Product Overview
The NVIDIA MCX556A-ECAT is a high-performance dual-port network interface card (NIC) designed for data-intensive environments. This advanced network card supports both InfiniBand and Ethernet protocols at speeds up to 100Gb/s per port, delivering exceptional bandwidth, ultra-low latency, and industry-leading message rates. Ideal for high-performance computing, cloud infrastructure, and storage applications, this NIC card provides advanced offload capabilities that significantly reduce CPU overhead while maximizing data throughput.
Key Advantages:
- Dual-port 100Gb/s connectivity for maximum bandwidth
- Hardware offloads for RDMA, NVMe over Fabrics, and MPI operations
- PCIe Gen3 x16 interface for high host throughput
- Support for both InfiniBand and Ethernet protocols
- Advanced virtualization capabilities with SR-IOV
Key Features
High-Speed Connectivity
Dual QSFP28 ports supporting 100Gb/s InfiniBand and Ethernet, with backward compatibility to lower speeds.
Advanced Offload Technology
Hardware offloads for RDMA, NVMe-oF, MPI tag matching, and TCP/UDP/IP processing.
Virtualization Support
SR-IOV with up to 512 virtual functions for efficient virtualized environments.
Energy Efficient
RoHS compliant design with power optimization features for reduced operational costs.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Interface | 2x QSFP28 ports |
| Data Rate | Up to 100Gb/s per port |
| Host Bus | PCIe Gen3 x16 |
| Protocols | InfiniBand, Ethernet (100/50/40/25/10/1 GbE) |
| Form Factor | HHHL (Half-Height Half-Length) |
| Power Consumption | Approx. 12W typical |
| OS Support | Linux, Windows, VMware, FreeBSD |
| RoHS Compliance | Yes |
Applications
The MCX556A-ECAT network card is designed for demanding environments where high throughput and low latency are critical:
- High-Performance Computing (HPC): MPI offloads and adaptive routing for scientific simulations and research
- Cloud Data Centers: NVMe over Fabrics offload for storage disaggregation and hyper-scale applications
- AI and Machine Learning: RDMA capabilities for GPU-direct communication in AI workloads
- Storage Area Networks: Hardware offloads for iSER, SRP, and NVMe-oF storage protocols
- Virtualized Environments: SR-IOV support for high-performance virtualization
Performance Advantages
The MCX556A-ECAT offers significant advantages over previous generation network cards and competitive solutions:
- Up to 2x higher message rate compared to previous generation adapters
- Hardware offloads reduce CPU utilization by up to 30%
- Advanced adaptive routing capabilities for optimal performance in large-scale deployments
- Support for both InfiniBand and Ethernet protocols provides deployment flexibility
- Enhanced NVMe over Fabrics offload enables storage access with near-local performance
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cables are compatible with this network card?
The MCX556A-ECAT supports standard QSFP28 direct attach copper cables, active optical cables, and optical transceivers for both short-reach and long-reach applications.
Can this NIC card operate in both InfiniBand and Ethernet modes simultaneously?
Yes, each port can be configured independently for either InfiniBand or Ethernet operation, providing flexibility in mixed-environment deployments.
What virtualization features does this network adapter support?
The card supports SR-IOV (Single Root I/O Virtualization) with up to 512 virtual functions, allowing direct assignment of virtual NICs to virtual machines for near-native performance.
Is this network card compatible with PCIe Gen4 systems?
While the MCX556A-ECAT is designed for PCIe Gen3, it is backward compatible with PCIe Gen4 systems but will operate at Gen3 speeds. For native Gen4 support, consider the MCX556A-EDAT model.
Compatibility Notes
- Requires a PCIe x16 slot (electrical x16 recommended for full performance)
- Compatible with most major operating systems - check NVIDIA's compatibility guide for specific versions
- For optimal performance, use certified cables and transceivers
- Ensure adequate airflow for cooling in high-ambient temperature environments
- Latest firmware and drivers recommended for access to all features
Company Introduction
With over a decade of industry experience, we operate extensive manufacturing facilities and maintain a robust technical team. As an authorized distributor of leading networking brands including NVIDIA Networking (Mellanox), Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme Networks, we provide authentic, brand-new networking equipment including switches, network interface cards, wireless access points, controllers, and cables.
Our $10M+ inventory ensures immediate availability of products, and our volume capabilities allow us to offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality. We provide end-to-end support from pre-sales consultation to after-sales technical assistance, ensuring seamless integration of your networking infrastructure.
Our professional sales and engineering support teams are available 24/7 to assist customers worldwide, building lasting relationships through exceptional service and technical expertise.
