Smart Network Interface Cards (Smart NICs) are becoming more common in modern servers for machine learning and other high-performance computing workloads. A Smart NIC such as the NVIDIA Bluefield 3 contains several general-purpose ARM processor cores, specialised accelerators, and the network interface. These cards typically run a complete operating system (Linux), which can be fully programmed.
Goal
Understand and benchmark the capabilities of modern Smart NICs, such as the NVIDIA Bluefield 3, work together with our industry partner, Dolphin Interconnect Solutions, to integrate the Smart NIC into their PCI Express networks, and investigate how the in-network processing can be used to accelerate workloads such as machine learning.
Learning outcome
Knowledge and understanding of how to use a SmartNIC to do in-network processing, and how this can accelerate modern workloads such as machine learning.
Qualifications
Good low-level computer systems understanding. The student should have completed IN3000 or equivalent. IN5050 and IN5060 are recommended for the degree.