - The framework allows for efficient handling of packet loss scenarios, reducing unnecessary retransmissions and optimizing bandwidth usage [19]. Group 6: Future Outlook - The anticipated hardware for UE is expected to launch in Fall 2025, with initial products already being developed by various suppliers [24][25]. - As UE gains traction, it may emerge as a competitor to InfiniBand, particularly in AI-driven data center networks, while still leveraging the strengths of existing Ethernet technologies [27].