In cloud computing infrastructure, the demand for high performance is always top of mind, but at the same time, delivering cost-effective services is critical to remain competitive. This is why cloud service providers (CSPs) are embracing the AMD Pensando™ DPU and Software-in-Silicon Development Kit (SSDK).
Let’s look at how one provider is using AMD Pensando hardware and software to not only help to meet their ever-growing performance requirements, but also reduce total cost of ownership (TCO).
The Need for Speed: Performance and Scalability
The modern cloud data center demands higher bandwidth, especially with the accelerated demand for machine learning applications. CSPs must provide stateful network services, like server load balancing and connection tracking, an area where maintaining scalability is especially challenging. Legacy architectures face bottlenecks and scalability issues due to increasing performance demands and must also address the demand for encryption.
CSPs place a premium on their network's scalability, reliability, and security. They emphasize open and programmable architectures, predictable performance, and high-performance network functions.
Gen 1: Hardware Offloading To address these challenges, the CSP initially explored hardware offloading in their first, "Gen 1" solutions, which combined a P4-based switch processor, FPGA cards, and host CPUs. While it solved some challenges, it was not without limitations, including high costs and limited bandwidth per CPU core.
Transition to Gen 2 with AMD Pensando DPUs After evaluating various options, the CSP turned to AMD Pensando DPUs for their "Gen 2" solution. These DPUs offer up to 400 Gb/s bandwidth and have significantly reduced latency, power consumption, and operational costs compared to their Gen 1 hardware.
Benefits of AMD Pensando DPUs
AMD Pensando DPUs provide a wide range of capabilities, including storage, telemetry, security, and congestion management protocols. Their programmable nature allows for rapid feature development and deployment.
Software-Defined Data, Control, and Management Plane The flexibility of software-defined data/control/management planes makes DPUs ideal for adapting to the CSP's evolving needs. They enable quick programming and cost savings by eliminating the need for hardware redesign.
Leveraging the SSDK for Migration and Development The SSDK provided by AMD is a game-changer. It allowed the CSP to create and test P4 programs for DPUs with ease. Reference pipelines, ready-to-deploy libraries, and extensive documentation all simplify the development process.
AMD Pensando Reference Pipelines The CSP accelerated Gen 2 development by using the SSDK-provided reference pipelines. They integrate seamlessly with the SONiC OS and provide a powerful way to leverage DPU capabilities while benefiting from SONiC services.
The combination of AMD Pensando DPUs, P4 SSDK, and reference pipelines is transforming the cloud computing landscape. These technologies offer a flexible, agile, and high-performance platform for building innovative networking, storage, and security solutions. The integration of AMD Pensando DPUs and the SSDK is a game-changer for CSPs looking to enhance their network performance while optimizing costs. This powerful combination not only meets the current demands of cloud computing but also provides a flexible platform for future innovations in the industry. With the ability to rapidly develop and deploy new features, CSPs can stay ahead in a very market.
Learn More
If you'd like to learn more about how this CSP uses AMD Pensando DPUs and the SSDK to increase performance and lower TCO, see the detailed white paper .
For more details on the SSDK, see the SSDK Reference Pipeline user guides.
To find out more about AMD Pensando technology, including how to get access to the Software-In-Silicon Development Kit, please visit amd.com/pensando .
