ConnectX-5 VPI Adapter Mellanox Network Card EDR IB 100GbE Dual Port QSFP28 PCIe3.0 MCX556A-ECAT
Product Details:
Brand Name: | Mellanox |
Model Number: | MCX556A-ECAT |
Document: | CONNECTX-5 infiniband.pdf |
Payment & Shipping Terms:
Minimum Order Quantity: | 1pcs |
---|---|
Price: | Negotiate |
Packaging Details: | outer box |
Delivery Time: | Based on inventory |
Payment Terms: | T/T |
Supply Ability: | Supply by project/batch |
Detail Information |
|||
Products Status: | Stock | Application: | Server |
---|---|---|---|
Interface Type:: | InfiniBand | Ports: | Dual |
Max Speed: | 100GbE | Connector Type: | QSFP28 |
Type: | Wired | Name: | Mellanox Network Card ConnectX-5 VPI Adapter Card EDR IB And 100GbE Dual-Port QSFP28 PCIe3.0 MCX556A-ECAT |
Model: | MCX556A-ECAT | Keyword: | Mellanox Network Card |
Highlight: | ConnectX-5 VPI Adapter Mellanox Network Card,MCX556A-ECAT Mellanox Network Card,MCX556A-ECAT Mellanox 100gb Nic |
Product Description
NVIDIA ConnectX-5 MCX556A-ECAT InfiniBand Adapter - 100Gb/s Network Card with PCIe Gen4 Support
MCX556A-ECAT Advanced Networking Performance
The NVIDIA ConnectX-5 InfiniBand adapter card delivers breakthrough performance for data-intensive applications with dual-port 100Gb/s connectivity. This high-performance NIC card combines cutting-edge RDMA technology, hardware offloads, and PCIe Gen4 compatibility to accelerate HPC, AI, and cloud workloads. With its innovative architecture, this network card significantly reduces CPU overhead while maximizing data throughput.
Core Benefits:
- Dual-port 100Gb/s InfiniBand and Ethernet connectivity
- PCIe Gen4 support for maximum bandwidth
- Hardware offloads for NVMe over Fabrics and storage protocols
- Advanced RDMA with GPU Direct technology
- Comprehensive virtualization with SR-IOV support
Technical Specifications
Parameter | Specification |
---|---|
Interface Type | PCIe Gen3/Gen4 x16 |
Data Rate | Up to 100Gb/s per port |
Port Configuration | Single or dual QSFP28 |
Supported Protocols | InfiniBand, Ethernet (100/50/40/25/10/1GbE) |
RDMA Technology | RoCE, iWARP |
Virtualization | SR-IOV (up to 512 VFs) |
Offload Capabilities | NVMe-oF, MPI, Checksum, TSO |
OS Compatibility | Linux, Windows, VMware, FreeBSD |
MCX556A-ECAT Advanced Features
High-Speed Connectivity
Dual-port design supporting up to 100Gb/s per port with backward compatibility to lower speeds, making this network card versatile for various infrastructure requirements.
Intelligent Offload Technology
Hardware offloads for NVMe over Fabrics, MPI tag matching, and rendezvous protocols significantly reduce CPU utilization and improve overall system efficiency.
Virtualization Support
SR-IOV with up to 512 virtual functions and NVIDIA ASAP² technology enable efficient resource sharing and isolation in virtualized environments.
RDMA Optimization
Enhanced RDMA capabilities with GPU Direct technology accelerate data transfer between GPUs and storage systems, making this NIC card ideal for AI and machine learning workloads.
Product Models
Form Factor | Ports | Interface | Part Number |
---|---|---|---|
PCIe HHHL | Single QSFP28 | PCIe Gen3 x16 | MCX555A-ECAT |
PCIe HHHL | Dual QSFP28 | PCIe Gen3 x16 | MCX556A-ECAT |
PCIe HHHL | Dual QSFP28 | PCIe Gen4 x16 | MCX556A-EDAT |
OCP 2.0 Type 1 | Single QSFP28 | PCIe Gen3 x16 | MCX545B-ECAN |
OCP 2.0 Type 2 | Single QSFP28 | PCIe Gen3 x16 | MCX545A-ECAN |
Applications
The ConnectX-5 network interface card excels in various high-demand environments:
- High-Performance Computing (HPC): MPI and SHMEM/PGAS offloads, adaptive routing, and out-of-order RDMA operations
- Cloud Data Centers: NVMe over Fabrics offloads, storage protocol acceleration, and virtualization support
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning: GPU Direct RDMA for accelerated data transfer between GPUs
- Storage Systems: T10 DIF signature handoff, SRP, iSER, and NVMe-oF target offloads
- Enterprise Networks: High-speed Ethernet connectivity with advanced quality of service features
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the ConnectX-5 different from other network cards?
The ConnectX-5 stands out with its combination of 100Gb/s throughput, advanced RDMA capabilities, and comprehensive hardware offloads. This NIC card reduces CPU overhead significantly while delivering exceptional performance for data-intensive applications.
Can I use this adapter card in both InfiniBand and Ethernet networks?
Yes, the ConnectX-5 adapter card supports both InfiniBand and Ethernet protocols through the same hardware. Configuration is managed through firmware settings, providing flexibility for different network environments.
What are the benefits of PCIe Gen4 support?
PCIe Gen4 doubles the bandwidth compared to PCIe Gen3, allowing the ConnectX-5 network card to fully utilize its 100Gb/s capabilities without being constrained by the bus interface. This is particularly important for dual-port configurations and high-throughput applications.
Technical Support & Services
We provide comprehensive support for all ConnectX-5 products, including:
- 24/7 technical consultation and troubleshooting
- Firmware updates and driver support
- Integration assistance with various operating systems and platforms
- Warranty coverage and advanced replacement options
- Custom configuration services for large deployments
Company Introduction

With over ten years of industry expertise, our company has established itself as a premier provider of networking solutions. We maintain extensive manufacturing capabilities and a skilled technical team that supports our diverse customer base. Our organization has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality products at competitive prices while providing exceptional service.