Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx EN MCX4121A-XCAT: High-Performance Dual-Port
Network Adapter
1. Product Overview
The Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx EN MCX4121A-XCAT represents a
significant advancement in data center network card technology, delivering exceptional performance for modern
enterprise infrastructure. This dual-port Ethernet NIC card supports 10, 25, 40, and 50Gb/s speeds through SFP28 interfaces,
providing hardware-accelerated networking solutions for demanding
cloud, big data, and virtualized environments. Engineered with
cutting-edge features and comprehensive protocol support, this
adapter offers a future-proof investment for evolving network
requirements.
2. Key Characteristics
- Dual SFP28 ports supporting 10/25GbE connectivity with
auto-negotiation
- PCI Express 3.0 x8 host interface with backward compatibility
- Advanced hardware offload for RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE)
- SR-IOV virtualization support with up to 256 virtual functions
- Comprehensive tunnel protocol offloading for VXLAN, NVGRE, and
GENEVE
- Innovative Multi-Host technology enabling shared adapter resources
- Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) compliance reducing power
consumption
3. Core Technologies
This advanced network card incorporates several groundbreaking technologies including
Mellanox Multi-Host® architecture, which allows multiple servers to
share a single adapter, dramatically reducing infrastructure costs
and complexity. The card features hardware-based overlay network
encapsulation/decapsulation, GPUDirect® RDMA acceleration, and
sophisticated quality of service (QoS) mechanisms. While the newer ConnectX-6 series offers higher maximum speeds, this adapter provides
exceptional value for 10-50GbE applications with a robust feature
set that meets most enterprise requirements.
4. Operational Methodology
The ConnectX-4 Lx EN NIC card operates by offloading network processing tasks from the host CPU
to specialized hardware engines on the adapter itself. This
includes TCP/UDP/IP stateless offload, checksum computation, packet
segmentation, and interrupt coalescence. For virtualized
environments, the card implements Single Root I/O Virtualization
(SR-IOV) to provide dedicated adapter resources and guaranteed
isolation for virtual machines, significantly improving performance
compared to software-based virtualization solutions while
substantially reducing CPU overhead and improving efficiency.
5. Application Environments
- Cloud computing infrastructure and hyperscale data centers
- High-performance computing and artificial intelligence clusters
- Financial services and low-latency trading platforms
- Virtualized infrastructure and software-defined networking
- Enterprise storage area networks and storage appliances
- Media streaming services and content delivery networks
- High-frequency database and transaction processing systems
6. Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Product Model | MCX4121A-XCAT |
| Interface Configuration | Dual SFP28 ports |
| Supported Data Rates | 10/25/40/50 Gb/s |
| Host Bus Interface | PCIe 3.0 x8 |
| Form Factor | Low-profile (includes tall bracket) |
| Virtualization Technology | SR-IOV (256 virtual functions) |
| Protocol Support | RoCE, iSCSI, FCoE, NVMe over Fabrics |
| Power Consumption | < 10W typical operation |
| Operating System Compatibility | Linux, Windows, VMware, FreeBSD |
| Regulatory Compliance | RoHS, IEEE Ethernet standards |
7. Competitive Advantages
- Industry-leading 75 million packets per second message rate
- Sub-microsecond latency enhances real-time application performance
- Hardware-based isolation ensures security in multi-tenant
environments
- Superior price/performance ratio compared to alternative NIC card solutions
- Future-proof design supporting emerging network protocols and
standards
- Reduced total cost of ownership through efficient power utilization
8. Service and Support
We provide comprehensive technical support services, including
pre-sales consultation, system integration assistance, and
post-sales troubleshooting. All products include standard warranty
coverage, with extended protection plans available for enterprise
deployments. Our global logistics network ensures timely delivery
to customers worldwide, and we offer flexible procurement solutions
for large-scale deployments of this advanced network card solution, including volume pricing and customized configuration
options.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the ConnectX-4 Lx compare to the ConnectX-6 series
adapters?
A: While the ConnectX-6 series offers higher maximum speeds (up to 200Gb/s) and enhanced
security features, the ConnectX-4 Lx provides excellent performance
for 10-50GbE applications at a more accessible price point, making
it ideal for many enterprise deployments where extreme bandwidth
isn't required.
Q: Can this network card be integrated with existing network
infrastructure?
A: Yes, the card is fully backward compatible with lower-speed
Ethernet standards and can interoperate with existing network
switches supporting SFP28 interfaces, providing a smooth upgrade
path for legacy environments without requiring complete
infrastructure overhaul.
Q: What type of cabling is required for 25GbE operation?
A: You can use SFP28 DAC (Direct Attach Copper) cables for shorter
distances or optical transceivers with appropriate fiber cables for
longer runs, depending on distance requirements and existing
infrastructure compatibility.
10. Implementation Considerations
- Ensure adequate airflow around the adapter for proper thermal
management in dense deployments
- Verify server BIOS settings for PCIe slot configuration (x8 link
width recommended for optimal performance)
- Always use manufacturer-recommended drivers and firmware for
optimal performance and stability
- Consider switch compatibility and configuration requirements for
advanced features like RoCE
- Plan for appropriate cooling solutions in high-density deployments
to maintain optimal operating temperatures
11. Company Introduction
With over a decade of industry expertise, our organization
maintains extensive manufacturing capabilities supported by a
highly skilled technical team. We have cultivated a substantial
customer base across diverse market sectors and accumulated
significant operational experience, enabling us to deliver products
at competitive prices without compromising service quality. Our
comprehensive product portfolio includes leading brands such as
Mellanox, Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme Networks.
