Future-Proof Your Networking Stack with NVIDIA DOCA-OFED

Future-Proof Your Network with NVIDIA DOCA-OFED: A Unified and Scalable Solution

Summary: NVIDIA DOCA-OFED is the new standard for NVIDIA networking products, replacing MLNX_OFED with a unified and scalable software stack. This transition ensures future-proofing, simplified management, and access to the latest networking advancements. Here’s a detailed look at why and how to make the switch.

Understanding DOCA-OFED

NVIDIA DOCA-OFED is part of the DOCA-Host package, a unified software solution designed to support both BlueField and ConnectX devices. This new software stack provides the same functionality as MLNX_OFED, including kernel drivers, user space libraries, and management tools, but with enhanced programmability through DOCA.

Key Features of DOCA-OFED

Unified Software Package

DOCA-OFED simplifies the installation and configuration process by being part of the DOCA-Host package. This unified approach reduces complexity and potential errors, offering a one-stop solution for managing your entire network stack on all host servers.

Broad Compatibility

DOCA-OFED is compatible with BlueField DPUs, SuperNICs, ConnectX, and other NVIDIA networking devices. This broad compatibility ensures flexibility in deployment and allows you to leverage the latest hardware innovations from NVIDIA.

Comprehensive Toolset

DOCA-OFED includes all the drivers, user-space libraries, and utilities familiar from MLNX_OFED, ensuring you have everything needed to manage your network effectively.

Standard Linux Installation

DOCA-Host is available as a public repository, supporting installation and management with standard Linux package managers.

Why Transition to DOCA-OFED?

Transitioning to DOCA-OFED is not just an upgrade; it’s a step toward ensuring your network infrastructure is ready to handle upcoming demands and leverage future hardware and software advancements from NVIDIA.

Simplified Management

Managing your network stack becomes more straightforward with DOCA-OFED as part of the DOCA-Host package. This unified approach simplifies ongoing management tasks and reduces the potential for errors.

Future-Ready

DOCA-OFED is designed with future-proofing in mind. By adopting this new solution, you ensure your network infrastructure is ready to handle upcoming demands and can leverage future hardware and software advancements from NVIDIA.

Ongoing Innovation

MLNX_OFED will no longer be available as a standalone product starting in 2025 and will be supported only with long-term support. All new devices from NVIDIA will be supported only with DOCA-OFED, and all new features will only be included in DOCA-OFED.

How to Transition to DOCA-OFED

1. Access DOCA-Host Online or Download the Package: The DOCA-Host download package includes everything you need to get started with DOCA-OFED.
2. Uninstall MLNX_OFED: Remove any previous installation of MLNX_OFED.
3. Install DOCA-OFED: Follow the installation instructions included in the DOCA-Host package. The installation process is streamlined and designed to be user-friendly, accommodating all configurations.
4. Test and Validate: Once you have completed the installation and configuration, it is essential to test and validate your new setup. This step ensures everything is working correctly and that you are achieving the expected performance improvements.
5. Develop Your Applications: DOCA-OFED fully supports the applications and pipelines you have already developed based on MLNX_OFED. With DOCA-OFED, you can best utilize your DPU and NIC devices and get the best out of your network.

Additional Information

DOCA-Host Installation Profiles

DOCA-Host offers various installation profiles to cater to different needs:

• doca-all: For users who wish to utilize the full extent of DOCA libraries and drivers.
• doca-networking: For users who wish to benefit only from the networking functionality of DOCA.
• doca-ofed: For users who wish to have the same user experience and content as MLNX_OFED.

Long-Term Support Plan

• October 2024-October 2027: The last standalone MLNX_OFED release will receive critical bug fixes and security updates for MLNX_OFED users as part of its long-term support (LTS) plan.
• October 2027: MLNX_OFED will no longer receive support or updates by NVIDIA (MLNX_OFED end of life).

Table: Comparison of DOCA-OFED and MLNX_OFED

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is DOCA-OFED? DOCA-OFED is the new software stack for NVIDIA networking products, providing the same functionality as MLNX_OFED but with enhanced programmability through DOCA.

2. Why should I transition to DOCA-OFED? Transitioning to DOCA-OFED ensures your network infrastructure is ready to handle upcoming demands and can leverage future hardware and software advancements from NVIDIA.

3. How do I transition to DOCA-OFED? To transition to DOCA-OFED, download the DOCA-Host package, uninstall MLNX_OFED, install DOCA-OFED, test and validate your new setup, and develop your applications with DOCA-OFED.

4. What are the benefits of DOCA-OFED? DOCA-OFED offers simplified management, future-readiness, and ongoing innovation, making it the ideal choice for modern data centers and AI fabrics.

Conclusion

By transitioning from MLNX_OFED to DOCA-OFED, you are not only upgrading your network stack but also ensuring your network infrastructure is ready to handle upcoming demands and can leverage future hardware and software advancements from NVIDIA. With simplified, unified management and a comprehensive toolset, DOCA-OFED is the ideal choice for modern data centers and AI fabrics. Embrace the future of data center networking with DOCA-OFED by downloading the DOCA-Host package and starting the transition to experience the next level of high-performance networking.