Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx EN Network Interface Card MCX4121A-ACAT
High-Performance Networking Solution
The Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx EN MCX4121A-ACAT represents a significant advancement in Ethernet adapter technology, delivering exceptional performance for modern data center environments. This network card offers dual-port 25GbE connectivity with support for RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE), hardware offloads for overlay networks, and advanced virtualization capabilities. Engineered for efficiency and scalability, this NIC card reduces CPU overhead while maximizing throughput, making it an ideal solution for cloud infrastructure, big data analytics, and high-performance computing applications.
Key Features & Capabilities
- Dual-port SFP28 configuration supporting 10GbE and 25GbE speeds
- Hardware offload for NVGRE, VXLAN, and GENEVE encapsulation protocols
- RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE) for ultra-low latency communication
- SR-IOV virtualization supporting up to 256 virtual functions
- PCIe 3.0 x8 host interface with backward compatibility
- Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) compliance reducing power consumption
- Advanced quality of service (QoS) and congestion control mechanisms
Advanced Technologies
The ConnectX-4 Lx EN network card incorporates cutting-edge technologies including RoCEv2 for remote direct memory access, hardware-based encapsulation/decapsulation for overlay networks (VXLAN, NVGRE, GENEVE), and single-root I/O virtualization (SR-IOV). This network interface card supports various Ethernet standards including IEEE 802.3by, 802.3bj, and Data Center Bridging (DCB) protocols, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance in diverse network environments.
Operational Mechanism
This sophisticated network card operates by offloading network processing tasks from the host CPU through specialized hardware acceleration. It manages packet processing, encapsulation/decapsulation of overlay networks, and RDMA operations directly in hardware, significantly reducing latency and CPU utilization. The card's intelligent firmware orchestrates traffic flow, implements quality of service policies, and manages virtualization partitioning, ensuring optimal performance across various workloads.
Application Scenarios
- Cloud computing infrastructure and hyperscale data centers
- Big data analytics and processing platforms
- Virtualized data centers and software-defined networking
- High-performance computing clusters and scientific research
- Storage area networks (SAN) and network-attached storage
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence workloads
- Financial services and high-frequency trading systems
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
| Product Model | MCX4121A-ACAT |
| Interface Type | Dual SFP28 ports |
| Supported Speeds | 10/25GbE |
| Host Interface | PCIe 3.0 x8 |
| Form Factor | Low Profile (can use included tall bracket) |
| RDMA Support | RoCEv1 and RoCEv2 |
| Virtualization | SR-IOV with 256 VFs |
| Power Consumption | Typically under 6W |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C (32°F to 131°F) |
| Compatible OS | Windows, Linux, VMware, FreeBSD |
Competitive Advantages
- Superior price-performance ratio compared to similar network cards
- Hardware offloading capabilities significantly reduce CPU utilization
- Advanced virtualization features enabling efficient resource allocation
- Comprehensive overlay network support for modern data centers
- Backward compatibility with existing 10GbE infrastructure
- Energy-efficient design reducing operational costs
- Robust management and monitoring capabilities
Service & Support
We provide comprehensive technical support, 24/7 customer service, and extensive warranty coverage. All products undergo rigorous testing to ensure full functionality and reliability. We offer flexible delivery options and integration assistance for large-scale deployments, with dedicated technical consultants available for complex implementations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does this network card compare to the ConnectX-6 series?
A: The ConnectX-4 Lx offers excellent 10/25GbE performance at a more accessible price point, while the ConnectX-6 series supports higher speeds up to 200GbE. Both product families support RoCE and advanced virtualization features.
Q: Does this NIC card support SR-IOV virtualization?
A: Yes, it supports Single Root I/O Virtualization (SR-IOV) with up to 256 virtual functions per port, enabling efficient resource sharing in virtualized environments.
Q: What types of cables are compatible with this network interface card?
A: The card supports SFP28 Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables and compatible optical transceivers for both 10GbE and 25GbE connections.
Q: What operating systems are supported by this network card?
A: The adapter supports Windows Server, various Linux distributions, VMware ESXi, and FreeBSD, with drivers available from the manufacturer's website.
Installation & Usage Notes
- Ensure adequate cooling as high network throughput may generate significant heat
- Verify compatibility with your server's PCIe slot configuration and operating system
- Use qualified cables and transceivers to ensure optimal performance and reliability
- Regularly update firmware to access the latest security and performance enhancements
- Consult technical documentation for proper configuration of advanced features like RoCE and SR-IOV
Company Profile
With over ten years of industry expertise, our organization maintains extensive manufacturing capabilities supported by a skilled technical team. We have developed a substantial client portfolio and accumulated significant experience in delivering premium networking solutions at competitive prices. Our product range encompasses leading brands including Mellanox, Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme, featuring authentic brand-new network switches, network interface cards, wireless access points, controllers, and comprehensive cabling solutions.
We sustain an inventory exceeding $10 million in value, enabling us to provide diverse product categories in substantial quantities. Our commitment extends beyond product delivery to include round-the-clock customer consultation and technical assistance. Our professional sales and engineering teams have established our esteemed reputation in international markets.
