Session

Meta Platforms, Inc., the company behind Facebook and other popular social media platforms, has developed its own Host Network Interface (HNI) and accompanying Linux driver called fbnic. With this Meta aims to address the challenges of scaling data center networks to meet the ever-growing demands of modern applications and workloads.

The traditional firmware heavy Network Interface Controller (NIC) designs pose limitations on network performance, observability, and flexibility. By building its own lightweight NIC, HNI, and driver, Meta seeks to overcome these limitations by reducing firmware overhead and achieving better integration between the host and the network. This new approach enables enhanced network visibility, improved reliability, and optimized performance tailored to Meta’s unique workload requirements.

The fbnic driver is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for easy customization and rapid prototyping of new features. This adaptability is crucial in responding to the constantly evolving needs of Meta’s diverse application landscape. Furthermore, the in-house development enables Meta to control its own destiny regarding network innovation and avoid vendor lock-in.

This presentation will delve into the motivations behind Meta’s decision to develop its own NIC and driver, as well as the key design considerations and challenges encountered during the development process. We will also discuss the potential benefits this approach offers and explore future plans for further optimizing network performance and efficiency within Meta’s data centers.