GPU network switches
GPU network switches are high-performance networking platforms designed to accelerate AI, machine learning, and GPU computing workloads. They provide ultra-low latency, high-bandwidth per port, and in-network computing features to connect thousands of GPUs, preventing bottlenecks in data-intensive environments.
The zCompute GPU Network comprises NVIDIA Ethernet switches configured in a Spectrum-X Architecture. The GPU Network switches defined in zCompute are the leaf switches directly attached to the GPU’s dedicated NICs (SuperNICs).
GPU network switches management
The GPU Network Switches page stores GPU network switch records in a central place.
You can use this page to review existing records, add a new record, update a record, or remove one.
Viewing GPU network switches
To view GPU network switches:
Go to Region Networking > GPU Network Switches.
The GPU network switches list view displays.
This view shows the current GPU network switch records with the the default columns:
Name
The switch record name.
Use it to identify the record in the list, in success or failure messages, and in the delete dialog.
Status
The current state that the UI reports for the switch record.
Use it for a quick state check from the list page.
Hostname
The host address saved for the switch record.
Use it to confirm that the record points to the intended switch host.
API Port
The API TCP port saved for the switch record.
Use it to confirm the port value used by the record.
Username
The saved user name for the switch record.
Use it to confirm which account name the record is set to use.
Rail Group
The rail group value saved for the switch record.
Use it to review the value that was set during creation.
SU ID
The scalable unit value saved for the switch record.
Use it to review the value that was set during creation.
Router Distinguisher
The router distinguisher value saved for the switch record.
Use it to verify the saved distinguisher from the list page.
Verify SSL
Indicates whether SSL verification is enabled for the switch record.
Use it to confirm the setting that was chosen during creation.
You can also use the filter selection to display these optional columns:
ID
The record ID.
Use it when you need the unique record value.
Created At
The record creation date and time.
Use it for audit and tracking work.
Updated At
The record’s last update date and time.
Use it for audit and tracking work.
When no records exist, the page shows a message that no GPU network switches are defined.
Viewing GPU network switch details
To view a GPU network switch details:
Go to Region Networking > GPU Network Switches.
The GPU network switches list view displays.
Select a GPU network switch to view its details.
The GPU network switch details page opens.
Adding a GPU network switch
To add a GPU network switch:
Open Region Networking > GPU Network Switches.
The GPU network switches list view displays.
Select + Add.
The Add GPU Network Switch dialog opens.
Enter new GPU network switch values:
Name
The GPU network switch display name.
Required.
Hostname
The host address.
Required.
API TCP Port
The API port for the GPU network switch.
Valid values: 1 to 65536.
Default: 8765
Verify SSL
Toggle to enable/disable SSL verification for the GPU network switch.
Default: Enabled.
Rail Group
Represents a collection of network switches that connect the same-index GPU from every server across multiple racks. For example, Rail Group 0 connects all GPU 0s, Rail Group 1 connects all GPU 1s, and so on.
Valid values: 0 or higher.
Required.
Router Distinguisher
Used to create unique addresses from overlapping IP address spaces, ensuring they can be routed correctly across a virtualized network.
Required.
Scalable Unit
ID of a set of resources for rapid scaling purposes.
Instead of building a node-by-node, organizations can use SUs to deploy a standardized set of resources simultaneously. This modularity allows for rapid deployment and ensures the resulting cluster is balanced for maximum performance.
Valid values: 0 to 31.
Required.
Username
The username for GPU network switch.
Required.
Password
The password for GPU network switch username.
Required.
To save the configuration, select Finish.
Modify a GPU network switch
Update a switch record when connection details or credentials change:
Open Region Networking > GPU Network Switches.
The GPU network switches list view displays.
Select a GPU network switch to modify.
The GPU network switch details page opens.
Select Modify.
The Modify GPU Network Switch dialog opens.
The following fields can be updated:
Name
The GPU network switch display name.
Hostname
The host address.
API TCP Port
The API port for the GPU network switch.
Router Distinguisher
IP address used to create unique addresses from overlapping IP address spaces.
Username
Required. Use it to change the saved user name.
Change Password
Select the checkbox to enable changing the password for GPU network switch username.
The Password prompt appears.
Enter a new password for the GPU network switch username.
To save the GPU network switch updates, select Finish.
Delete a GPU network switch
To remove a GPU network switch record when it is no longer needed.
Open Region Networking > GPU Network Switches.
The GPU network switches list view displays.
Select a GPU network switch to delete.
The GPU network switch details page opens.
Select Delete.
The Delete GPU Network Switch dialog opens, displaying the name of the GPU network switch selected for deletion.
To confirm deletion of the selected GPU network switch, select Delete.
Recommended best practices
Use a clear naming standard.
The name appears in the list, in action messages, and in the delete flow.
Check the hostname before you save the record.
It is required and stays visible in the main table.
Leave the API TCP port at the default only when that matches your switch configuration.
The default value is 8765.
Set the Verify SSL, Rail Group and Scalable Unit values carefully during creation.
The current UI displays these fields only in the + Add dialog, and not when modifying or deleting.
Review the router distinguisher value before saving a new entry or update.
It is required in both + Add and Modify dialogs.
Change the password only when needed.
In the Modify dialog, a new password key and value pair is setting with the update payload only when Change Password is selected.
Use the optional columns during audits.
ID, Created At, and Updated At can help with tracking.
Troubleshooting
The GPU Network Switches page does not appear in the menu
GPU Network Switches is part of the administrative Region Networking menu.
Confirm that you are using an account with system admin access.
Open Region Networking and check the left navigation again.
The GPU Network Switches list is empty
An empty list can be normal when no switch records exist.
Check for the message that no GPU network switches are defined.
Add a switch if this is a new setup.
Refresh the page if you expect existing data.
The form does not let you finish
The dialog prevents completion when required fields are missing or invalid.
Check Name.
Check Hostname.
Check Router Distinguisher.
Check Username.
Check Password in the + Add dialog.
Check Rail Group and Scalable Unit in the + Add dialog
Check the numeric range for API TCP Port.
Check the numeric range for Scalable Unit.
You cannot change verify SSL, Rail Group, or Scalable Unit
This behavior is expected in the current UI.
The Verify SSL, Rail Group, and Scalable Unit fields are available only in the + Add dialog.
Plan these values before you create the record.
Password is not updated
The modify dialog sends a password only when Change Password is selected.
Reopen Modify.
Select Change Password.
Enter the new password.
Click Finish.
A create, modify, or delete action fails
The UI defines success and failure messages for + Add, Modify and Delete actions.
Read the error message.
Recheck the values you entered.
Verify that you selected the intended switch.
Retry the action after you correct the input.