To ensure Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) functions correctly, especially when using RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE), the underlying network fabric must be lossless. This is achieved using Data Center Bridging (DCB). The Validate-DCB cmdlet (or the functionality it represents for validating DCB) is the specific tool designed to check the consistency of DCB settings, such as Priority Flow Control (PFC) and Enhanced Transmission Selection (ETS), across multiple servers. This validation is a critical step to confirm that all required Windows Server settings for a reliable RDMA deployment are configured properly.

A. Server Manager is a general administrative tool and lacks the specialized capability to perform a detailed validation of DCB and RDMA network configurations.

C. The Get-NetAdapter cmdlet retrieves network adapter properties. While related cmdlets like Get-NetAdapterRdma can show RDMA capability, they do not validate the end-to-end DCB configuration.

D. Failover Cluster Manager is used to manage and validate cluster configurations. While its validation wizard tests networking, it is not the primary tool for a detailed DCB validation.

1. Microsoft Learn

"Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) and Switch Embedded Teaming (SET)": This document states

"RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE) requires Data Center Bridging (DCB) technologies to provide a lossless fabric... To get the best performance

you should use RoCE for your RDMA deployments. This version of RDMA routes over an Ethernet fabric and requires the use of DCB." This establishes the direct dependency of RDMA on a correctly configured DCB.

2. Microsoft PowerShell Documentation

"DataCenterBridging Module": This module contains the cmdlets for managing DCB. While the question uses the name Validate-DCB

the concept is embodied by cmdlets within this official module

which are used to configure and verify DCB settings

confirming that PowerShell is the correct tool for this specific task.

3. Microsoft Learn

"Plan for and deploy Data Center Bridging (DCB)": This guide details the steps for configuring DCB

emphasizing the need for consistent configuration. It states

"After you configure DCB on your network adapters

you can validate the configuration." This highlights validation as a key step in the process

for which a specific tool is required.