TCP/IP, HiperSockets, and RoCE are not three equivalent networking protocols. TCP/IP is a protocol suite; HiperSockets is an internal IBM Z communication path; and RoCE (RDMA over Converged Ethernet) is a way to transfer data over Ethernet using remote direct memory access. TCP/IP can run over supported paths such as HiperSockets, while RoCE can serve supported TCP/IP and SMC-R use cases. The best fit depends on where traffic must go, the workload, and the exact hardware and software configuration.
How the three options differ
| Option | What it is | Typical role | Key constraint |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCP/IP | A protocol suite for IP addressing and communication | Connecting applications over a supported network path | It is not itself an adapter or a physical connection, so it is not a direct alternative to HiperSockets or RoCE. |
| HiperSockets | An internal IBM Z networking feature | Communication between participating partitions on the same system | Its scope is internal; external network access requires another path or an appropriately configured converged arrangement. |
| OSA-Express with TCP/IP | An Ethernet adapter providing LAN connectivity for IP traffic | Connecting IBM Z partitions to Ethernet LANs and external networks | Adapter and topology support depend on the system configuration. |
| RoCE / RoCE Express | RDMA over Ethernet | Supported data-transfer workloads where lower latency or processor use may matter, including eligible SMC-R scenarios | Requires compatible hardware, software, configuration, and physical-network mapping. |
TCP/IP is the protocol layer
TCP/IP defines how IP traffic is addressed and exchanged. It depends on an available network interface and path. Depending on the configuration, that path may be an Ethernet connection through OSA-Express or an internal HiperSockets connection. RoCE has a distinct RDMA role and can also support certain TCP/IP-related deployments; it should not be treated as simply another name for TCP/IP.
HiperSockets keeps traffic inside the system
IBM describes HiperSockets as providing high-performance internal communication between logical partitions (LPARs) in the same central processor complex (CPC), without additional external hardware such as channel adapters or LAN equipment. That makes it a candidate for traffic that stays among participating partitions on one system. It does not, by itself, connect those partitions to an external Ethernet network.
OSA-Express connects to Ethernet LANs
OSA-Express provides the conventional Ethernet LAN path for IBM Z IP connectivity. It serves a different purpose from RoCE: OSA is an Ethernet connectivity option, while RoCE uses RDMA over Ethernet for supported communication patterns. Which adapters and arrangements are available depends on the IBM Z system and its configuration.
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RoCE uses Ethernet for RDMA
RoCE can enable data movement with less processor involvement or lower latency in supported workloads. Those are potential benefits, not guaranteed outcomes for every application. Compatible RoCE-capable hardware and correct configuration are required; IBM’s z/OS physical-network guidance also makes physical network identifiers and adapter associations relevant to setup.
Which option fits the traffic?
- Traffic between partitions on the same IBM Z system: Evaluate HiperSockets when the participating partitions and system configuration support it. It provides an internal path without sending that traffic through external network hardware.
- Traffic to an Ethernet LAN or external IP network: Evaluate OSA-Express for direct Ethernet LAN connectivity. Consider RoCE only where the target workload and platform support the required arrangement.
- Eligible high-volume or latency-sensitive traffic where processor use matters: Assess RoCE and, where appropriate, SMC-R. Confirm hardware and software support, then measure the actual workload rather than assuming a benefit.
- Virtual machines or containers: Include the hypervisor and virtual network topology in the design. IBM documents z/VM VSWITCH arrangements using OSA or a HiperSockets Bridge, as well as KVM MacVTap and Linux bridging arrangements.
Consider HiperSockets Converged Interfaces when traffic needs both paths
HiperSockets Converged Interfaces (HSCI) can combine a HiperSockets network interface with an external OSA or RoCE port. IBM says HSCI is available beginning with IBM z15 or LinuxONE III. Availability alone does not establish that a particular operating system and topology support the intended design, so confirm those details for the deployment.
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How to compare performance fairly
There is no universal performance winner established across these options. IBM’s performance-comparison material identifies latency, throughput, processor consumption, workload type, and the number of parallel connections as relevant dimensions. A result for one workload or topology should not be generalized to another.
- Define the traffic pattern. Record whether the communication is internal to one system, LAN-bound, or intended for a supported RDMA/SMC-R use case.
- Confirm supported configurations. Check the precise IBM Z model, adapter, operating system, hypervisor, and required physical-network mapping in current IBM planning documentation.
- Measure the target workload. Compare latency, throughput, and processor consumption under representative workload and parallel-connection conditions. Keep the test setup consistent so differences reflect the path being assessed.
Check model- and software-specific support
IBM’s system hardware network-adapter page says RoCE is not supported on IBM z17 in the context documented there. Separately, IBM’s z/VM 7.3 PCIe documentation says Network Express adapters (10GbE and 25GbE) configured as NETH devices on z17 provide RoCE functionality supported on prior IBM Z family servers. These statements concern different documentation contexts and configurations; neither should be generalized to every z17 setup. Verify the exact system, adapter, hypervisor, and operating-system combination against current IBM documentation.
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IBM documentation to consult
- IBM Documentation, HiperSockets concepts and connectivity, z/OS 3.2, for internal scope and HiperSockets behavior.
- IBM Documentation, Network adapters, for system-specific adapter support.
- IBM Solution Assurance, Set up PCIe RoCE Express network (May 2022), for RoCE setup considerations.
- IBM Documentation, Physical network considerations, z/OS 3.2, for RoCE physical-network planning.
- IBM Documentation, Working with HiperSockets Converged Interfaces, for HSCI.
- IBM Documentation, Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe), z/VM 7.3, for the documented NETH and Network Express adapter context.
- IBM Documentation, Networking: Network performance considerations for IBM Z, for performance-comparison dimensions.
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