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ConnectX-5 Ex VPI Adapter Mellanox Network Card EDR InfiniBand And 100GbE Dual Port QSFP28 MCX556A-EDAT
Product Details:
| Brand Name: | Mellanox |
| Model Number: | MCX556A-EDAT |
| Document: | CONNECTX-5 infiniband.pdf |
Payment & Shipping Terms:
| Minimum Order Quantity: | 1pcs |
|---|---|
| Price: | Negotiate |
| Packaging Details: | outer box |
| Payment Terms: | T/T |
| Supply Ability: | Supply by project/batch |
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Detail Information |
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| Products Status: | Stock | Application: | Server |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interface Type:: | InfiniBand | Ports: | Dual |
| Max Speed: | 100GbE | Connector Type: | QSFP28 |
| Type: | Wired | Condition: | New And Original |
| Warranty Time: | 1 Year | Model: | MCX556A-EDAT |
| Highlight: | ConnectX-5 Ex VPI mellanox network card,mellanox network card MCX556A-EDAT,QSFP28 mellanox infiniband card |
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Product Description
NVIDIA ConnectX-5 MCX556A-EDAT: Dual-Port 100Gb/s InfiniBand/Ethernet Adapter
Product Overview
The NVIDIA ConnectX-5 MCX556A-EDAT is a high-performance dual-port network interface card supporting both 100Gb/s InfiniBand and Ethernet connectivity. This advanced NIC card delivers industry-leading throughput, ultra-low latency, and sophisticated offload capabilities for demanding data center environments. Featuring PCIe Gen4 support and ConnectX-5 Ex enhancements, this network adapter is engineered for high-performance computing, cloud infrastructure, and storage applications.
Key Characteristics
- Dual QSFP28 ports supporting 100Gb/s InfiniBand and Ethernet protocols
- PCI Express 4.0 x16 host interface with backward compatibility
- Hardware offloads for RDMA, NVMe over Fabrics, and MPI operations
- Advanced switching capabilities with embedded PCIe switch functionality
- Support for both InfiniBand and Ethernet networking environments
Advanced Technologies
The ConnectX-5 network card incorporates multiple cutting-edge technologies including:
- RDMA Technology: Enables direct memory access between systems without CPU involvement
- NVMe over Fabrics: Hardware offloads for efficient storage access
- PCIe Atomic Operations: Enhanced performance for compute-intensive workloads
- Adaptive Routing: Intelligent packet routing for optimized network performance
- Hardware-Based Virtualization: SR-IOV support with up to 512 virtual functions
Operational Principle
This intelligent network adapter operates by offloading network, storage, and compute operations from the host CPU through specialized hardware engines. The ConnectX-5 card processes network traffic at line rate, implementing protocol handling, packet filtering, and quality of service policies directly on the adapter. For RDMA operations, the NIC card enables direct memory-to-memory transfers between systems, significantly reducing latency and CPU overhead while maintaining security through memory protection mechanisms.
Application Scenarios
High-Performance Computing
Ideal for HPC clusters with MPI tag matching and rendezvous offloads for accelerated message passing interface operations.
Cloud Data Centers
Enables efficient I/O consolidation and virtualization with SR-IOV support and network function offloading.
Storage Platforms
Provides NVMe over Fabrics offloads for high-performance storage access with minimal CPU utilization.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Number | MCX556A-EDAT |
| Form Factor | HHHL (Half Height Half Length) |
| Data Rate | Up to 100Gb/s per port |
| Host Interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| Port Configuration | 2 x QSFP28 |
| Protocol Support | InfiniBand, Ethernet, RoCE |
| OS Compatibility | Linux, Windows, VMware, FreeBSD |
| Advanced Features | NVMe-oF offload, RDMA, SR-IOV |
Competitive Advantages
- Enhanced Performance: PCIe Gen4 support delivers higher bandwidth and lower latency compared to previous generations
- Comprehensive Offloads: Extensive hardware acceleration reduces CPU overhead by up to 30% in demanding workloads
- Flexibility: Dual-protocol support (InfiniBand and Ethernet) provides deployment flexibility
- Scalability: Advanced virtualization capabilities support dense multi-tenant environments
- Energy Efficiency: Optimized power consumption without compromising performance
Service & Support
We provide comprehensive support including product warranty, technical consultation, and integration services. Our team offers 24/7 customer service to ensure seamless deployment and operation. With extensive inventory and efficient logistics, we guarantee timely delivery and responsive support throughout the product lifecycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between ConnectX-5 and ConnectX-6?
A: While both are high-performance network cards, ConnectX-6 offers higher port speeds (up to 200Gb/s) and enhanced cloud capabilities, while ConnectX-5 provides excellent performance for 100Gb/s environments with cost efficiency.
Q: Can this NIC card operate in both InfiniBand and Ethernet modes simultaneously?
A: The card can be configured for either InfiniBand or Ethernet operation, but both ports operate in the same mode concurrently.
Q: What cables are compatible with the QSFP28 ports?
A: The ports support various QSFP28 DAC cables, active optical cables, and transceivers for both short-range and long-range connectivity.
Q: Does this adapter support RoCE (RDMA over Converged Ethernet)?
A: Yes, the ConnectX-5 fully supports RoCE v2 for RDMA operations over Ethernet networks.
Installation & Compatibility Notes
- Ensure adequate cooling as high-performance network cards generate significant heat during operation
- Verify PCIe slot compatibility (x16 mechanical, electrically compatible with x8 and x16)
- Check system firmware and driver compatibility before installation
- For optimal performance, use certified cables and transceivers
- Follow proper ESD precautions during handling and installation
Company Profile
With over a decade of industry experience, we operate extensive manufacturing facilities supported by a skilled technical team. As an authorized distributor of leading networking brands including NVIDIA Mellanox, Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme Networks, we provide authentic products with full warranty coverage.
Our inventory exceeds 10 million units, encompassing network switches, adapter cards, wireless solutions, and connectivity products. We maintain stringent quality control processes and offer competitive pricing alongside comprehensive technical support services. Our global logistics network ensures reliable delivery to customers worldwide.