[libfabric-users] netdir / verbs interop

[Hefty, Sean]

> I must transfer data via RoCE between Linux and Windows using a SmartNIC to offload the
> CPU and bypass the OS kernel.  Both Linux and Windows machines will be equipped with
> Mellanox ConnectX-5 NICs.

Interopt between Linux and Windows has never been tested.  It should be able to be made to work, but likely requires work.

> My basic question is what libfabric providers must I use?  From reading the docs, I
> think I must use the verbs provider on Linux and the netdir provider on Windows.  Is
> this correct?

This would be the correct combination.

> As a follow up, is the verbs provider supported on Windows?  I suspect not, but would
> like to confirm.

No - there are not libibverbs/librdmacm interfaces available on Windows.

- Sean