The future of AI requires more than speed. It requires networks that adapt in real time to the bursty, synchronization-heavy nature of distributed training. FPGA-based SmartNICs bring this adaptability by combining line-rate throughput with programmable intelligence.
Setting the Stage for the AI Era
AI adoption is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, and with it comes one of the greatest challenges for infrastructure: networking at scale. As AI models grow larger and clusters expand, networks must deliver more than raw bandwidth — they must provide predictable, lossless, and efficient performance in next generation high speed Ethernet networks even under the heaviest synchronized workloads.
At Altera Innovators Day 2025, Silicom, in collaboration with DYNANIC, will demonstrate how our joint solution meets this challenge head-on. Selected to participate through a rigorous evaluation process, we are proud to showcase how FPGA-based SmartNIC innovation can turn raw bandwidth into reliable AI performance.
The Demo: Predictable AI Networking in Action
Together with DYNANIC, Silicom will present a live demonstration titled:
“400G FPGA-Based NIC for Scalable AI Networking.”
The demo highlights how the Silicom ThunderFjord platform, powered by the Altera® Agilex™ M-Series FPGA, and enhanced by the DYNANIC packet-processing pipeline, delivers unprecedented adaptability and performance for AI clusters.
Key Demo Capabilities:
✪ Manage synchronized traffic bursts without packet loss
✪ Shape and optimize data flows in real time
✪ React in microseconds with NIC-level hardware control loops
✪ Scale seamlessly from 400G to 800G throughput
Upcoming Thunderbox with ThunderFjord cards running for demo showcase . Thunderbox can fit up to 4 Thunderfjord cards
Why It Matters for AI Networking
The future of AI requires more than speed. It requires networks that adapt in real time to the bursty, synchronization-heavy nature of distributed training. FPGA-based SmartNICs bring this adaptability by combining line-rate throughput with programmable intelligence.
With ThunderFjord and DYNANIC, Silicom is proving how FPGA SmartNICs can:
- Enable higher GPU utilization by eliminating idle cycles caused by network stalls
- Reduce CPU overhead, freeing resources for core workloads
- Future-proof AI data centers, with scalability beyond 400G as demands grow
This is not incremental innovation — it’s a fundamental shift in how AI networks are built.
Voices from the Industry
By bringing together Altera’s Agilex™ M-Series FPGA, Silicom’s ThunderFjord platform, and DYNANIC’s packet-processing pipeline, we see a powerful example of how FPGA acceleration can reshape networking. This is precisely the kind of breakthrough the market is hungry for – solutions that unlock scalability and efficiency to keep pace with the exponential growth of AI networking.
states Mark Moran, Director of Boards, Dev Kits and Partner Ecosystem, Altera.
Looking Ahead
As AI workloads scale exponentially, predictable, lossless networking will define the performance boundaries of next-generation clusters. Silicom is committed to leading this transformation with FPGA-powered, intelligent SmartNICs that empower businesses to turn raw bandwidth into tangible AI outcomes.
We look forward to meeting industry leaders, innovators, and partners at Altera Innovators Day 2025 — and to shaping the future of AI networking together.
Interested in learning more about the Thunderfjord and DYNANIC solution?
We’d be happy to continue the conversation—feel free to reach out to our teams to explore how this powerful combination can accelerate your next project.
