过去二十年，数据中心的性能进步主要依赖于计算芯片——CPU、GPU、FPGA 不断演进，但进入生成式 AI 时代后，整个算力体系开始被网络重新定 义。在大模型训练中，GPU 间的通信延迟与带宽瓶颈，已经成为训练效率的关键约束。尤其当模型参数突破万亿级，单个GPU已难以承担任务，必须通 过数千、数万张 GPU 的并行协同来完成训练。 在这一过程中，网络的重要性愈发凸显，近日，行业内的一则大消息是：Meta/Oracle两大科技巨头选择了NVIDIA Spectrum-X以太网交换机与相关技术。 此举被业界视为以太网向AI专用互连迈出的重要一步。 同时也反映出英伟达（NVDA.US）正在加速向开放以太网生态渗透，绑定云巨头与企业客户。英伟达已经凭借 InfiniBand控制了封闭的高端网络，如今又 正在"开放"的以太网生态中设下第二道围墙。 Spectrum-X，以太网AI化 过去几十年，以太网是数据中心采用最为广泛的网络。但在AI为核心的时代，AI 的核心挑战不在单个节点的算力，而在分布式架构下的协同效率。训练 一个基础模型（如 GPT、BERT、DALL-E），需要跨节点同步海量梯度参数。整个训练过程的速度， ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the evolution of data center networking in the era of AI, highlighting the shift from traditional computing chips to the importance of networking in AI model training, particularly with the introduction of NVIDIA's Spectrum-X Ethernet switch [1][5][12]. Group 1: Importance of Networking in AI - The performance of data centers has historically relied on advancements in computing chips, but the advent of AI has redefined the entire computing architecture, emphasizing the need for efficient networking [1]. - In AI model training, communication delays and bandwidth bottlenecks between GPUs have become critical constraints, necessitating the use of thousands of GPUs in parallel to handle large models [1][5]. - The design goals for AI networks focus on minimizing tail latency and ensuring that the slowest node does not hinder overall performance, which is a significant departure from traditional Ethernet performance metrics [5][10]. Group 2: Features of Spectrum-X - Spectrum-X introduces several enhancements to Ethernet for AI applications, including lossless Ethernet, adaptive routing, and congestion control, which are essential for maintaining high performance during AI training [5][6][10]. - The technology employs RoCE for CPU bypass communication, ensuring end-to-end lossless transmission, and utilizes hardware-level telemetry for real-time network status reporting [6][11]. - Spectrum-X's adaptive routing and packet scheduling techniques help manage large data flows effectively, preventing network congestion and maintaining linear scalability in AI clusters [10][12]. Group 3: Industry Impact - The introduction of Spectrum-X represents a strategic shift in the Ethernet networking industry, as NVIDIA integrates multiple components into a cohesive ecosystem, challenging traditional network vendors [13][14]. - Companies that have historically relied on Ethernet standards, such as Broadcom and Cisco, may face significant challenges as NVIDIA's AI-optimized features become integral to data center operations [14][15]. - The competitive landscape is shifting, with traditional network equipment suppliers and emerging interconnect startups needing to adapt to the new AI-driven networking paradigm established by NVIDIA [16][18]. Group 4: InfiniBand vs. Spectrum-X - InfiniBand remains the dominant choice for high-performance computing, offering ultra-low latency and lossless networking, which are critical for AI training at scale [20][21]. - While InfiniBand is characterized by its closed ecosystem, the emergence of Spectrum-X aims to provide similar performance levels within an open Ethernet framework, appealing to a broader range of cloud and enterprise customers [22][24]. - The ongoing development of the Ultra Ethernet Consortium indicates a push from various industry players to create new open standards that can compete with the performance of InfiniBand [22].