400G Networking: Meeting the Demand for Higher Throughput
400Gbps on iW-Fibre SmartNIC delivers reliable interoperability and sustained packet throughput, which are fundamental to 400G networking. This article demonstrates the iW-Fibre 400G SmartNIC achieving approximately 400Gbps packet throughput in two interoperability scenarios.
To demonstrate these capabilities, the iW-Fibre 400G SmartNIC was evaluated on a Dell PowerEdge R760 platform in two configurations. The first evaluation validated 400G interoperability with an NVIDIA ConnectX-7. The second evaluation validated 400G interoperability between two iW-Fibre SmartNICs using Virtual Functions (VFs). Both evaluations were performed over QSFP-SR4-400G optical modules connected using an MTP fiber cable.
Agilex™ 7 – 400G SmartNIC
Performance Validation:
The first evaluation focused on validating interoperability between the Agilex™ 7 – 400G SmartNIC and the NVIDIA ConnectX-7 adapter. In this configuration, the NVIDIA ConnectX-7 acted as the packet traffic generator, continuously transmitting high-speed packet traffic over a 400G optical link, while the Agilex™ 7 – 400G SmartNIC served as the receiving endpoint. Live throughput and communication statistics were monitored throughout the evaluation, confirming reliable interoperability and sustained high-speed packet transfer.
The second evaluation extended the validation by connecting two Agilex™ 7 – 400G SmartNIC within the same Dell PowerEdge R760 server. Installed in dedicated PCIe Gen5 x16 slots and interconnected through QSFP-DD optical modules, the SmartNICs exchanged continuous packet traffic over a dedicated 400G optical link. The evaluation demonstrated stable iW-Fibre SmartNIC – to – iW-Fibre SmartNIC communication with consistent throughput throughout the test.
Figure: Evaluation Configurations: (a) NVIDIA ConnectX-7 (Traffic Generator) → iW-Fibre 400G SmartNIC (Receiver)
(b) VF-to-VF Communication between Dual iW-Fibre 400G SmartNICs
Proven 400Gbps Performance:
Live throughput monitoring during both evaluations confirmed sustained packet transfer of approximately 400Gbps. The platform maintained stable communication throughout continuous traffic generation, demonstrating efficient utilization of the PCIe Gen5 interface and the 400G optical interconnect.
The successful validation across both configurations demonstrates that the Agilex™ 7 – 400G SmartNIC consistently sustains high-bandwidth packet transfer while maintaining reliable operation under continuous workloads. The interoperability with NVIDIA ConnectX-7 further highlights compatibility with industry-standard networking hardware, while the dual SmartNIC configuration validates scalable deployment for high-speed networking environments.
| Parameter | Result |
|---|---|
| Platform | Dell PowerEdge R760 |
| Interface | PCIe Gen5 x 16 |
| Optical Link | QSFP-SR4-400G + MTP Fiber |
| Sustained Throughput | ~400Gbps |
| Link Status | Stable |
| Application | DPDK-Pktgen v23.06 (Traffic Generator & Receiver) |
Figure: Live Throughput Statistics (~400 Gbps) – CX-7 and iW-Fibre-400G
Figure: Live Throughput Statistics (~400 Gbps) – between two G43-AFibre-400G
The validation demonstrates the capability of the Agilex™ 7 – 400G SmartNIC to sustain approximately 400Gbps packet throughput over a QSFP-DD optical interface. Across both SmartNIC-to-NIC and SmartNIC-to-SmartNIC configurations, the platform consistently delivered stable communication and reliable packet transfer under continuous traffic conditions.
These results reinforce the readiness of the G43-AFibre-400G SmartNIC for next-generation networking deployments, providing a proven platform for applications that demand sustained high-bandwidth packet processing.
To learn more about iWave embedded solutions and design services, visit www.iwave-global.com or contact us at mktg@iwave-global.com
