A data processing unit (DPU) is a programmable computer processor that tightly integrates a general-purpose CPU with network interface hardware.[1] Sometimes they are called "IPUs" (for "infrastructure processing unit") or "SmartNICs".[2] They can be used in place of traditional NICs to relieve the main CPU of complex networking responsibilities and other "infrastructural" duties; although their features vary, they may be used to perform encryption/decryption, serve as a firewall, handle TCP/IP, process HTTP requests, or even function as a hypervisor or storage controller.[1][3] These devices can be attractive to cloud computing providers whose servers might otherwise spend a significant amount of CPU time on these tasks, cutting into the cycles they can provide to guests.[1]
- ^ a b c Davie, Bruce (November 24, 2021). "SmartNICs, IPUs, DPUs de-hyped: Why and how cloud giants are offloading work from server CPUs". The Register. Retrieved 2023-07-11.
- ^ Sharwood, Simon (May 23, 2023). "Google Cloud upgrades with next-gen accelerator that embiggens its VMs". The Register. Retrieved 2023-07-11.
…Infrastructure Processing Unit – the same kind of kit that others call SmartNICs or Data Processing Units…
- ^ "Definition of SmartNIC". PCMag. Ziff Davis. Retrieved 2023-07-11.