Sun Microsystems PCI manual InfiniBand Transport Framework, InfiniBand Management Framework

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InfiniBand Transport Framework

IBTF is the Solaris implementation of the InfiniBand Transport Layer (IBTL). IBTF consists of InfiniBand Device Manager (IBDM), InfiniBand Communications Manager (IBCM) and an InfiniBand Nexus driver. The Nexus driver along with IBDM creates and manages InfiniBand devices. The following devices are supported:

■IB I/O controller (IOC) devices

■IB pseudo devices

■IB service devices

■HCA, port, virtual physical point of attachment (VPPA) service devices

See ib(4) and ib(7d) for details.

IBCM provides a transport layer abstraction to IB clients to set up reliable connected channels along with service, multicast, and path lookup-related functionality. See ibcm(7d) for details.

InfiniBand Management Framework

IBMF is a complementary component to IBTF that enables IB clients to provide and access management services over the IB fabrics. It has two logical components. One component deals with sending and receiving management data to any type of management entity. The other component deals with sending and receiving management data to the Subnet Administrator (SA) only. Since every IB client needs to send and receive management data to the SA, IBMF provides functions that specifically handle the SA interaction.

Tavor HCA Driver

The Tavor HCA driver controls the Tavor hardware and enables the transfer of data over the IB wire. This driver interfaces with the IBTF and provides an implementation of Channel Interfaces that are defined by IBTF. It also enables management applications and agents to access the IB fabric.

Chapter 4 InfiniBand Software Overview 17

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Contents Sun Microsystems, Inc Page Contents Adapter Installation Index Page Figures Page Tables Page FCC Class a Notice Regulatory Compliance StatementsICES-003 Class B Notice Avis NMB-003, Classe B CCC Class a Notice Page Declaration of Conformity Page How This Book Is Organized PrefaceShell Prompts Using Unix CommandsRelated Documentation Typographic ConventionsDocumentation, Support, and Training Third-Party Web SitesContacting Sun Technical Support Sun Welcomes Your Comments Page Product Features Product OverviewHardware Description Standard faceplate LED Displays InterfacesPhysical link Green LED 2Hardware, Software, and Cable Requirements Hardware, Software, and Cable RequirementsPage Adapter Installation Installing the AdapterIB-HCA Bus and Slot Selection See -1for a typical adapter to switch cabling example 1Typical Adapter-to-Switch Configuration Verifying the InstallationPage Configuring IP Over InfiniBand IPoIB ConfigurationConfiguring IPoIB Create the InfiniBand devices using the following command Check that data can be send over the InfiniBand link Managing IB Devices for IPoIBPage InfiniBand Software InfiniBand Software OverviewIP over InfiniBand Driver User Direct Access Programming LibraryInfiniBand Transport Framework InfiniBand Management FrameworkTavor HCA Driver Related Software Documentation ManualsMan Pages InfiniBand Cable Pin Assignments Figure A-1Sun 4x-to-12x InfiniBand Cable Pin Assignments SunVTS Diagnostic Testing Diagnostic Software TroubleshootingTable B-1SunVTS Documentation Using the SunVTS ibhcatestUsing the ibhcatest Troubleshooting TasksCfgadm Other Useful UtilitiesSnoop Page Index

PCI specifications

Sun Microsystems, a pioneer in the development of computer systems and software, played a significant role in the advancement of PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) technology. Introduced in the early 1990s, PCI was a revolutionary standard for connecting peripheral devices to a computer's motherboard, and Sun Microsystems implemented this technology across many of their systems.

One of the primary features of Sun's PCI implementation was its ability to support a wide range of peripheral devices. This versatility allowed users to expand their systems with various components, such as graphics cards, networking interfaces, and storage controllers, which improved system performance and functionality. The PCI standard enabled multiple devices to communicate concurrently, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Another characteristic of Sun's PCI systems was their high bandwidth capability. Sun Microsystems designed their workstations and servers with a focus on delivering superior data transfer rates, which was essential for high-performance applications such as computer-aided design and scientific simulations. The PCI standard supported different bandwidth configurations, allowing Sun to optimize their hardware for demanding tasks.

Sun systems supported various PCI versions, including PCI 2.1 and PCI-X, which further increased data transfer rates and provided backward compatibility with older PCI devices. The transition to PCI Express (PCIe) marked another leap in performance, and Sun embraced this technology by incorporating it into their hardware, providing users with enhanced speed and improved energy efficiency.

In addition to supporting high-performance peripherals, Sun Microsystems placed a strong emphasis on reliability and fault tolerance in their PCI designs. Many of their servers included features like redundant power supplies and advanced cooling systems to ensure long-term operation and minimize downtime.

Security was also a consideration in Sun's PCI implementation. The company developed advanced features to protect data integrity and prevent unauthorized access, making their systems suitable for enterprise-level applications.

Overall, Sun Microsystems' approach to PCI technology was characterized by flexibility, performance, reliability, and security. Their commitment to innovation helped to establish PCI as a crucial standard in the industry, contributing to the evolution of computer systems and enhancing the user experience for a variety of applications. Sun's legacy in PCI technology continues to influence modern computing as businesses continue to seek efficient and high-performing solutions for their computing needs.
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