InfiniBand - technical definition

An input/output architecture used in high-end computer clusters and storage networks, introduced in 1999. Using switched, point-to-point channels similar to mainframes and also similar to PCI Express (switched version of PCI), InfiniBand is designed as a true fabric architecture that can extend connections via external networks. Speed is 2.5 Gbps in each direction, and channels can be bonded to double and quadruple the data path to 5 and 10 Gbps.

A Technology Merger
Supporting both copper wire and optical fibers and originally known as "System I/O," InfiniBand is a combination of Intel's NGIO (Next Generation I/O) and Future I/O from IBM, HP and Compaq. For more information, visit the InfiniBand Trade Association at www.infinibandta.org. See RDMA, PCI Express, NGIO and Future I/O.