Mellanox ConnectX-4 VPI Adapter Card MCX456A-ECAT

The Mellanox ConnectX-4 VPI adapter card represents a significant leap in high-performance networking technology. This advanced network card delivers exceptional 100Gb/s bandwidth, ultra-low latency, and robust hardware offload capabilities. Designed for data-intensive environments, the ConnectX-6 predecessor model sets a high standard, but the ConnectX-4 VPI stands as a powerful and cost-effective solution for enterprises requiring top-tier performance without the premium price tag.

Key Specifications:

• Dual-port 100Gb/s InfiniBand EDR and Ethernet connectivity
• PCIe 3.0 x16 host interface with low-profile form factor
• Hardware offload for RDMA, RoCE, NVGRE, and VXLAN
• SR-IOV virtualization with up to 256 virtual functions
• T10-DIF signature handover and erasure coding support

Technical Characteristics

• Dual-port 100Gb/s InfiniBand EDR and 100GbE connectivity
• Support for 1/10/25/40/50/56/100GbE speeds
• 150 million messages per second throughput
• Hardware-based I/O virtualization (SR-IOV)
• RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE) v1 and v2
• Erasure Coding (Reed-Solomon) offload
• NVGRE and VXLAN encapsulation/decapsulation
• Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) support
• RoHS-R6 compliant

Core Technologies

The ConnectX-4 nic card leverages cutting-edge technologies including IBTA RDMA, RoCE, and hardware offloads for overlay networks (NVGRE/VXLAN). It complies with InfiniBand Trade Association (IBTA) 1.3 and IEEE Ethernet standards (802.3bj, 802.3bm, 802.3ba). The adapter's Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) technology enables flexible deployment across both InfiniBand and Ethernet networks with a consolidated software stack.

MCX456A-Ecat Operational Mechanism

The ConnectX-4 network card operates through specialized hardware engines that offload network, storage, and virtualization processing from the host CPU. It utilizes Mellanox's PeerDirect technology for efficient RDMA access, eliminating unnecessary data copies between components on the PCIe bus. For overlay networks, dedicated hardware engines handle encapsulation and decapsulation of NVGRE and VXLAN headers, maintaining performance while reducing CPU overhead.

MCX456A-Ecat Application Scenarios

• High-Performance Computing (HPC) and AI clusters
• Cloud infrastructure and Web 2.0 data centers
• Big Data analytics and machine learning platforms
• Virtualized storage and software-defined infrastructure
• Financial services and real-time trading systems
• High-frequency database and transaction processing

MCX456A-Ecat Technical Specifications

Competitive Advantages

• Industry-leading message rate of 150 million messages/second
• Comprehensive hardware offload reduces CPU utilization by up to 30%
• Advanced congestion control mechanisms ensure consistent performance
• Superior power efficiency with Energy Efficient Ethernet support
• Future-proof design supporting both InfiniBand and Ethernet fabrics
• Enhanced security with T10-DIF/PI signature protection

Service & Support

We provide comprehensive support including 3-year warranty, global shipping with 5-7 day delivery, and 24/7 technical consultation. Our team offers integration services, driver configuration assistance, and performance optimization guidance. All products undergo rigorous testing before shipment to ensure reliability and compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between ConnectX-4 and ConnectX-6?

A: While the ConnectX-6 offers higher port densities and enhanced performance, the ConnectX-4 provides exceptional value with 100Gb/s throughput and comprehensive offload capabilities at a more accessible price point.

Q: Does this network card support both InfiniBand and Ethernet?

A: Yes, the ConnectX-4 VPI adapter supports both protocols simultaneously through its Virtual Protocol Interconnect technology, making it ideal for converged infrastructure deployments.

Q: What cables are compatible with this NIC card?

A: The adapter supports standard QSFP28 optical transceivers and direct-attach copper cables for both short-reach and long-reach connectivity options.

Installation Notes

• Ensure adequate airflow and cooling in high-density server environments
• Verify compatible PCIe slot availability (x16 mechanical, x8 electrical minimum)
• Use supported cables and transceivers to avoid link negotiation issues
• Update to latest firmware and drivers for optimal performance and security
• Follow proper ESD precautions during handling and installation

About Our Company

With over a decade of industry expertise, we operate extensive manufacturing facilities supported by a skilled technical team. Our company has established a substantial client base and delivers competitive pricing on premium networking hardware. We represent leading brands including Mellanox, Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme, supplying authentic new networking equipment such as switches, network interface cards, wireless access points, controllers, and cabling solutions. Maintaining an inventory of over ten million products, we accommodate volume orders and offer round-the-clock customer service with technical support. Our dedicated sales and engineering professionals have built a globally recognized reputation for excellence and reliability in the networking industry.

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

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

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

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Quality Commitment: Zero critical system failures in deployed projects

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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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