MCX353A-FCBT Mellanox ConnectX-3 VIP Qsfp Network Adapter

Key Specifications

• Part Number: MCX353A-FCBT
• Manufacturer: Mellanox
• Type: Network Interface Card
• Design: Plug-in Card
• Bus Interface: PCI Express 3.0 x8
• PCI Revision Compatibility: PCIe 1.1, PCIe 2.0, PCIe 3.0

Networking Capabilities

Connectivity Technologies

• Wired: Yes

Data Transfer Specifications

• Data Link Protocols: 10 Gigabit LAN, InfiniBand, 40 Gigabit LAN
• Maximum Data Rate: 56 Gbps
• Network Protocols: TCP/IP, UDP/IP

Enhanced Features

• Flow Control
• Auto-negotiation
• VLAN Support
• Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI)
• Quality of Service (QoS)
• Jumbo Frames Support
• InfiniBand FDR Link Support

Standards Compliance

• IEEE 802.1Q
• IEEE 802.1P
• IEEE 802.3ad (LACP)
• IEEE 802.3ae
• IEEE 802.3az
• IEEE 802.3ba
• IBTA 1.2.1

Expansion and Connectivity Options

Interface Details

• 1 x Network - InfiniBand - QSFP+

Slot Compatibility

• 1 x PCI Express 3.0 x8

Port

Introduction

The Mellanox MCX353A-FCBT Network Adapter is equipped with an advanced port that offers superior connectivity options for users. One of the standout features of this port is the inclusion of Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP) technology. This cutting-edge technology allows for high-speed data transfer and provides numerous benefits to users.

Benefits of QSFP Technology

1. High Data Transfer Speeds

The QSFP technology in the Mellanox MCX353A-FCBT Network Adapter enables lightning-fast data transfer speeds. With its 40Gbps capability, this port ensures seamless and efficient communication between devices. This is particularly advantageous in scenarios where large volumes of data need to be transmitted quickly, such as in data centers or high-performance computing environments.

2. Versatility

The QSFP port offers versatility for users by supporting a wide range of applications. It can be used for various networking requirements, including Ethernet, InfiniBand, and Fibre Channel protocols. This flexibility allows businesses to utilize the Mellanox MCX353A-FCBT Network Adapter across different networking infrastructures without the need for additional adapters or equipment.

3. Scalability

Another significant advantage of the QSFP port is its scalability. With the ability to support multiple channels and data rates, this port offers excellent scalability options. Users can easily expand their network infrastructure by adding more QSFP-enabled devices, ensuring future-proofing and adaptability as their needs evolve.

4. Cost Efficiency

By incorporating QSFP technology, the Mellanox MCX353A-FCBT Network Adapter delivers cost efficiency to users. Its ability to handle high data rates means that fewer ports are required for connectivity, resulting in reduced hardware costs. Additionally, the versatility of the QSFP port eliminates the need for separate adapters, further streamlining the networking setup and reducing expenses.

5. Reliability

Reliability is a crucial factor in any networking environment, and the QSFP port excels in this aspect. It ensures stable and consistent performance, even under heavy workloads or demanding conditions. The Mellanox MCX353A-FCBT Network Adapter's QSFP port provides users with a reliable and robust connection, minimizing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted data transmission.

Importance of QSFP Technology

1. Enhanced Productivity

The availability of high-speed data transfer provided by the QSFP port significantly enhances overall productivity. Users can complete tasks more quickly and efficiently, leading to improved workflow and reduced waiting times. This is particularly beneficial in industries such as finance, healthcare, and scientific research, where time-sensitive data analysis is crucial.

2. Future-Proofing

Investing in networking equipment that incorporates QSFP technology ensures future-proofing for businesses. As technology continues to advance, data transfer requirements are expected to increase. By utilizing a network adapter with a QSFP port, users can stay ahead of these advancements and seamlessly adapt to higher data rates without the need for costly upgrades or replacements.

3. Seamless Integration

The Mellanox MCX353A-FCBT Network Adapter's QSFP port allows for seamless integration into existing network infrastructure. Its compatibility with various protocols ensures smooth connectivity, eliminating the hassle of complex configurations or compatibility issues. Users can effortlessly integrate this network adapter into their current setups, saving time and resources.

4. Improved Network Performance

The high data transfer speeds provided by the QSFP port result in improved network performance. Large file transfers, video streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive tasks can be completed quickly and without interruption. This leads to enhanced user experiences, reduced latency, and increased overall network efficiency.

5. Competitive Advantage

In today's highly competitive business landscape, having a competitive advantage is crucial. The Mellanox MCX353A-FCBT Network Adapter's QSFP port provides users with a technological edge. By leveraging the high-speed capabilities of the QSFP port, businesses can outperform their competitors by delivering faster and more reliable services to their customers.

Features

Introduction

One of the standout features of the Mellanox MCX353A-FCBT Network Adapter is its ConnectX-3 Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VIP) technology. This feature offers numerous benefits to users, enhancing their networking capabilities and overall performance.

Benefits of ConnectX-3 VIP

1. Enhanced Virtualization Performance

The ConnectX-3 VIP technology significantly improves virtualization performance by offloading virtual switches and virtual machine management tasks from the host CPU. This allows for more efficient resource utilization, reduced overhead, and improved scalability in virtualized environments. Users can achieve higher virtual machine densities and experience enhanced responsiveness, resulting in optimized performance for their applications.

2. Low Latency Communication

ConnectX-3 VIP ensures low-latency communication between devices, enabling faster data transfers and minimizing delays. This feature is particularly crucial in industries such as finance or high-frequency trading, where even microseconds can make a significant difference. With low latency communication, users can achieve real-time data processing, quicker response times, and improved overall system performance.

3. Advanced RDMA Capabilities

The ConnectX-3 VIP technology includes advanced Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) capabilities, which enable direct memory access between applications running on different servers without involving the host CPU. This feature significantly reduces CPU overhead and latency, resulting in accelerated data transfers and improved overall network efficiency. Users can benefit from faster application response times, increased throughput, and reduced CPU utilization.

4. In-Network Computing

ConnectX-3 VIP supports In-Network Computing, a cutting-edge technology that allows the offloading of network functions to the network adapter. By performing computational tasks within the network adapter itself, users can achieve higher application performance and reduced data movement overhead. This feature is particularly advantageous for data-intensive applications, machine learning, or artificial intelligence workloads.

5. Energy Efficiency

ConnectX-3 VIP incorporates energy-efficient design principles, resulting in reduced power consumption without compromising performance. This feature is essential for environmentally conscious organizations aiming to minimize their carbon footprint and reduce energy costs. The energy-efficient design of the Mellanox MCX353A-FCBT Network Adapter ensures optimal performance while being mindful of resource utilization.

Importance of ConnectX-3 VIP

1. Improved Application Performance

The ConnectX-3 VIP technology significantly improves application performance by offloading CPU-intensive tasks and reducing latency. Users can experience faster response times, improved throughput, and overall enhanced application performance. This is particularly beneficial for industries relying on real-time data analysis or resource-intensive applications.

2. Efficient Resource Utilization

ConnectX-3 VIP allows for efficient resource utilization in virtualized environments by offloading virtual switches and virtual machine management tasks from the host CPU. This feature ensures optimal usage of resources, increased virtual machine densities, and improved scalability. Users can maximize their infrastructure investments while maintaining high-performance levels.

3. Streamlined Data Processing

The advanced RDMA capabilities of ConnectX-3 VIP enable streamlined data processing by reducing CPU overhead and latency. Users can achieve faster data transfers, lower application response times, and improved overall network efficiency. This feature is particularly beneficial in scenarios where real-time data analysis or large-scale data processing is required.

4. Competitive Advantage

By incorporating ConnectX-3 VIP technology, users gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. The enhanced performance, low latency communication, and energy-efficient design of the Mellanox MCX353A-FCBT Network Adapter provide users with a technological edge over their competitors. This advantage allows businesses to deliver superior services, meet customer demands more effectively, and stay ahead in today's fast-paced digital landscape.

5. Future-Proofing

Investing in networking equipment with ConnectX-3 VIP technology ensures future-proofing for businesses. As technology evolves, the demand for efficient data processing and low-latency communication will continue to rise. By leveraging the capabilities of ConnectX-3 VIP, users can adapt to these advancements without the need for costly upgrades or replacements, ensuring their networking infrastructure remains relevant and efficient.