MCX354A-FCBT Mellanox Connectx-3 10Gb LAN Ethernet Network Adapter

Features

Low Latency RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE)

The Mellanox MCX354A-FCBT 10 Gigabit LAN Ethernet Network Adapter is equipped with Low Latency RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE) technology. This feature enables high-performance data transfer with minimal latency, making it an ideal choice for latency-sensitive applications such as financial trading, high-performance computing, and cloud computing. With RoCE, data can be transmitted directly from the application's memory to the network adapter, bypassing the operating system and reducing the processing time. This significantly improves the overall system performance and ensures quick delivery of critical data. The low latency provided by RoCE allows for faster decision-making in time-critical environments. Traders can execute trades with minimal delay, scientists can perform complex simulations in real time, and businesses can enhance their customer experience by delivering responsive services.

Overview of MCX354A-FCBT Network Adapter

• Device Type: Dual-Port Network Adapter
• Form Factor: Plug-in Card
• Interface Type: PCI Express 3.0 x8
• PCI Specification Revision: PCIe 1.1, PCIe 2.0, PCIe 3.0

Networking Capabilities

• Connectivity Technology: Wired Network
• Data Link Protocols: 10 Gigabit LAN, InfiniBand, 40 Gigabit LAN
• Maximum Data Transfer Rate: 56 Gbps
• Network/Transport Protocols: TCP/IP, UDP/IP
• Advanced Features:
  • Flow Control
  • Auto-Negotiation
  • VLAN Support
  • Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI)
  • Quality of Service (QoS)
  • Jumbo Frames Support
  • InfiniBand FDR Link Support
• Compliance Standards:
  • 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

• Network Interfaces: 2 x InfiniBand - QSFP+

Compatible Slots

• Slot Type: 1 x PCI Express 3.0 x8

Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) supporting InfiniBand and Ethernet

The MCX354A-FCBT adapter features Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) technology, which supports both InfiniBand and Ethernet protocols. This dual functionality ensures flexibility and compatibility with various network infrastructures. With VPI, users can seamlessly integrate the adapter into existing InfiniBand or Ethernet networks without the need for additional hardware or infrastructure changes. This saves both time and resources, as organizations can leverage their existing investments while benefiting from the advanced features of the adapter. In addition, VPI allows for easy migration between InfiniBand and Ethernet networks. Users can choose the most suitable protocol for their specific requirements and switch between them whenever necessary without any disruptions or downtime.

Advanced Storage Support including NVMe over Fabrics

The MCX354A-FCBT adapter provides advanced storage support, including NVMe over Fabrics. This feature enables direct access to Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) storage devices over a network, eliminating the need for a traditional storage area network (SAN). By leveraging NVMe over Fabrics, users can improve storage performance, reduce latency, and increase scalability. This is particularly beneficial for data-intensive applications such as big data analytics, real-time database processing, and high-speed file transfers. The adapter's advanced storage support also allows for the consolidation of storage resources, simplifying the overall infrastructure and reducing costs. Organizations can centralize their storage systems and efficiently manage and allocate resources as needed.

Flexible Pipeline Architecture with Multiple Cores

The MCX354A-FCBT adapter features a flexible pipeline architecture with multiple cores. This design allows for efficient data processing and enables the adapter to handle high network traffic loads. With multiple cores, the adapter can simultaneously execute multiple tasks, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted data transmission. This is particularly important in demanding environments where large volumes of data need to be processed quickly. The flexible pipeline architecture also provides scalability, allowing the adapter to adapt to changing network requirements. As network traffic grows, additional cores can be utilized to maintain optimal performance levels without compromising on latency or throughput.

Support for PCI Express 3.0 x8

The MCX354A-FCBT adapter supports PCI Express 3.0 x8, ensuring high-speed data transfer between the server and the network. This interface offers ample bandwidth for demanding applications and enables optimal utilization of the adapter's capabilities. By leveraging PCI Express 3.0 x8, users can benefit from increased throughput and reduced latency. The high bandwidth allows for efficient data transmission, ensuring minimal bottlenecks and optimal performance. In addition, the support for PCI Express 3.0 x8 future-proofs the adapter, as it is compatible with modern server architectures. Users can confidently deploy the adapter in their current infrastructure, knowing that it can seamlessly integrate with future technology advancements.

Benefits of the Features

Improved Performance and Reduced Latency

The combination of low latency RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE) and the flexible pipeline architecture with multiple cores results in improved performance and reduced latency. Users can experience faster data transfers, quicker response times, and more efficient data processing. In latency-sensitive applications such as financial trading or real-time simulations, even a minor reduction in latency can have a significant impact on overall performance. The MCX354A-FCBT adapter's features ensure that critical data is delivered promptly, enabling users to make faster decisions and gain a competitive edge.

Flexibility and Compatibility

The Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) technology supporting both InfiniBand and Ethernet protocols offers flexibility and compatibility with various network infrastructures. Organizations can easily integrate the adapter into their existing networks without requiring extensive changes or investments in new infrastructure. VPI also allows for seamless migration between InfiniBand and Ethernet networks, providing users with the freedom to choose the most suitable protocol for their specific needs. This flexibility ensures that the adapter can adapt to evolving network requirements without disrupting operations or incurring additional costs.

Enhanced Storage Performance

The advanced storage support, including NVMe over Fabrics, significantly enhances storage performance. Users can leverage high-speed access to NVMe storage devices over the network, eliminating the bottlenecks associated with traditional storage area networks (SAN). By eliminating the need for a dedicated SAN infrastructure, organizations can streamline their storage systems, reduce complexity, and lower costs. The improved storage performance also enables faster data processing, enabling businesses to derive insights from their data more efficiently and make data-driven decisions in real time.

Scalability and Future-Proofing

The flexible pipeline architecture with multiple cores and support for PCI Express 3.0 x8 ensures scalability and future-proofing. The adapter can handle high network traffic loads and adapt to evolving network requirements without compromising on performance or latency. With the ability to scale as needed, organizations can confidently deploy the MCX354A-FCBT adapter in their infrastructure, knowing that it can accommodate growing demands. The support for PCI Express 3.0 x8 also ensures compatibility with modern server architectures, enabling seamless integration with future technology advancements.

In conclusion, the Mellanox MCX354A-FCBT 10 Gigabit LAN Ethernet Network Adapter offers a range of features that enhance performance, reduce latency, provide flexibility, and ensure future-proofing. Whether in latency-sensitive applications, storage-intensive environments, or demanding network infrastructures, this adapter delivers high-speed data transfers, efficient data processing, and seamless integration capabilities.