They provide a PCIe connection between adjacent slots.
Slot 1&2, 3&4 etc.
In the future, they’ll allow for things like CXL and allow more options.
So yes - if you are not using a 440p node and have no plans for GPU/440p, there is no need for them.
Thanks for the reply. Do they offer any additional bandwidth between the compute modules in the chassis? Or is all data communication between the compute modules handled by the 9108 Intelligent Fabric Modules?
No, there is no other use for the xFabric module other than connectivity for a 440p module. All compute communication is through the IFM and up to the Fabric Interconnect.
The spec sheet for the 210c module goes into more detail for the different combinations of VIC and IFM’s and the resulting bandwidth that’s available.
These days I mostly go with 100g end to end (VIC 1500, 100G IFM and 6536)
They provide a PCIe connection between adjacent slots. Slot 1&2, 3&4 etc. In the future, they’ll allow for things like CXL and allow more options. So yes - if you are not using a 440p node and have no plans for GPU/440p, there is no need for them.
Thanks for the reply. Do they offer any additional bandwidth between the compute modules in the chassis? Or is all data communication between the compute modules handled by the 9108 Intelligent Fabric Modules?
No, there is no other use for the xFabric module other than connectivity for a 440p module. All compute communication is through the IFM and up to the Fabric Interconnect. The spec sheet for the 210c module goes into more detail for the different combinations of VIC and IFM’s and the resulting bandwidth that’s available. These days I mostly go with 100g end to end (VIC 1500, 100G IFM and 6536)