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How does Rackspace implement Accelerated Computing?

Rackspace Cloud Software

Rackspace integrates high-performance networking, computing, and security solutions to meet the evolving needs of modern cloud environments. By leveraging advanced switches, scalable servers, and next-generation security, we enable accelerated computing with high availability, low-latency connectivity, and optimal performance across global infrastructures. These technologies work seamlessly together to address the unique challenges of today's cloud environments.

High-Speed Network Switches

The high-performance, fixed-port switches are designed to meet the demands of modern data center environments, enterprise networks, and high-traffic workloads. These switches offer advanced features that make them ideal for cloud environments, multi-tenant data centers, and complex hybrid cloud architectures. They support high-speed, low-latency connectivity, programmability, and scalability, ensuring efficient traffic handling, seamless integration into Software-Defined Networking (SDN) environments, and robust security measures. Key features include:

  1. High-Speed Connectivity: Offers flexible port configurations (1G to 100G Ethernet) for high-density access and uplink, supporting rapid data transmission across diverse networks.

  2. Low Latency & High Performance: With up to 3.6 Tbps throughput, these switches provide low-latency operation, ideal for high-frequency trading, real-time analytics, media streaming, and large-scale storage.

  3. Layer 2 & Layer 3 Features: Includes essential network functions like VLANs, VXLAN, OSPF, BGP, and multicast for efficient routing, network segmentation, and virtualized environments in dynamic data centers.

  4. Programmability & Automation: Native support for automation tools and APIs integrates seamlessly with SDN frameworks like Cisco ACI, enabling simplified network management, real-time telemetry, and automated operations for large-scale networks.

  5. Security & Policy Management: Equipped with robust security features such as MACsec encryption, role-based access control (RBAC), DAI, and IP ACLs, these switches ensure secure, policy-driven management in multi-tenant and regulated environments.

  6. Scalability & High Availability: Built for scalability, these switches feature modular designs with redundant power supplies, hot-swappable components, and flexible cooling options, ensuring high availability and reliability in large deployments.

  7. Quality of Service (QoS): Advanced QoS capabilities, including priority flow control and dynamic buffer allocation, ensure optimal performance for latency-sensitive applications such as voice and video communication.

  8. Energy Efficiency: Designed with energy-efficient components and Cisco EnergyWise support, these switches help reduce operational costs while minimizing environmental impact, critical for large data centers and sustainability initiatives.

  9. Intelligent Traffic Distribution: Intelligent traffic management and load balancing optimize network resource utilization, ensuring high performance and availability in cloud, storage, and compute-intensive environments.

  10. IPv6 Support: Full IPv6 compatibility ensures that these switches can handle the growing number of IP addresses necessary for modern, next-generation networks.

Key Use Cases: 1. High-Density Data Center Access: For data centers needing flexible port speeds (1G to 100G) to connect virtualized servers, storage, and applications.

  1. Spine-Leaf Architectures: Ideal for scalable data centers that can expand by adding leaf switches as workloads grow.

  2. SDN and Cisco ACI Deployments: Suited for enterprises or data centers seeking simplified, policy-driven network management and automation.

  3. Edge Computing and IoT with PoE: Best for IoT or industrial applications needing both power and network connectivity at the edge via Power over Ethernet.

  4. Secure Segmentation and Multitenancy: Perfect for cloud and hosting providers requiring network segmentation for multi-department or multi-tenant environments.

  5. Virtualized and Hybrid Cloud: For enterprises using hybrid cloud models or heavy virtualization, ensuring scalability and performance for on-premises and cloud workloads.

  6. Latency-Sensitive Applications: Designed for industries like finance, healthcare, and research requiring low-latency, high-throughput for real-time data processing and simulations.

  7. Automated and Centralized Management: Ideal for enterprises with complex network infrastructures aiming to reduce manual tasks through automation and centralized management.

  8. Enhanced Security: Suitable for industries with stringent security requirements (e.g., finance, healthcare) to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance.

  9. Load Balancing and High Availability: Perfect for e-commerce, web hosting, and content delivery networks that need efficient traffic management and high availability for critical applications.

High-Performance Computing Servers

These high-performance computing (HPC) servers are designed to handle the most demanding workloads, including AI/ML, big data analytics, high-performance computing, and data-intensive applications. Built for scalability, flexibility, and robust processing power, they are ideal for environments requiring large-scale parallel processing, GPU acceleration, substantial memory, and extensive storage capacity. Key features include:

  1. High-Core Processors:

    • AMD EPYC processors with up to 128 cores or Intel Xeon processors with up to 44 cores, enabling parallel processing for AI model training, simulations, and large-scale data analytics.
    • Dual-Socket Support: Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3/v4 processors support up to 44 cores, making them ideal for multi-threaded workloads.

  2. Massive Memory Capacity:

    • Systems can support up to 12TB of DDR5 memory (in some models) or up to 3TB of DDR4 memory (24 DIMM slots), optimized for memory-intensive workloads like scientific computing, AI/ML, and big data analytics.
    • High Memory Capacity: Specifically, the HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen9 offers up to 3TB of DDR4 RAM, ideal for virtualized environments and memory-heavy applications.

  3. Scalability and Performance:

    • The servers offer high scalability for both compute and memory, ensuring long-term flexibility for expanding workloads in AI, HPC, and data analytics.
    • Enhanced Compute Power: Intel Xeon and AMD EPYC processors provide highly efficient computing power for modern enterprise and research applications.

  4. Flexible, High-Speed Storage:

    • The servers support up to 100 drives, including NVMe, SAS, and SATA SSDs, allowing for scalable storage options and high-capacity configurations.
    • HPE Smart Array Controllers: Advanced storage management, data protection, and RAID functionality are included in some configurations to improve reliability and fault tolerance.
    • Storage Flexibility: Configurations can combine high-speed NVMe SSDs for performance and SATA HDDs for capacity, allowing for optimal storage tiers.

  5. GPU and Accelerator Support:

    • These servers can support up to 6 GPUs (including NVIDIA A100 and H100), accelerating deep learning, AI/ML model training, and high-performance computing simulations.
    • GPU support for AI/ML and scientific workloads ensures high parallel processing power, particularly useful for deep learning and real-time analytics.
    • PCIe Gen 4.0 & Gen 5.0 Expansion: Multiple PCIe slots for GPUs, FPGAs, and accelerators, ensuring high bandwidth and minimal latency.

  6. Optimized Networking:

    • Multiple 10GbE and 25GbE networking options provide scalable and high-performance connectivity for distributed computing, data-heavy tasks, and real-time data processing.
    • Networking Expansion: Embedded 4 x 1GbE ports and support for FlexibleLOM allow for scalable networking and high-bandwidth connections, important for large-scale data applications.

  7. High Availability and Redundancy:

    • Redundant Power Supplies: Hot-swappable power supplies ensure uninterrupted operations, even during maintenance.
    • Hot-Plug Fans and Drives: Maintain and replace hardware without downtime, increasing system availability.
    • RAID Support: Multiple RAID configurations ensure data redundancy and fault tolerance, crucial for high-availability environments.

  8. Energy Efficiency:

    • The systems feature advanced multi-vector cooling and high-efficiency power supplies, such as 80 PLUS Platinum and Titanium-rated units, minimizing energy usage.
    • Dynamic Power Capping: These servers can intelligently manage power consumption, optimizing energy usage without compromising performance.

  9. Security Features:

    • Secure Boot and TPM (Trusted Platform Module) support ensure physical and firmware-level security to protect sensitive data from boot through runtime.
    • Hardware Root of Trust and System Lockdown: Provides system integrity and enhanced protection against attacks.
    • Lockable Drive Bays: Additional physical security features prevent unauthorized tampering.
    • Remote Management: Tools like HPE iLO 4 and iDRAC9 allow for easy monitoring, management, and firmware updates remotely.

  10. Advanced Management:

    • iLO 4 (HPE) or iDRAC9 (other models) allows remote server management and monitoring.
    • Intelligent Provisioning and Active Health System: Simplifies setup and deployment, while providing proactive server health monitoring.
    • OpenManage (Dell) streamlines management for integrating with existing IT systems.

  11. Scalability and Customization:

    • These servers offer flexible configurations to meet the needs of various applications from cloud computing to scientific research.
    • Modular Design: Tool-free design allows for easy upgrades and future-proofing.
    • Expansion Slots: Multiple PCIe Gen 3.0/4.0/5.0 slots for additional NICs, HBAs, GPUs, and other expansion cards.

  12. OS and Hypervisor Support:

    • These systems are compatible with a wide range of operating systems and hypervisors, including Windows Server, Red Hat, SUSE, Ubuntu, VMware ESXi, and others, making them versatile for various workloads and environments.

Key Use Cases: 1. AI/ML Model Training and Inference: For deep learning, real-time AI inference, and AI model training.

  1. High-Performance Computing (HPC): For scientific research, simulations, and computational-intensive tasks.

  2. Big Data Analytics: For large-scale data processing and analytics, including real-time analytics and big data workloads.

  3. Media Streaming and Content Delivery Networks: For applications requiring massive storage and high throughput.

  4. Edge Computing and Low-Latency Applications: For decentralized data processing, such as edge AI and real-time decision-making.

  5. Cloud Infrastructure and Virtualization: For cloud providers, virtualization environments, and enterprise data centers.

  6. Database Workloads and OLTP: For handling high-throughput transactional workloads in enterprise environments.

  7. Scientific Applications and Research: For complex scientific simulations, research, and discovery that require high-core processing and large memory configurations.

  8. Backup and Disaster Recovery: For secure and scalable backup solutions with high data integrity.

  9. Software-Defined Storage (SDS) and Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI): For next-gen storage solutions that require both high performance and flexibility.

Application Delivery Controllers (ADC)

The high-performance application delivery and security controller are designed to optimize application traffic, enhance security, and improve user experience for enterprises, service providers, and data centers. Key features include:

  1. High Performance: Offers up to 80 Gbps of L4 throughput and 8 Gbps of SSL/TLS encryption throughput, ideal for handling high volumes of traffic and complex security requirements.

  2. SSL/TLS Offloading: Dedicated hardware for SSL offloading improves application response times by freeing up server resources and supporting modern encryption standards like TLS 1.3.

  3. Comprehensive Security: Equipped with Web Application Firewall (WAF), bot protection, DDoS mitigation, IP intelligence, and threat services to secure web applications from common vulnerabilities and attacks.

  4. Traffic Management: Supports advanced load balancing (GSLB, LTM) and failover capabilities, with customizable traffic management via iRules scripting for granular control over routing and traffic behavior.

  5. Orchestration and Automation: iApps and iControl REST APIs simplify deployment and integrate with DevOps tools for streamlined automation, reducing configuration errors.

  6. Access Control with APM: Integrates with Access Policy Manager (APM) for secure access, Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and Zero Trust capabilities.

  7. Application Acceleration: Features like TCP optimization, caching, and compression reduce latency and bandwidth consumption, enhancing application performance.

  8. Programmability: Customizable with iRules for tailored traffic management and iCall for automating tasks based on events.

  9. High Availability: Supports active-active and active-passive HA modes for continuous uptime, with failover and synchronization for improved reliability.

  10. Scalability: Modular licensing allows feature expansion without hardware replacement, providing cost savings and investment protection.

  11. Virtualization Support: Compatible with F5 Virtual Editions (VEs), enabling consistent policies across on-premises and cloud environments for hybrid or multi-cloud deployments.

  12. Network Integration: Supports IPv6, IPsec, VLANs, and VPNs, with flexible network interface options (1GbE, 10GbE, 25GbE) for diverse infrastructures.

Key Use Cases: 1. Large Enterprises and Data Centers: Perfect for organizations needing efficient traffic management, enhanced application performance, and robust security.

  1. Service Providers: Ideal for managing high traffic volumes with advanced traffic management, scalability, and comprehensive security.

  2. E-commerce and Online Services: Excellent for protecting e-commerce platforms with Web Application Firewall (WAF), bot protection, and DDoS mitigation.

  3. Hybrid Cloud Environments: Best for seamless application delivery and security across on-premises and cloud infrastructures in hybrid or multi-cloud setups.

Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW)

This next-generation firewall is designed for large-scale environments, including enterprise data centers and service providers. It offers robust security features that protect against advanced threats while maintaining high throughput and seamless integration into high-speed networks. Key features include:

  1. High Performance and Throughput: Delivers up to 72 Gbps of firewall throughput and 32 Gbps of Threat Prevention throughput, ensuring efficient handling of large traffic volumes and complex security tasks.

  2. Advanced Threat Prevention: Integrates IPS, antivirus, anti-spyware, and sandboxing technology for real-time threat detection, blocking malware, exploits, and zero-day attacks.

  3. Application-Based Traffic Control with App-ID: Offers granular control over applications regardless of port or protocol, enhancing visibility and security across the network.

  4. User and Content-Based Control with User-ID and Content-ID: User-ID maps traffic to specific users for policy enforcement, while Content-ID inspects data for malicious content, URL filtering, and prevents data leakage.

  5. SSL Decryption & Inspection: Capable of decrypting SSL/TLS traffic for deeper inspection of encrypted data, ensuring protection against hidden threats within secure communications.

  6. Integrated WildFire for Advanced Malware Analysis: Suspicious files are sent for sandboxing to analyze behavior and detect previously unknown threats.

  7. Scalable and Modular Connectivity Options: Supports 10GbE, 25GbE, and 40GbE interfaces for seamless integration into high-speed networks, ensuring optimal performance and flexibility.

  8. High Availability and Redundancy: Supports high availability (HA) configurations, ensuring continuous uptime with automatic failover capabilities.

  9. Comprehensive Security Subscriptions: Includes Threat Prevention, URL Filtering, DNS Security, GlobalProtect, and SD-WAN for advanced protection and secure remote access.

  10. Automation & Centralized Management: Integrated with centralized firewall management platforms and supports API integration for automation, enhancing efficiency in security operations and DevOps workflows.

  11. Machine Learning for Autonomous Security: Uses machine learning to enhance threat detection, adapt security protocols, and proactively defend against emerging threats.

  12. Zero Trust Network Security Capabilities: Enforces least-privilege access and continuous verification of identity, aligning with Zero Trust security principles.

  13. Energy Efficiency and Form Factor: Designed to deliver high performance while maintaining energy efficiency, reducing operational costs and minimizing environmental impact.

Key Use Cases: 1. Enterprise Data Centers: Ideal for large data centers requiring high throughput, threat protection, and efficient traffic management.

  1. Service Providers and Large Enterprises: Perfect for securing and managing complex, high-traffic networks with scalability and performance.

  2. Cloud and Hybrid Environments: Suited for hybrid and multi-cloud setups, ensuring consistent security across on-premises and cloud infrastructures.

  3. High-Risk Sectors: Beneficial for industries like finance, healthcare, and government, requiring advanced security features such as threat detection and SSL inspection.