HCI and ultra low latency switch

[m20000]

Hi, Is there a way using ultra low latency switch with HCI / HyperFlex? Thanks

[balaji.bandi]

Nexus 3K and 6K specifically designed for Low Latency 

[RedNectar]

Hi @m20000 ,

How do define "ultra low latency?" - that is a purely relative term and means nothing without numbers!  Sounds extremely like a marketing tag-line.

However, if you are happy that <1 microsecond latency fits your definition of "ultra low latency", then a standard HyperFlex install using UCS-6454 Fabric Interconnects (FIs) will achieve this for you.  This is considered the stock-standard DC deployment model for HyperFlex.  However, there is a deployment variation for HyperFlex knows as "DC no FI" where you can use any switches with HyperFlex (up to 12 nodes) - so it will be up to you to find your own "ultra low latency" switches, such as Cisco Nexus 6K or 9K (both of which offer "sub-microsecond" latency) or some other vendors switches if you believe their version of "ultra low latency" is more ultra-lower than Cisco's switches!

[m20000]

Hi @RedNectar 

Happy holidays and thanks for prompt response.

The requirements is max latency 250 ns for switches in HCI. Is it feasible on 6K fabric Interconnect?

Will 3500 series be working with UCS Manager? 

Thanks

[RedNectar · Accepted solution]

Hi @m20000 ,

Happy holidays to you to.

Some of Cisco's 3550 switches boast port-to-port latencies as low as 39ns (https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/switches/nexus-3550-series/index.html#~products)

These 3550 switches will NEVER work with UCS Manager, but WILL work with HyperFlex (in a DC-no FI configuration).  The only latency figures Cisco quote for the 6K Fabric Interconnect are "sub-microsecond".  So I'm guessing that means a number much close to 1µs but slightly under!

[m20000]

HI @RedNectar 

Thanks for quick turnaround 

[balaji.bandi]

yes correct if you looking to connect Hyperflex, then FI is the best option with Fabric in UCS or hyperflex environment to minimize the delay of writing to the disk.

I was in the first place looking and thinking to connect externally.