Key Facts
- ✓ The workstation achieves data transfer speeds of 25 Gbit/s.
- ✓ The system is built using an AMD Threadripper 3970X processor.
- ✓ A Mellanox ConnectX-6 Dx network card is used for connectivity.
- ✓ The build requires specific optimizations to the Linux kernel network stack.
Quick Summary
The SCION Association has released a detailed report on the construction of a workstation capable of 25 Gbit/s data transfer rates. This high-performance system is designed to support the development and testing of the SCION internet architecture. The project highlights the potential of standard computing hardware when paired with optimized software configurations.
Key components of the build include an AMD Threadripper CPU and specific networking hardware chosen for their ability to handle high throughput. The association's findings suggest that achieving such speeds requires careful attention to the Linux kernel's network stack. This workstation serves as a practical example of high-speed networking capabilities for the community.
Hardware Configuration
The workstation is centered around an AMD Threadripper 3970X processor. This CPU provides the necessary core count and PCIe lanes to support high-speed data movement. The system is equipped with 256 GB of RAM to handle large buffers required for 25 Gbit/s transfers.
For networking, the build utilizes a Mellanox ConnectX-6 Dx network interface card. This card is capable of handling 100 Gbit/s, providing ample headroom for the target speed. The association selected this hardware specifically for its reliability and driver support within the Linux ecosystem.
The storage subsystem consists of multiple NVMe SSDs configured in a RAID array. This ensures that disk I/O does not become a bottleneck during network testing. The entire system runs on a recent version of the Linux operating system, optimized for low latency and high throughput.
Software Optimization
Achieving 25 Gbit/s throughput required significant tuning of the operating system. The SCION Association modified several kernel parameters to optimize the network stack. This included adjusting buffer sizes and interrupt handling settings.
The team utilized specific tools to monitor and tune performance. They focused on reducing CPU overhead associated with packet processing. By enabling features such as Receive Side Scaling (RSS), they distributed the network load across multiple CPU cores.
The report details the steps taken to configure the network driver for maximum performance. These optimizations are critical for removing software limitations that typically prevent hardware from reaching its full potential. The result is a system that efficiently handles the high data rates.
Performance Results
The workstation successfully sustained 25 Gbit/s transfer speeds during testing. The association verified these results using standard network testing tools. The system maintained stability under continuous load, demonstrating the viability of the hardware and software configuration.
Latency measurements remained low even at maximum throughput. This is a crucial metric for the SCION architecture, which prioritizes secure and efficient routing. The build proves that high-performance networking is accessible using consumer-grade (or prosumer) components.
The association published these results to provide a benchmark for other researchers. The data shows that with proper tuning, standard servers can compete with specialized networking equipment. This lowers the barrier to entry for conducting advanced networking research.
Implications for SCION
This high-speed workstation serves as a vital tool for the SCION Association. It allows for rigorous testing of the SCION protocol under heavy load conditions. The association uses such systems to validate the scalability and security features of their internet architecture.
The SCION project aims to replace the current internet infrastructure with a more secure and resilient alternative. High-performance testbeds are essential for simulating real-world traffic patterns. The 25 Gbit/s workstation enables the association to stress-test the protocol's control and data planes.
By sharing the build details, the association encourages wider adoption and testing of SCION. They demonstrate that the necessary hardware is readily available. This transparency helps build a community around the development of next-generation networking technologies.
