AI Back-End Networks Are Booming – But the Front-End Matters Too

The excitement over Ethernet’s role in AI back-end networks is undeniable. Analysts predict that Ethernet will surpass InfiniBand in the coming years and while these different estimates may vary, the overall trend is evident. 

Even as AI back-end networks grab headlines, we cannot ignore the vital role of front-end networks. They serve as an important bridge that enables people to access and utilize AI-powered results. Having a great model is useless if people can’t connect to it efficiently.

Sameh Boujelbene of  Dell’Oro Group recently highlighted this in her Traditional Front-end Networks Remain Vital as AI Back-end Networks Investment Skyrocket blog post, noting:

“While investments in AI back-end networks are reaching unprecedented levels, traditional front-end networks needed to connect general-purpose servers remain essential.”

While spending on the AI back-end network is predicted to exceed $100B in the next five years (let that number sink in for a moment), front-end networks are also growing steadily, with total data center switch sales expected to blow past $180B over the same period.

The Ethernet Alliance plays a crucial role in ensuring that both AI back-end and front-end networks evolve to meet growing demands. As AI workloads scale, interoperability, standardization, and high-speed Ethernet innovation will help ensure seamless connectivity. Ethernet remains the backbone of both AI training clusters and the front-end infrastructure delivering AI-driven insights to users worldwide.

I recommend that you read Sameh’s full post. It’s abundantly clear that the industry must focus on both back-end and front-end networks, because walking and chewing gum at the same time is the only way forward.