In an increasingly connected world, efficient power supply plays a crucial role in the seamless functioning of consumer devices, industrial equipment and data centers. Choosing the right connectivity technology has a significant impact on the performance and efficiency of these systems. In this blog post, we take an in-depth look at the two leading connectivity technologies, Ethernet and InfiniBand, and analyze their efficiency in the networking world.
From the power supply via Ethernet, also known as Power over Ethernet (PoE), to the high-performance InfiniBand networks, this blog post takes an in-depth look at their applications, advantages and disadvantages, as well as future developments. These insights will enable you to gather relevant information for your company, make informed decisions and implement them efficiently.
Power supply refers to the provision of electrical energy to end users and is a crucial aspect of infrastructure that is vital for modern societies. This process involves the supply of electrical energy to devices, machines or systems. This can be done through various means, such as: the grid, batteries, solar energy, generators or other energy sources. There are different types of power supply, including fossil-thermal, nuclear, hydroelectric and renewable energy sources such as solar energy and wind power.
The power supply ensures that electrical devices receive the energy they need to function correctly. This applies to domestic use as well as industrial or technological applications.
Ethernet, also known as PoE (Power over Ethernet), has been in use since 1980 and has become the leading communication protocol in LANs. It ensures a smooth flow of information between systems and was designed for distribution and compatibility. PoE supplies network-compatible devices with power via the Ethernet cable and enables data exchange in closed networks.
Ethernet enables data transfer speeds of up to 10 gigabits/second compared to WLAN. PoE facilitates the integration of IoT devices, enables centralized control of the power supply and offers security and reliability.
This versatile technology is used in various areas, from private homes to offices and industry, especially for VoIP devices, Wi-Fi access points, network routers and switches. It enables not only the connection of Ethernet and wired networks through fiber optic cables, but also the integration of Ethernet into wireless networks. Important types of Ethernet are Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet and Switched Ethernet.
Various standards enable the power supply:
For the transfer of electrical energy over the network, special devices known as Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) or PoE-capable distribution devices are required. These can be divided into two main groups: PoE switches and PoE injectors.
Advantages of PoE:
Challenges of Ethernet:
InfiniBand represents a network technology or a hardware interface characterized by low latency. It is preferably used in data centers for server connections, computer clusters, high-performance computing environments, and in the integration of mass storage systems such as Storage Area Networks (SAN). This technology is commonly used in supercomputers and GPU servers, especially when used in conjunction with artificial intelligence. Learn more about the increasingly popular topic of AI in our blog post "AI in the IT World: The Growth Revolution of the Future"
The InfiniBand standard enables a raw data rate of 10 Gbit/s over 4X cables and supports various transmission rates. With a maximum data rate of 40 Gbit/s over 4X cables and 120 Gbit/s over 12X cables, InfiniBand offers outstanding performance and scalability. Data packet transmission is serial, allowing transmission over multiple data channels. InfiniBand uses point-to-point connections for low-latency, low-data transmission, achieving theoretical data transmission rates per channel between 2.5 GBit/s (SDR) and 50 Gbit/s (HDR) in both directions. Connecting can be effortlessly expanded by channel bundling.
The technology supports various types of communication messages, including:
Advantages of InfiniBand:
InfiniBand and Ethernet are characterized by their own distinct properties and differences as connection technologies. Both are evolving in specific application areas and exhibit clearly different structures.
| Aspects | Ethernet | InfiniBand |
|---|---|---|
| Network technology | Widely used, easy to implement | Specialized for HPC, less widespread than Ethernet |
| Bandwidth | Higher bandwidths available, variable with end devices | Very high bandwidths available, specifically for HPC |
| Latency | Moderate latency, depending on network load | Low latency, especially important for data-intensive applications |
| Network reliability | Generally reliable, but susceptible to bottlenecks under high load | Very reliable, low latency variations, resilient to failures |
| Application scenarios | Office and home networks, cloud computing, general connectivity | HPC clusters, supercomputers, data-intensive scientific computations |
| Costs | Relatively cost-effective in implementation and maintenance | Higher costs for hardware and implementation, specialized equipment |
| Flexibility | Broad support for various devices and applications | Specialized only in HPC, less flexible in mixed environments |
| Scalability | Well scalable for typical network demands | Highly scalable, especially for HPC applications |
Both InfiniBand and Ethernet have suitable fields of application, but the choice between the two depends on the individual requirements of your company. Ethernet is widely used, while InfiniBand serves specialized high-performance applications.
In InfiniBand networks, the CPU does not need to allocate additional resources for network processing, as it offers significantly higher data transfer rates and thus enhances network efficiency. This performance makes it the leading network system in the high-performance computing industry. Future InfiniBand products with transmission rates of up to 1600 Gbps GDR and 3200 Gbps LDR are expected. If low communication latency and flexible data center access and expansion options are more important, Ethernet networks can also be considered. The future of technology in the Smart Home or Smart Office is particularly exciting.
The advancing digitization promotes the use of IP cameras and versatile network technologies. Power over Ethernet enables cost-effective installations and is therefore attractive to users who seek uncomplicated integration. The future of power supply will be shaped by continuous progress in energy generation and storage technologies. This could lead to a more efficient and sustainable energy supply, characterized by increased decentralization and diversification. Power supply remains a fundamental part of modern infrastructure and is essential for the functionality of modern societies.
The choice between Ethernet and InfiniBand as power supply technologies significantly contributes to the performance and efficiency of your company's systems. When making the decision, the specific requirements and usage scenarios of your company should be taken into account. Both technologies have promising future prospects with the ongoing digitalization and the advancement of energy generation and storage technologies. Power supply remains a fundamental component of modern infrastructures and is essential for the smooth functionality of modern societies. Learn more in our blog post 'Building IT Infrastructure and Benefiting from Improved Processes' about how you can further expand your IT infrastructure.
Ethernet, especially Power over Ethernet, offers a wide range of applications, easy integration, and cost efficiency. It is ideal for companies that need a flexible, reliable, and easily scalable solution, such as those required in offices or various network applications.
InfiniBand, on the other hand, is specialized in high-performance computing, with outstanding bandwidth, low latency, and high scalability. Companies using intensive data-based applications, supercomputers, or GPU servers will find InfiniBand to be an optimal solution.
The ongoing digitalization and technological advancements will continue to influence the importance of both technologies. Therefore, companies should carefully consider their individual requirements to choose the optimal power supply for their specific needs. In our shop, we offer an excellent selection of devices with Ethernet or InfiniBand power supply from reputable brands like Arista or Eaton.
