Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx EN MCX4121A-ACAT Dual-Port 10/25GbE Network Interface Card

1. Product Overview

The Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx EN MCX4121A-ACAT is a high-performance dual-port Ethernet network interface card delivering up to 25Gb/s per port connectivity. This advanced network card is engineered to address virtualized infrastructure challenges with hardware-based I/O isolation, exceptional scalability, and efficiency. Supporting RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE), overlay network encapsulation/decapsulation, and sophisticated acceleration engines, this nic card provides a cost-effective solution for Web 2.0, cloud, data analytics, and storage platforms. As a predecessor to the ConnectX-6 series, it offers robust performance for demanding applications.

2. Key Characteristics

• Dual-port 25GbE connectivity via SFP28 interfaces
• PCI Express 3.0 x8 host interface
• Hardware offloads for NVGRE, VXLAN, and GENEVE encapsulated traffic
• RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE) support
• SR-IOV virtualization with up to 256 virtual functions
• Mellanox Multi-Host technology support
• Energy efficient Ethernet compliance

3. Core Technologies

The ConnectX-4 Lx EN network card incorporates several innovative technologies that enhance performance and efficiency. The ASAP² (Accelerated Switching and Packet Processing) engine enables hardware offloading of virtual switch functions, significantly reducing CPU overhead. RoCE (RDMA over Converged Ethernet) technology allows for direct memory access between systems, minimizing latency. The card's hardware-based overlay network offloads handle encapsulation and decapsulation of NVGRE, VXLAN, and GENEVE protocols without CPU intervention. These technological advancements make this nic card a foundational component that paved the way for the more advanced ConnectX-6 series.

4. Operational Methodology

This high-performance network interface card operates by transferring processing tasks from the host CPU to specialized hardware on the adapter itself. The intelligent architecture handles packet processing, encapsulation/decapsulation of overlay networks, and storage protocol operations directly in hardware. The embedded offload engines manage RoCE communications, enabling direct memory access between systems without CPU involvement. This approach dramatically reduces latency and CPU utilization while increasing overall system efficiency. The sophisticated design of this network card represents the technological foundation that later evolved into the ConnectX-6 generation.

5. Implementation Scenarios

• Virtualized Data Centers: Cloud infrastructure, multi-tenant environments, and virtualized servers
• Big Data Analytics: Real-time data processing and analytics platforms
• Storage Networks: IP SAN, hyperconverged infrastructure, and storage clustering
• High-Performance Computing: Research institutions and scientific computing environments
• Enterprise Applications: Database systems and business critical applications

6. Technical Specifications

7. Competitive Advantages

• Cost Efficiency: Provides exceptional performance at a competitive price point
• Hardware Offloads: Comprehensive protocol processing in hardware reduces CPU utilization
• Virtualization Ready: Advanced SR-IOV support enables efficient virtualized environments
• Multi-Host Technology: Unique capability to connect up to 4 independent hosts to a single adapter
• Energy Efficient: Optimized power consumption without compromising performance

8. Service & Support

We provide comprehensive support services including:

• Standard 3-year warranty with optional extensions
• Global technical support available 24/7
• Firmware updates and compatibility verification
• Integration assistance with major server platforms
• Custom configuration services for large deployments

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between ConnectX-4 Lx and ConnectX-6 series?
A: While the ConnectX-6 offers higher port densities and enhanced performance, the ConnectX-4 Lx provides exceptional value with similar advanced features including comprehensive hardware offload capabilities.

Q: Does this network interface card support RDMA?
A: Yes, the MCX4121A-ACAT supports RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE) for low-latency, high-throughput communications.

Q: What virtualization features does this NIC support?
A: The adapter supports SR-IOV virtualization with up to 256 virtual functions, enabling efficient hardware-based virtualization.

10. Installation Considerations

• Ensure proper chassis cooling for optimal thermal management
• Verify PCIe slot compatibility (requires PCIe 3.0 for full performance)
• Use qualified SFP28 transceivers and cables to ensure signal integrity
• Check operating system compatibility before deployment
• Follow electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions during installation

11. Company Profile

With over a decade of industry expertise, we have established ourselves as a premier provider of enterprise networking solutions. Our extensive infrastructure includes large-scale production facilities and a dedicated technical team with deep expertise in high-performance networking technologies. We maintain strategic partnerships with leading technology brands including Mellanox, Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme Networks.

Our inventory valuation exceeds $10 million, ensuring immediate availability of products including the ConnectX-4 Lx network interface card. We offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality or service excellence. Our commitment extends beyond the transaction with 24/7 customer consultation and technical support, ensuring optimal performance of your networking infrastructure.

IoT Management Systems - Scalable platforms for smart city and industrial applications

Network Monitoring & Management Systems - Real-time monitoring with 99.9% uptime reliability

Wireless Authentication Systems - Secure, enterprise-grade access control solutions

Custom Software Development - Tailored applications with full-cycle support

End-to-End Integration: From system design to deployment and maintenance

OEM/ODM Solutions: Customizable software and hardware integration packages

24/7 Technical Support: Multilingual support team with rapid response guarantee

Scalable Deployment: Supporting projects from SMEs to large-scale smart city implementations

✓ISO9001:2015 Certified quality management system

✓Advanced Development Standards - Following international best practices

✓Comprehensive Testing Protocols - Multi-stage quality validation process

✓Proven Track Record - Successfully deployed in 100+ large-scale integration projects

Rapid Deployment: Average project delivery 30% faster than industry standard

Cost-Effective Solutions: Direct manufacturer pricing with no intermediaries

Flexible Customization: Adaptable solutions meeting specific market requirements

Long-term Partnership: 95% client retention rate with ongoing technical support

Technical Excellence: Expert R&D team with 10+ years average experience

Quality Commitment: Zero critical system failures in deployed projects

Innovation Focus: Continuous investment in emerging technologies (AI, IoT, Cloud)

Global Reach: Serving clients across Asia, Europe, and North America

Reliable Partnership: Built on principles of integrity, trust, and professional excellence

Track Record: 100+ Projects Completed | 500+ Satisfied Clients | 95% Retention Rate | Zero Critical Failures

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