Table of Contents
Introduction
BlueField's Ethernet SmartNIC solutions combine Arm® processing power with advanced network offloads to accelerate a multitude of security, networking and storage applications.
Based on the BlueField system-on-chip (SoC) programmable network engine, BlueField SmartNICs integrate Mellanox ConnectX®-5 network controller with Arm multicore processors and cryptology options to deliver an innovative and high-performance programmable platform. Through this article, you will be able to quickly set up a simple test lab which will allow you to experiment and explore BlueField SmartNIC capabilities. The setup includes a bare metal server hosting BlueField 25GbE SmartNIC connected back-to-back to another bare metal server with ConnectX-5 NIC.
License
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How to use this document
this document is used to guide how to install the OVS-DPDK into SmartNIC and integrate with the server
Deployment Architecture
The following diagram shows the physical configuration between the BlueField SmartNIC and the ConnectX-5 NIC.
Pre-Installation Requirements
Hardware Requirements
Minimum Hardware Requirements
Qty. | Item | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | x86 servers running CentOS 7.5 | - |
| 1 | ConnectX-5 NIC (FW: 16.24.0328 and up) | - |
| 1 | BlueField 25GbE SmartNIC with Arm processor (FW: 18.24.1000 and up) | - |
| 1 | 25GB/s SFP28 networking cable | - |
| 1 | QSA28 Adapter (100GB-to-25GB Adapter) | - |
| 1 | UART-to-USB cable | For SmartNIC USB console access |
| 1 | Mini USB Type B cable | For SmartNIC USB Console Access |
| 1 | bfb image to be loaded on the BlueField SmartNIC Arm. | Image contains:
|
- Insert ConnectX-5 NIC into Server A
- Insert BlueField SmartNIC into Server B
- Connect the SmartNIC UART cable from SmartNIC to its hosting Server B USB port #1
- Connect Mini USB cable from SmartNIC to its hosting Server B USB port #2
- Insert QSA28 Adapter into Server B 100GB port
- Connect one of the SmartNIC ports to the ConnectX-5 using 25GB cable
- Connect both servers to a management LAN
Recommended Hardware Requirements
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Software Prerequisites
MLNX_OFED
Note
- Use automatic FM update during MLNX_OFED installation ONLY if the current BlueField FW version is 18.24.1000 (GA) or above. In case its older, manually burn the FW after MLNX_OFED installation.
- In case you plan to run DPDK on the host itself, install MLNX_OFED with "--dpdk --upstream-libs" flags
- The "BlueField" flag is not required in some of the MLNX_OFED versions and OS releases
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- We've open-sourced a fork of DPDK based Open vSwitch, which supports the VXLAN decap/encap full offload: https://github.com/bytedance/ovs-dpdk
- The code is fully compatible with upstream Open vSwitch, you can follow the same procedures to build them from the source. See the link: http://docs.openvswitch.org/en/latest/intro/install/
- Or you can use the ansible scripts in the Akaino Gerrit to install both BlueField Card and OVS-DPDK. Currently, the scripts are not available, as the scripts work by relying on many company's internal services. We are refactoring the code that you can use it in your own SmartNIC setups.
Database Prerequisites
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Schema scripts
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Other Installation Requirements
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Jump Host Requirements
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Network Requirements
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Bare Metal Node Requirements
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Execution Requirements (Bare Metal Only)
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Installation High-Level Overview
SmartNIC Server Preparations
- Install useful packages:
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Note
SmartNIC OS is configured to obtain internet access via its hosting server.
Basic SmartNIC Management Operations
How-to soft reset the SmartNIC via host server:
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SmartNIC Modes
BlueField SmartNIC can operate in two modes:
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Bare Metal Deployment Guide
Install Bare Metal Jump Host
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Creating a Node Inventory File
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Creating the Settings Files
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Running
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Virtual Deployment Guide
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Standard Deployment Overview
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Snapshot Deployment Overview
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Special Requirements for Virtual Deployments
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Install Jump Host
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Verifying the Setup - VMs
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Upstream Deployment Guide
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Upstream Deployment Key Features
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Special Requirements for Upstream Deployments
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Scenarios and Deploy Settings for Upstream Deployments
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Including Upstream Patches with Deployment
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Running
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Interacting with Containerized Overcloud
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Verifying the Setup as defined the Akraino validation feature project plus any additional testing specific to the blue print
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Developer Guide and Troubleshooting
Utilization of Images
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Post-deployment Configuration
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Debugging Failures
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Reporting a Bug
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Uninstall Guide
not applicable
Troubleshooting
Error Message Guide
Server Unable to Find the SmartNIC
- Ensure that the SmartNIC is placed correctly
- Make sure the SmartNIC slot and the SmartNIC are compatible
- Install the SmartNIC in a different PCI Express slot
- Use the drivers that came with the SmartNIC or download the latest
- Make sure your motherboard has the latest BIOS
- Try to reboot the server
The SmartNIC no Longer Works
- Reseat the SmartNIC in its slot or a different slot, if necessary
- Try using another cable
- Reinstall the drivers for the network driver files may be damaged or deleted
- Reboot the server
SmartNIC Stopped Working After Installing Another
- Try removing and re-installing all SmartNICs
- Check that cables are connected properly
- Make sure your motherboard has the latest BIOS
Link Indicator Light is Off
- Try another port on the switch
- Make sure the cable is securely attached
- Check you are using the proper cables that do not exceed the recommended lengths
- Verify that your switch and SmartNIC port are compatible
Link Light is On but No Communication is Established
- Check that the latest driver is loaded
- Check that both the SmartNIC and its link are set to the same speed and duplex settings
Maintenance
Blue Print Package Maintenance
Software maintenance
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Hardware maintenance
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Blueprint Deployment Maintenance
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Frequently Asked Questions
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License
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References
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Definitions, acronyms and abbreviations
OVS : Open Virtual-Switch
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