docs: Adding accelerated computing documentation (rackerlabs#602)

docs/accelerated-computing-infrastructure.md

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+# How does Rackspace implement Accelerated Computing?
+
+![Rackspace Cloud Software](assets/images/ospc_flex_logo_red.svg){ align=left : style="max-width:175px" }
+
+Rackspace integrates high-performance networking, computing, and security solutions to meet the evolving needs of modern cloud environments. By leveraging advanced switches, scalable servers, and next-generation security, we enable accelerated computing with high availability, low-latency connectivity, and optimal performance across global infrastructures. These technologies work seamlessly together to address the unique challenges of today's cloud environments.
+
+## High-Speed Network Switches
+
+The high-performance, fixed-port switches are designed to meet the demands of modern data center environments, enterprise networks, and high-traffic workloads. These switches offer advanced features that make them ideal for cloud environments, multi-tenant data centers, and complex hybrid cloud architectures. They support high-speed, low-latency connectivity, programmability, and scalability, ensuring efficient traffic handling, seamless integration into Software-Defined Networking (SDN) environments, and robust security measures. Key features include:
+
+  1. **High-Speed Connectivity**: Offers flexible port configurations (1G to 100G Ethernet) for high-density access and uplink,
+     supporting rapid data transmission across diverse networks.
+
+  2. **Low Latency & High Performance**: With up to 3.6 Tbps throughput, these switches provide low-latency operation, ideal for
+     high-frequency trading, real-time analytics, media streaming, and large-scale storage.
+
+  3. **Layer 2 & Layer 3 Features**: Includes essential network functions like VLANs, VXLAN, OSPF, BGP, and multicast for
+     efficient routing, network segmentation, and virtualized environments in dynamic data centers.
+
+  4. **Programmability & Automation**: Native support for automation tools and APIs integrates seamlessly with SDN frameworks like
+     Cisco ACI, enabling simplified network management, real-time telemetry, and automated operations for large-scale networks.
+
+  5. **Security & Policy Management**: Equipped with robust security features such as MACsec encryption, role-based access control
+     (RBAC), DAI, and IP ACLs, these switches ensure secure, policy-driven management in multi-tenant and regulated environments.
+
+  6. **Scalability & High Availability**: Built for scalability, these switches feature modular designs with redundant power
+     supplies, hot-swappable components, and flexible cooling options, ensuring high availability and reliability in large
+     deployments.
+
+  7. **Quality of Service (QoS)**: Advanced QoS capabilities, including priority flow control and dynamic buffer allocation,
+     ensure optimal performance for latency-sensitive applications such as voice and video communication.
+
+  8. **Energy Efficiency**: Designed with energy-efficient components and Cisco EnergyWise support, these switches help reduce
+     operational costs while minimizing environmental impact, critical for large data centers and sustainability initiatives.
+
+  9. **Intelligent Traffic Distribution**: Intelligent traffic management and load balancing optimize network resource
+     utilization, ensuring high performance and availability in cloud, storage, and compute-intensive environments.
+
+  10. **IPv6 Support**: Full IPv6 compatibility ensures that these switches can handle the growing number of IP addresses
+      necessary for modern, next-generation networks.
+
+**Key Use Cases**:
+  1. **High-Density Data Center Access**: For data centers needing flexible port speeds (1G to 100G) to connect virtualized
+     servers, storage, and applications.
+
+  2. **Spine-Leaf Architectures**: Ideal for scalable data centers that can expand by adding leaf switches as workloads grow.
+
+  3. **SDN and Cisco ACI Deployments**: Suited for enterprises or data centers seeking simplified, policy-driven network
+     management and automation.
+
+  4. **Edge Computing and IoT with PoE**: Best for IoT or industrial applications needing both power and network connectivity at
+     the edge via Power over Ethernet.
+
+  5. **Secure Segmentation and Multitenancy**: Perfect for cloud and hosting providers requiring network segmentation for
+     multi-department or multi-tenant environments.
+
+  6. **Virtualized and Hybrid Cloud**: For enterprises using hybrid cloud models or heavy virtualization, ensuring scalability and
+     performance for on-premises and cloud workloads.
+
+  7. **Latency-Sensitive Applications**: Designed for industries like finance, healthcare, and research requiring low-latency,
+     high-throughput for real-time data processing and simulations.
+
+  8. **Automated and Centralized Management**: Ideal for enterprises with complex network infrastructures aiming to reduce manual
+     tasks through automation and centralized management.
+
+  9. **Enhanced Security**: Suitable for industries with stringent security requirements (e.g., finance, healthcare) to protect
+     sensitive data and ensure compliance.
+
+  10. **Load Balancing and High Availability**: Perfect for e-commerce, web hosting, and content delivery networks that need
+      efficient traffic management and high availability for critical applications.
+
+## High-Performance Computing Servers
+
+These high-performance computing (HPC) servers are designed to handle the most demanding workloads, including AI/ML, big data analytics, high-performance computing, and data-intensive applications. Built for scalability, flexibility, and robust processing power, they are ideal for environments requiring large-scale parallel processing, GPU acceleration, substantial memory, and extensive storage capacity. Key features include:
+
+  1. **High-Core Processors**:
+     * AMD EPYC processors with up to 128 cores or Intel Xeon processors with up to 44 cores, enabling
+       parallel processing for AI model training, simulations, and large-scale data analytics.
+     * **Dual-Socket Support**: Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3/v4 processors support up to 44 cores, making them ideal for multi-threaded
+       workloads.
+
+  2. **Massive Memory Capacity**:
+     * Systems can support up to 12TB of DDR5 memory (in some models) or up to 3TB of DDR4 memory (24 DIMM slots), optimized for
+       memory-intensive workloads like scientific computing, AI/ML, and big data analytics.
+     * **High Memory Capacity**: Specifically, the HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen9 offers up to 3TB of DDR4 RAM, ideal for virtualized
+       environments and memory-heavy applications.
+
+  3. **Scalability and Performance**:
+     * The servers offer high scalability for both compute and memory, ensuring long-term flexibility for expanding workloads in
+       AI, HPC, and data analytics.
+     * **Enhanced Compute Power**: Intel Xeon and AMD EPYC processors provide highly efficient computing power for modern
+       enterprise and research applications.
+
+  4. **Flexible, High-Speed Storage**:
+     * The servers support up to 100 drives, including NVMe, SAS, and SATA SSDs, allowing for scalable storage options and
+       high-capacity configurations.
+     * **HPE Smart Array Controllers**: Advanced storage management, data protection, and RAID functionality are included in some
+       configurations to improve reliability and fault tolerance.
+     * **Storage Flexibility**: Configurations can combine high-speed NVMe SSDs for performance and SATA HDDs for capacity,
+       allowing for optimal storage tiers.
+
+  5. **GPU and Accelerator Support**:
+     * These servers can support up to 6 GPUs (including NVIDIA A100 and H100), accelerating deep learning, AI/ML model training,
+       and high-performance computing simulations.
+     * GPU support for AI/ML and scientific workloads ensures high parallel processing power, particularly useful for deep
+       learning and real-time analytics.
+     * **PCIe Gen 4.0 & Gen 5.0 Expansion**: Multiple PCIe slots for GPUs, FPGAs, and accelerators, ensuring high bandwidth and
+       minimal latency.
+
+  6. **Optimized Networking**:
+     * Multiple 10GbE and 25GbE networking options provide scalable and high-performance connectivity for distributed computing,
+       data-heavy tasks, and real-time data processing.
+     * **Networking Expansion**: Embedded 4 x 1GbE ports and support for FlexibleLOM allow for scalable networking and
+       high-bandwidth connections, important for large-scale data applications.
+
+  7. **High Availability and Redundancy**:
+     * **Redundant Power Supplies**: Hot-swappable power supplies ensure uninterrupted operations, even during maintenance.
+     * **Hot-Plug Fans and Drives**: Maintain and replace hardware without downtime, increasing system availability.
+     * **RAID Support**: Multiple RAID configurations ensure data redundancy and fault tolerance, crucial for high-availability
+       environments.
+
+  8. **Energy Efficiency**:
+     * The systems feature advanced multi-vector cooling and high-efficiency power supplies, such as 80 PLUS Platinum and
+       Titanium-rated units, minimizing energy usage.
+     * **Dynamic Power Capping**: These servers can intelligently manage power consumption, optimizing energy usage without
+       compromising performance.
+
+  9. **Security Features**:
+     * Secure Boot and TPM (Trusted Platform Module) support ensure physical and firmware-level security to protect sensitive data
+       from boot through runtime.
+     * **Hardware Root of Trust and System Lockdown**: Provides system integrity and enhanced protection against attacks.
+     * **Lockable Drive Bays**: Additional physical security features prevent unauthorized tampering.
+     * **Remote Management**: Tools like HPE iLO 4 and iDRAC9 allow for easy monitoring, management, and firmware updates
+       remotely.
+
+  10. **Advanced Management**:
+      * iLO 4 (HPE) or iDRAC9 (other models) allows remote server management and monitoring.
+      * Intelligent Provisioning and Active Health System: Simplifies setup and deployment, while providing proactive server
+        health monitoring.
+      * OpenManage (Dell) streamlines management for integrating with existing IT systems.
+
+  11. **Scalability and Customization**:
+      * These servers offer flexible configurations to meet the needs of various applications from cloud computing to scientific
+        research.
+      * **Modular Design**: Tool-free design allows for easy upgrades and future-proofing.
+      * **Expansion Slots**: Multiple PCIe Gen 3.0/4.0/5.0 slots for additional NICs, HBAs, GPUs, and other expansion cards.
+
+  12. **OS and Hypervisor Support**:
+      * These systems are compatible with a wide range of operating systems and hypervisors, including Windows Server, Red Hat,
+        SUSE, Ubuntu, VMware ESXi, and others, making them versatile for various workloads and environments.
+
+**Key Use Cases**:
+  1. **AI/ML Model Training and Inference**: For deep learning, real-time AI inference, and AI model training.
+
+  2. **High-Performance Computing (HPC)**: For scientific research, simulations, and computational-intensive tasks.
+
+  3. **Big Data Analytics**: For large-scale data processing and analytics, including real-time analytics and big data workloads.
+
+  4. **Media Streaming and Content Delivery Networks**: For applications requiring massive storage and high throughput.
+
+  5. **Edge Computing and Low-Latency Applications**: For decentralized data processing, such as edge AI and real-time
+     decision-making.
+
+  6. **Cloud Infrastructure and Virtualization**: For cloud providers, virtualization environments, and enterprise data centers.
+
+  7. **Database Workloads and OLTP**: For handling high-throughput transactional workloads in enterprise environments.
+
+  8. **Scientific Applications and Research**: For complex scientific simulations, research, and discovery that require high-core
+     processing and large memory configurations.
+
+  9. **Backup and Disaster Recovery**: For secure and scalable backup solutions with high data integrity.
+
+  10. **Software-Defined Storage (SDS) and Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI)**: For next-gen storage solutions that require
+      both high performance and flexibility.
+
+## Application Delivery Controllers (ADC)
+
+The high-performance application delivery and security controller are designed to optimize application traffic, enhance security, and improve user experience for enterprises, service providers, and data centers. Key features include:
+
+  1. **High Performance**: Offers up to 80 Gbps of L4 throughput and 8 Gbps of SSL/TLS encryption throughput, ideal for handling
+     high volumes of traffic and complex security requirements.
+
+  2. **SSL/TLS Offloading**: Dedicated hardware for SSL offloading improves application response times by freeing up server
+     resources and supporting modern encryption standards like TLS 1.3.
+
+  3. **Comprehensive Security**: Equipped with Web Application Firewall (WAF), bot protection, DDoS mitigation, IP intelligence,
+     and threat services to secure web applications from common vulnerabilities and attacks.
+
+  4. **Traffic Management**: Supports advanced load balancing (GSLB, LTM) and failover capabilities, with customizable traffic
+     management via iRules scripting for granular control over routing and traffic behavior.
+
+  5. **Orchestration and Automation**: iApps and iControl REST APIs simplify deployment and integrate with DevOps tools for
+     streamlined automation, reducing configuration errors.
+
+  6. **Access Control with APM**: Integrates with Access Policy Manager (APM) for secure access, Single Sign-On (SSO),
+     Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and Zero Trust capabilities.
+
+  7. **Application Acceleration**: Features like TCP optimization, caching, and compression reduce latency and bandwidth
+     consumption, enhancing application performance.
+
+  8. **Programmability**: Customizable with iRules for tailored traffic management and iCall for automating tasks based on events.
+
+  9. **High Availability**: Supports active-active and active-passive HA modes for continuous uptime, with failover and
+     synchronization for improved reliability.
+
+  10. **Scalability**: Modular licensing allows feature expansion without hardware replacement, providing cost savings and
+      investment protection.
+
+  11. **Virtualization Support**: Compatible with F5 Virtual Editions (VEs), enabling consistent policies across on-premises and
+      cloud environments for hybrid or multi-cloud deployments.
+
+  12. **Network Integration**: Supports IPv6, IPsec, VLANs, and VPNs, with flexible network interface options (1GbE, 10GbE, 25GbE)
+      for diverse infrastructures.
+
+**Key Use Cases**:
+  1. **Large Enterprises and Data Centers**: Perfect for organizations needing efficient traffic management, enhanced application
+     performance, and robust security.
+
+  2. **Service Providers**: Ideal for managing high traffic volumes with advanced traffic management, scalability, and
+     comprehensive security.
+
+  3. **E-commerce and Online Services**: Excellent for protecting e-commerce platforms with Web Application Firewall (WAF), bot
+     protection, and DDoS mitigation.
+
+  4. **Hybrid Cloud Environments**: Best for seamless application delivery and security across on-premises and cloud
+     infrastructures in hybrid or multi-cloud setups.
+
+## Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW)
+
+This next-generation firewall is designed for large-scale environments, including enterprise data centers and service providers. It offers robust security features that protect against advanced threats while maintaining high throughput and seamless integration into high-speed networks. Key features include:
+
+  1. **High Performance and Throughput**: Delivers up to 72 Gbps of firewall throughput and 32 Gbps of Threat Prevention
+     throughput, ensuring efficient handling of large traffic volumes and complex security tasks.
+
+  2. **Advanced Threat Prevention**: Integrates IPS, antivirus, anti-spyware, and sandboxing technology for real-time threat
+     detection, blocking malware, exploits, and zero-day attacks.
+
+  3. **Application-Based Traffic Control with App-ID**: Offers granular control over applications regardless of port or protocol,
+     enhancing visibility and security across the network.
+
+  4. **User and Content-Based Control with User-ID and Content-ID**: User-ID maps traffic to specific users for policy
+     enforcement, while Content-ID inspects data for malicious content, URL filtering, and prevents data leakage.
+
+  5. **SSL Decryption & Inspection**: Capable of decrypting SSL/TLS traffic for deeper inspection of encrypted data, ensuring
+     protection against hidden threats within secure communications.
+
+  6. **Integrated WildFire for Advanced Malware Analysis**: Suspicious files are sent for sandboxing to analyze behavior and
+     detect previously unknown threats.
+
+  7. **Scalable and Modular Connectivity Options**: Supports 10GbE, 25GbE, and 40GbE interfaces for seamless integration into
+     high-speed networks, ensuring optimal performance and flexibility.
+
+  8. **High Availability and Redundancy**: Supports high availability (HA) configurations, ensuring continuous uptime with
+     automatic failover capabilities.
+
+  9. **Comprehensive Security Subscriptions**: Includes Threat Prevention, URL Filtering, DNS Security, GlobalProtect, and SD-WAN
+     for advanced protection and secure remote access.
+
+  10. **Automation & Centralized Management**: Integrated with centralized firewall management platforms and supports API
+      integration for automation, enhancing efficiency in security operations and DevOps workflows.
+
+  11. **Machine Learning for Autonomous Security**: Uses machine learning to enhance threat detection, adapt security protocols,
+      and proactively defend against emerging threats.
+
+  12. **Zero Trust Network Security Capabilities**: Enforces least-privilege access and continuous verification of identity,
+      aligning with Zero Trust security principles.
+
+  13. **Energy Efficiency and Form Factor**: Designed to deliver high performance while maintaining energy efficiency, reducing
+      operational costs and minimizing environmental impact.
+
+**Key Use Cases**:
+  1. **Enterprise Data Centers**: Ideal for large data centers requiring high throughput, threat protection, and efficient traffic
+     management.
+
+  2. **Service Providers and Large Enterprises**: Perfect for securing and managing complex, high-traffic networks with
+     scalability and performance.
+
+  3. **Cloud and Hybrid Environments**: Suited for hybrid and multi-cloud setups, ensuring consistent security across on-premises
+     and cloud infrastructures.
+
+  4. **High-Risk Sectors**: Beneficial for industries like finance, healthcare, and government, requiring advanced security
+     features such as threat detection and SSL inspection.