The NVIDIA DOCA software platform unleashes the potential of the NVIDIA BlueField networking platform and provides all the necessary host drivers for NVIDIA BlueField and ConnectX devices. DOCA is optimized for peak performance, enabling users to meet the demands of increasingly complex workloads. Its modular architecture offers the flexibility required to adapt to emerging technologies and higher data throughput.
In the latest released network software version, NVIDIA has transitioned from the MLNX_OFED drivers and tools suite (for InfiniBand and Ethernet solutions) to DOCA-OFED, marking the end of independent MLNX_OFED releases. This shift reflects a move towards a more unified, scalable, and programmable network stack integrated within the NVIDIA DOCA framework. The final version of the lightweight subset of MLNX_OFED, MLNX_EN, will also be released, with future features only accessible through DOCA.
DOCA-OFED will provide the same robust driver capabilities as MLNX_OFED, supported by the open-source community, and offer enhanced programmability through DOCA.
It is strongly recommended that customers and partners transition to DOCA to benefit from a modern, feature-rich network stack designed for the future of accelerated computing and AI workloads. DOCA is the exclusive software platform for future features and updates, ensuring access to NVIDIA’s latest networking advancements. By transitioning to DOCA, you can leverage NVIDIA’s ongoing innovations in accelerated networking through an evolving software stack, making your infrastructure future-ready.
Here are some of the main features of NVIDIA DOCA-OFED:
NVIDIA has introduced DOCA-OFED in the DOCA-Host software package. DOCA-Host is a unified software package for host servers, which includes all the core components of DOCA and MLNX_OFED. DOCA-Host has four installation profiles designed to work seamlessly with the latest NVIDIA hardware innovations, including BlueField Data Processing Units (DPUs) and SuperNICs, as well as ConnectX Network Interface Cards (NICs). The DOCA-OFED software package is the new replacement for MLNX_OFED, containing the same components, drivers, and tools, with the following features:
Unified Software Package: DOCA-OFED is part of the DOCA-Host software package, simplifying the installation and configuration process. This unified approach means you can manage the entire network stack in a “one-stop shop” across all host servers, reducing complexity and potential errors.
Broad Compatibility: Whether you are using BlueField DPUs, SuperNICs, ConnectX, or a combination, DOCA-OFED is compatible with all these devices. This broad compatibility provides deployment flexibility and ensures you can leverage NVIDIA’s latest hardware innovations.
Comprehensive Toolset: DOCA-OFED includes all the drivers, user-space libraries, and utilities you’re familiar with from MLNX_OFED, ensuring you have everything needed to effectively manage your network.
Standard Linux Installation: DOCA-Host is provided as a public library, supporting installation and management with standard Linux package managers.
why transitioning to DOCA-OFED is recommended？
Transitioning to DOCA-OFED is not just an upgrade; it’s a step towards ensuring your network infrastructure is ready to handle upcoming demands and can leverage future hardware and software advancements from NVIDIA. This includes:
Simplified Management: Using DOCA-OFED as part of the DOCA-Host software package makes managing your network stack much simpler. This unified approach means a single software package across all hosts is easier to install and configure, reducing the likelihood of errors and simplifying ongoing management tasks.
Future-Ready: DOCA-OFED is designed with the future in mind. By adopting this new solution, you can ensure your network infrastructure is prepared for future demands and can take advantage of NVIDIA’s future hardware and software advancements.
Continuous Innovation: Starting in 2025, MLNX_OFED will no longer be provided as a standalone product, receiving only long-term support. All new NVIDIA devices will support only DOCA-OFED, and all new features will be exclusively included in DOCA-OFED.
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