MCX311A-XCAT Mellanox ConnectX-3 Ethernet LAN Network Adapter

Features

10 Gigabit Ethernet

The Mellanox MCX311A-XCAT Ethernet LAN Network Adapter is equipped with advanced 10 Gigabit Ethernet technology. With a data transmission rate of 10 Gbps, this adapter ensures lightning-fast connectivity, making it ideal for high-demand applications that require substantial bandwidth. Whether you are streaming high-definition videos, transferring large files, or running data-intensive applications, the 10 Gigabit Ethernet feature allows for smooth and efficient data transfer, minimizing latency and ensuring a seamless user experience.

Product Overview

Mellanox Network Adapter - MCX311A-XCAT

• Manufacturer: Mellanox
• Model Number: MCX311A-XCAT
• Device Type: Network Adapter

Technical Specifications

Form Factor and Interface

• Form Factor: Plug-In Card
• Interface Type: PCI Express 3.0 x8
• PCI Specification: PCIe 3.0

Dimensions and Performance

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 4 inches x 2.1 inches
• Data Link Protocol: 10 Gigabit LAN, FCoE
• Data Transfer Rate: 10 Gbps

Networking Protocols

• Supported Protocols: TCP/IP, UDP/IP, iSCSI
• Standards Compliance: IEEE 802.1Q, IEEE 802.1P, IEEE 802.3ad (LACP), IEEE 802.3ae, IEEE 802.3az, IEEE 802.1Qbb, IEEE 802.1Qaz

Operating System Compatibility

• Supported OS: Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Microsoft Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, VMware ESX Server 3.5, Microsoft Windows HPC Server 2008

Additional Features

• Enhanced data transfer capabilities
• Robust network performance
• Optimized for high-speed data operations

PCI Express 3.0 x8

The MCX311A-XCAT adapter utilizes the PCI Express 3.0 x8 interface, providing an incredibly fast and reliable connection to your server or workstation. With eight lanes dedicated to data transmission, this interface offers increased bandwidth and reduced latency compared to previous generations. This ensures that your network adapter can handle the heavy demands of modern applications without compromising performance.

SFP+ Connectivity

The SFP+ (Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus) interface of the MCX311A-XCAT adapter offers a versatile and flexible solution for connecting to various networking devices. SFP+ modules allow you to connect to different types of media, such as optical fibers or copper cables, depending on your specific networking requirements. This flexibility enables seamless integration into existing network infrastructures and simplifies network management by providing a universal connection interface.

Low-profile form factor

The low-profile form factor of the MCX311A-XCAT adapter makes it well-suited for space-constrained environments. Whether you have a small form factor server or a compact workstation, this network adapter can easily fit into tight spaces without obstructing other components. Its compact design ensures compatibility with a wide range of systems while maintaining optimal performance.

Benefits of 10 Gigabit Ethernet

Enhanced Performance

The 10 Gigabit Ethernet capability of the MCX311A-XCAT adapter offers a significant performance boost compared to traditional Gigabit Ethernet. With ten times the data transfer rate, this feature allows for faster access to network resources, resulting in improved productivity and efficiency. Large file transfers, video streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive tasks can be completed in a fraction of the time, reducing waiting periods and increasing overall throughput.

Future-proof Investment

Investing in a network adapter with 10 Gigabit Ethernet support ensures that your infrastructure is ready for the future. As technology advances and demands on networks continue to grow, the ability to handle higher data rates becomes increasingly important. By adopting this technology now, you are future-proofing your network infrastructure and avoiding potential costly upgrades in the near future.

Importance of PCI Express 3.0 x8

High Bandwidth

The MCX311A-XCAT adapter's use of the PCI Express 3.0 x8 interface provides a substantial increase in bandwidth compared to previous generations. The eight lanes dedicated to data transmission allow for higher throughput and reduced data bottlenecks. This is particularly crucial for applications that require extensive data processing or large-scale data transfers, such as virtualization, database management, and high-performance computing.

Reduced Latency

The low latency offered by the PCI Express 3.0 x8 interface ensures faster response times and improved system performance. With reduced latency, data can be transmitted more efficiently between the network adapter and the server or workstation. This is especially beneficial for real-time applications that require instant feedback, such as online gaming or financial trading platforms.

Advantages of SFP+ Connectivity

Flexibility and Interoperability

The SFP+ interface of the MCX311A-XCAT adapter provides the flexibility to connect to various networking devices using different media types. This allows for seamless integration into existing network infrastructures without the need for major infrastructure changes. Whether you need to connect to fiber optic cables for long-distance transmission or copper cables for shorter runs, the SFP+ interface supports both options, making it compatible with a wide range of networking environments.

Scalability

The ability to easily swap SFP+ modules allows for scalability and adaptability to changing network requirements. As your network grows or evolves, you can replace or upgrade SFP+ modules to meet new demands without replacing the entire adapter. This modular approach minimizes downtime and allows for cost-effective network expansion.

Benefits of Low-profile Form Factor

Space Efficiency

In space-constrained environments, the low-profile form factor of the MCX311A-XCAT adapter is a major advantage. It allows for installation in compact servers or workstations without occupying unnecessary space. This is particularly beneficial in data centers or server rooms where optimizing space utilization is crucial.

Improved Airflow

The compact design of this low-profile adapter also improves airflow within your system. By minimizing obstruction to airflow, it helps maintain optimal operating temperatures for both the network adapter and other components. Improved airflow contributes to better system stability and reliability, reducing the risk of overheating and prolonging the lifespan of your hardware.

In conclusion, the Mellanox MCX311A-XCAT Ethernet LAN Network Adapter offers a range of features that enhance performance, provide future-proof capabilities, ensure compatibility, and optimize space utilization. With its 10 Gigabit Ethernet support, PCI Express 3.0 x8 interface, SFP+ connectivity, and low-profile form factor, this adapter is a reliable and versatile solution for demanding networking environments. Its benefits include enhanced performance, future-proof investment, high bandwidth, reduced latency, flexibility, scalability, space efficiency, and improved airflow. Whether you are looking to upgrade your existing network infrastructure or build a new high-performance system, the MCX311A-XCAT adapter delivers exceptional speed, reliability, and flexibility to meet your networking needs.