NVIDIA Skyway Ethernet Gateway

NVIDIA Skyway Ethernet Gateway

High-Speed InfiniBand to Ethernet Connectivity with Maximum Efficiency and Reliability

The NVIDIA Skyway Ethernet Gateway is a cutting-edge, appliance-based solution engineered to bridge InfiniBand and Ethernet networks with seamless performance.

Designed specifically for organizations handling high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) workloads, Skyway delivers the fastest available data transfer speeds while ensuring reliability, simplicity, and smart network acceleration.

With data rates of HDR (High Data Rate) InfiniBand and up to 200GbE (Gigabit Ethernet), and featuring 8 InfiniBand ports alongside 8 Ethernet ports, Skyway stands as a vital component for environments where HPC clusters or AI infrastructures require integration with Ethernet-based storage systems or external networks.

Key Features at a Glance:

• Supports HDR/EDR InfiniBand to 200G/100G Ethernet Gateway
• 8 InfiniBand Ports + 8 Ethernet Ports
• Appliance-Based, Plug-and-Play Configuration
• Hardware-Based Forwarding of IP Packets via ConnectX VPI Dual-Port Adapters
• Managed by NVIDIA MLNX-GW Gateway Operating System
• High Availability (HA) and Load Balancing Support

Why Skyway? Bridging Two High-Performance Worlds

InfiniBand is the preferred network interconnect for HPC and AI workloads due to its ultra-low latency, high throughput, and smart acceleration features.

However, many IT infrastructures include storage elements or external connectivity requirements based on Ethernet networks.

Connecting these two distinct ecosystems requires a reliable, high-speed gateway which is precisely where NVIDIA Skyway comes in.

Skyway ensures that organizations do not have to compromise performance or reliability when interconnecting InfiniBand clusters with Ethernet-based systems.

Whether it’s for data storage, cloud connectivity, or external communications, Skyway provides the necessary link between these environments without bottlenecks or added complexity.

Detailed Technical Specifications:

• Data Rate: HDR (High Data Rate) InfiniBand and 200GbE Ethernet
• Ports: 8 InfiniBand Ports + 8 Ethernet Ports
• Adapter Cards: 8 ConnectX Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) Dual-Port Adapters
• Supported Protocols: IPoIB (IP over InfiniBand), IP Routing Protocols

ConnectX VPI Adapter Technology: Hardware-Based Forwarding Excellence
At the heart of Skyway’s superior performance are its eight ConnectX VPI dual-port adapter cards.

These adapters are responsible for hardware-based forwarding of IP packets from InfiniBand (using the IP over InfiniBand protocol) to Ethernet, and vice versa.

Hardware-based forwarding ensures minimal latency, ultra-high throughput, and reduced CPU overhead compared to software-based solutions.

This translates directly into better efficiency, lower power consumption, and improved overall system performance for the user.

Simplified Deployment: Plug-and-Play Appliance Setup

Unlike complex gateway solutions that require intricate configurations, Skyway is designed as an appliance-based platform.

This means organizations can deploy the system quickly and easily, without the need for specialized skills or lengthy integration processes.

Skyway can be installed directly at the boundary between InfiniBand and Ethernet networks, supporting any InfiniBand topology.

Whether your organization utilizes a fat-tree, mesh, or custom InfiniBand topology, Skyway integrates smoothly and effectively.

Network Management and High Availability: Powered by NVIDIA MLNX-GW Operating System

Managing high-performance network appliances can often be a challenge, especially in mission-critical environments.

Skyway simplifies this process through the NVIDIA Gateway operating system, also known as MLNX-GW.

MLNX-GW provides:

• Centralized Management of Hardware Components
• Monitoring and Control of Network Traffic
• High Availability (HA) Support Between Gateway Appliances
• Load Balancing Across Ports and Appliances

These features ensure that Skyway maintains maximum uptime and optimal performance at all times.

In environments where downtime can result in significant financial or operational loss, Skyway’s built-in HA and load balancing capabilities provide peace of mind.

Real-World Use Cases: Who Should Consider Skyway?

Skyway is an ideal solution for a wide range of industries and applications, including:

• Scientific Research Organizations: Connecting InfiniBand-based HPC clusters with Ethernet storage for large-scale data analysis.
• Financial Institutions: Bridging AI model training clusters with enterprise storage systems.
• Cloud Service Providers: Integrating InfiniBand compute nodes with Ethernet-based client access points.
• Media and Entertainment: Managing rendering farms where storage and compute systems use different network protocols.
• Government and Defense: Secure, high-performance interconnect between classified InfiniBand systems and unclassified Ethernet resources.

Performance Advantages Over Traditional Gateways

Skyway’s hardware-based forwarding and optimized appliance design offer several advantages over software-defined gateways or legacy interconnect systems:

• Reduced Latency: Minimal delay in data transmission thanks to ConnectX VPI adapters.
• Higher Throughput: Sustains 200GbE transfer rates without congestion.
• Lower CPU Utilization: Frees up processing power for critical applications.
• Simplified Configuration: No complex software stack or scripting required.
• Reliability and Uptime: Built-in HA ensures continuous operation even during hardware failures.

Scalability and Future-Proof Design

Skyway’s modular, appliance-based architecture makes it easy to scale as network demands grow.

Organizations can deploy multiple Skyway appliances in parallel, managed centrally via the MLNX-GW operating system.

This ensures flexibility for future expansions in both InfiniBand and Ethernet infrastructures.

Moreover, support for the latest HDR InfiniBand and 200GbE Ethernet standards guarantees that the investment remains valuable as technology progresses.

Environmental and Power Considerations

In addition to its performance credentials, Skyway is designed with energy efficiency in mind. Hardware-based forwarding reduces unnecessary power consumption compared to traditional software-driven solutions.

This makes Skyway not just a high-performance product, but also a sustainable choice for data centers looking to optimize their power usage effectiveness (PUE).

Summary of Benefits

• Ultra-Low Latency Between InfiniBand and Ethernet Networks
• Appliance-Based, Easy to Deploy and Manage
• Hardware-Based IP Packet Forwarding with ConnectX VPI Adapters
• 8x InfiniBand + 8x Ethernet Ports for Maximum Flexibility
• Managed by MLNX-GW for Centralized Control, HA, and Load Balancing
• Scalable Architecture for Growing Network Demands
• Ideal for HPC, AI, Storage Integration, and Cloud Environments

Final Thoughts: A Gateway Designed for the Future

The NVIDIA Skyway Ethernet Gateway isn’t just a bridge between two networking worlds it’s a future-ready solution designed to handle the evolving needs of modern data centers, research labs, and enterprise IT environments.

By combining top-tier InfiniBand technology with Ethernet compatibility, Skyway enables organizations to maintain maximum performance, reliability, and flexibility.

Whether you’re building a new HPC cluster or enhancing an existing one, Skyway ensures seamless integration and high-speed connectivity without compromise.

For more information or to request a customized consultation, contact your authorized Q9 partner today.