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AI for Network Engineers: Understanding Flow, Flowlet, and Packet-Based LB


Explore flow, flowlet, and packet-based load balancing methods used in AI backend networks to boost performance and optimize traffic paths.

Though BGP supports the traditional Flow-based Layer 3 Equal Cost Multi-Pathing (ECMP) traffic load balancing method, it is not the best fit for a RoCEv2-based AI backend network. As explained earlier in Chapter 12, egress buffer overflow may trigger ECN (Explicit Congestion Notification) and PFC (Priority Flow Control) mechanisms to prevent packet loss. In AI workloads, where delays or packet loss can slow down or even interrupt training, adaptive routing plays a critical role in maintaining system performance.

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