Cisco UCSX-ML-V5D200G Ucs Vic 15231 2x100g Mlom

Overview of Cisco UCSX-ML-V5D200G MLOM Network Adapter

The Cisco UCSX-ML-V5D200G is a high-performance Virtual Interface Card (VIC) designed for next-generation modular computing environments. Engineered specifically for Cisco UCS X-Series compute nodes, this advanced network adapter delivers ultra-low latency connectivity, high bandwidth throughput, and flexible virtualization capabilities for modern data center infrastructures.

As part of Cisco’s enterprise-grade networking portfolio, this module supports demanding workloads such as cloud computing, virtualization, AI processing, and high-speed data analytics.

General Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: UCSX-ML-V5D200G
• Model Series: UCS VIC 15231
• Device Type: 2x100G MLOM Network Adapter

Compatible Platform

• Cisco UCS X-Series Compute Nodes
• Modular LAN-on-Motherboard (MLOM) architecture systems
• Enterprise data center blade and rack environments

Ultra-High Bandwidth Connectivity

• 2 x 100 Gigabit Ethernet ports for maximum throughput
• Ideal for high-density virtualized workloads
• Reduced network bottlenecks in enterprise environments

Low Latency Data Transfer

• Optimized for real-time applications
• Minimized packet processing delays
• Enhanced responsiveness for cloud and AI workloads

Scalable Architecture

• Supports dynamic scaling of network resources
• Designed for hyperscale data centers
• Flexible integration with UCS X-Series infrastructure

Virtual NIC (vNIC) Support

• Multiple virtual network interfaces per physical adapter
• Efficient workload isolation
• Improved resource allocation in virtual machines

Virtual HBA (vHBA) Integration

• Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) support
• Consolidated storage and networking traffic
• Reduced hardware complexity in data centers

Unified Fabric Architecture

• Combines LAN and SAN traffic over a single infrastructure
• Reduces cabling and operational overhead
• Enhances overall network efficiency

Fault-Tolerant Design

• Built for continuous 24/7 operations
• Redundant path support within UCS architecture
• Minimized downtime risks

Power Efficiency Optimization

• Low power consumption design
• Energy-efficient networking performance
• Reduced operational costs in large deployments

Thermal Management

• Optimized heat dissipation architecture
• Stable performance under heavy workloads
• Supports high-density server environments

Cloud Data Centers

• Supports scalable cloud infrastructure
• Enhances multi-tenant virtualization environments
• Improves workload balancing efficiency

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

• High-speed data ingestion for AI models
• Reduced latency for distributed computing
• Accelerated GPU-to-network communication

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

• Ideal for scientific simulations
• Supports large-scale parallel processing
• Optimized for massive data transfer workloads

Enterprise Virtualization

• VMware and Hyper-V compatibility
• Efficient virtual machine networking
• Improved data center consolidation

Unified Management

• Centralized control via Cisco UCS Manager
• Simplified network provisioning
• Automated configuration workflows

Hardware Compatibility

• Designed specifically for UCS X-Compute Nodes
• Plug-and-play MLOM installation
• Optimized firmware integration

Cisco UCSX-ML-V5D200G UCS VIC 15231 2x100G MLOM Overview

The Cisco UCSX-ML-V5D200G UCS VIC 15231 2x100G MLOM for X Compute Node represents a high-performance networking interface module designed for next-generation modular data center environments. Engineered for the Cisco UCS X-Series architecture, this Virtual Interface Card (VIC) delivers ultra-low latency, high bandwidth connectivity, and advanced network virtualization capabilities tailored for enterprise workloads, cloud-native applications, and hyperscale computing infrastructures.

Built on advanced network interface technology, this module integrates directly into the UCS X compute node as a Modular LAN on Motherboard (MLOM) component, enabling seamless convergence of data, storage, and management traffic over high-speed Ethernet links. With dual 100 Gigabit Ethernet ports, it is optimized for organizations requiring extreme throughput, scalability, and flexible workload deployment in modern hybrid IT environments.

Key Role in Cisco UCS X-Series Architecture

The Cisco UCSX-ML-V5D200G VIC plays a critical role in the unified fabric design of the Cisco UCS X-Series ecosystem. It acts as the primary interface between compute nodes and fabric interconnects, enabling centralized management, simplified networking, and streamlined data flow across the infrastructure.

Integration with Compute Nodes

As an MLOM module, the VIC 15231 integrates directly into the compute node motherboard, eliminating the need for traditional PCIe networking adapters in many configurations. This design improves airflow efficiency, reduces cabling complexity, and enhances overall system reliability.

Fabric-Centric Networking Model

The module supports Cisco’s fabric-centric architecture, where network and storage traffic converge over unified high-speed links. This enables simplified operations and improved performance consistency across virtualized workloads and containerized applications.

High-Speed 2x100G Ethernet Performance

One of the most significant advantages of the Cisco UCS VIC 15231 MLOM module is its dual 100G Ethernet interface capability. These high-bandwidth connections are designed to support demanding workloads such as AI training, machine learning pipelines, large-scale virtualization clusters, and high-frequency transactional systems.

Bandwidth Optimization for Modern Data Centers

The 2x100G configuration ensures massive aggregate throughput while maintaining low latency communication between compute nodes and upstream fabric interconnects. This is particularly beneficial in environments where east-west traffic dominates, such as distributed cloud-native architectures and microservices deployments.

Low Latency Packet Processing

The VIC architecture incorporates advanced hardware offloading techniques to reduce CPU overhead during packet processing. This enables faster data movement and ensures predictable performance even under heavy network load conditions.

High Throughput for Virtualized Environments

Virtual machine density continues to increase in enterprise environments, and this module is optimized to handle large numbers of virtual interfaces simultaneously without degradation in performance.

Efficient Resource Allocation

Through intelligent allocation of network resources, the VIC ensures balanced traffic distribution across both 100G links, reducing congestion and maximizing utilization efficiency.

Virtual Interface Card (VIC) Technology

The Cisco Virtual Interface Card technology is a cornerstone of UCS networking, enabling the abstraction of physical interfaces into multiple virtual network adapters. The UCSX-ML-V5D200G continues this innovation with enhanced scalability and performance features.

Network Interface Virtualization

The VIC allows administrators to create multiple virtual network interfaces from a single physical adapter. This is essential for modern data centers where workloads require isolated network paths for security, performance, and compliance.

Support for SR-IOV and Virtual Functions

Single Root I/O Virtualization (SR-IOV) support allows direct assignment of virtual functions to virtual machines, bypassing hypervisor overhead and significantly improving network performance for latency-sensitive applications.

Dynamic Interface Provisioning

Interfaces can be dynamically provisioned and managed through Cisco UCS Manager or Cisco Intersight, enabling rapid deployment of new services and workloads without manual hardware reconfiguration.

Advanced Offload Capabilities

The VIC architecture includes hardware-based offloading for TCP/IP processing, checksum calculations, and segmentation tasks. This reduces CPU utilization on compute nodes and frees resources for application workloads.

Reduced CPU Bottlenecks

By shifting network processing tasks to the VIC hardware, servers can achieve higher compute efficiency and better workload density, particularly in virtualized environments.

Design and Engineering of the MLOM Form Factor

The Modular LAN on Motherboard (MLOM) form factor is a defining feature of the Cisco UCS X-Series design philosophy. The UCSX-ML-V5D200G integrates seamlessly into this architecture, delivering a compact yet powerful networking solution.

Space-Efficient Hardware Integration

Unlike traditional PCIe network adapters, the MLOM design minimizes physical footprint within the compute node chassis. This contributes to improved airflow management and thermal efficiency.

Thermal Optimization

The module is engineered for efficient heat dissipation, ensuring stable performance even under sustained high-throughput workloads. This is critical in dense compute environments where thermal constraints are a major design consideration.

Reduced Cable Dependency

By integrating directly into the motherboard, the MLOM architecture reduces internal cabling requirements, which improves system reliability and simplifies maintenance operations.

Improved Serviceability

The simplified internal layout allows technicians to service compute nodes more efficiently, reducing downtime and operational complexity in large-scale deployments.

Enterprise Use Cases and Workload Optimization

The Cisco UCSX-ML-V5D200G VIC 15231 is engineered for a wide range of enterprise and hyperscale use cases. Its high bandwidth and virtualization capabilities make it suitable for diverse IT environments.

Cloud Computing Infrastructure

In cloud environments, the module supports rapid provisioning of virtual machines and containers while maintaining consistent network performance across tenants.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and ML workloads require extremely high data throughput, especially during distributed training processes. The 2x100G interface supports rapid data movement between compute nodes and storage systems.

High-Speed Data Pipeline Support

Large datasets used in AI training can be transferred efficiently across nodes, reducing training times and improving model iteration cycles.

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

HPC clusters benefit from the low-latency, high-bandwidth characteristics of this VIC module, enabling fast inter-node communication required for scientific simulations and complex computations.

Network Virtualization and Data Center Efficiency

Modern data centers rely heavily on network virtualization to optimize resource utilization and reduce infrastructure complexity. The UCSX-ML-V5D200G plays a central role in enabling these efficiencies.

Software-Defined Networking Integration

The module integrates seamlessly with software-defined networking (SDN) platforms, allowing centralized control of network behavior and policies.

Policy-Based Network Management

Administrators can define network policies that are automatically enforced at the hardware level, ensuring consistent security and performance across the infrastructure.

Automation and Orchestration Support

The VIC supports automated provisioning workflows through Cisco UCS management tools, reducing manual configuration efforts and accelerating deployment cycles.