0H9NW Dell Connectx-5 En 25GBE Dual-Port SFP28 PCIE3.0 X16 Network Interface Card

Advanced DELL 0H9NW ConnectX-5 EN 25GbE Dual SFP28 PCIe 3.0 Network Adapter

The DELL 0H9NW ConnectX-5 EN is a powerful high-speed network interface card designed to maximize data throughput and ensure seamless connectivity for enterprise-level networks. Featuring dual SFP28 ports and PCIe 3.0 x16 compatibility, it offers exceptional bandwidth for demanding workloads.

Key Technical Attributes

• Hardware Classification: Plug-in low-profile expansion card for seamless integration into compact systems.
• Interface Standard: PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot ensures superior performance and compatibility with modern servers.
• Port Configuration: Dual 25 Gigabit SFP28 ports designed for ultra-fast networking applications.
• Card Dimensions: Measures 5.6 inches (width) x 2.7 inches (depth), optimized for space-efficient deployments.

Connectivity and Protocol Support

Engineered to support a broad spectrum of network protocols, this adapter guarantees reliable data transmission across various environments:

• Supported Speeds: 1GbE, 10GbE, and 25GbE for versatile connectivity options.
• Data Rate: Handles up to 25 Gigabits per second, ensuring rapid data movement for high-volume applications.
• Protocols: Compatible with TCP/IP, UDP/IP, and iSCSI, facilitating efficient data transport and storage networking.

Compliance and Industry Standards

To ensure maximum interoperability and performance, the DELL 0H9NW adheres to an extensive array of IEEE standards:

• IEEE 802.1Q – VLAN Tagging for network segmentation
• IEEE 802.1P – Traffic prioritization for enhanced QoS
• IEEE 802.3ad (LACP) – Link Aggregation Control Protocol for bandwidth scaling
• IEEE 802.3ae – 10 Gigabit Ethernet standard
• IEEE 802.3ap – Backplane Ethernet support
• IEEE 802.3az – Energy Efficient Ethernet for reduced power consumption
• IEEE 802.1AX – Link aggregation enhancements
• IEEE 802.1QBB – Priority-based Flow Control (PFC)
• IEEE 802.1QAZ – Enhanced Transmission Selection (ETS)
• IEEE 802.1QAU – Congestion Notification mechanisms
• IEEE 802.1QBG – Edge Virtual Bridging (EVB)
• IEEE 1588v2 – Precision Time Protocol (PTP) for time-sensitive applications
• IEEE 802.3by – 25 Gigabit Ethernet specification

Performance Highlights

• Optimized for data-intensive environments requiring high throughput and low latency.
• Delivers exceptional reliability in storage, virtualization, and cloud infrastructure setups.
• Supports scalable network architectures with advanced load balancing capabilities.
• Reduces CPU overhead with hardware offloads, enhancing server efficiency.

Practical Deployment Scenarios

• Ideal for data centers needing rapid network expansion without compromising on space or power efficiency.
• Perfect for high-performance computing (HPC) clusters and big data analytics platforms.
• Suitable for enterprise storage networks utilizing iSCSI protocols for swift data access.
• Supports next-gen virtualization environments with robust bandwidth and minimal packet loss.

Dell 0H9NW Connectx-5 EN Network Interface Card Overview

The Dell 0H9NW Connectx-5 EN Network Interface Card (NIC) represents a significant leap in network connectivity solutions, designed to deliver high-performance 25GBE dual-port SFP28 interfaces through the robust PCIe3.0 x16 interface. This network adapter is engineered for enterprise-level servers and data centers demanding ultra-low latency, increased bandwidth, and advanced offload capabilities. Manufactured by Mellanox (now NVIDIA Networking) and branded by Dell, this card is tailored for high-performance computing (HPC), storage, and cloud environments where data throughput and efficiency are critical.

Key Features of Dell 0H9NW Connectx-5 EN 25GBE NIC

High-Speed Dual-Port SFP28 Connectivity

The Dell 0H9NW NIC provides dual SFP28 ports, each supporting 25 Gigabits per second (Gbps) Ethernet connectivity. This configuration allows simultaneous data transfers, significantly enhancing overall network throughput. SFP28 modules ensure compatibility with a wide range of optical transceivers and direct-attach cables (DAC), offering flexibility for different deployment scenarios in data centers.

Advanced PCIe 3.0 x16 Interface

Equipped with a PCI Express 3.0 x16 interface, the Connectx-5 EN NIC leverages high-bandwidth lanes to optimize data flow between the server’s motherboard and network infrastructure. This interface ensures minimal bottlenecks and supports full duplex communication, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications and virtualization workloads.

Low Latency and High Throughput

One of the standout features of the Dell 0H9NW Connectx-5 EN NIC is its ability to deliver ultra-low latency while maintaining high data throughput. This is achieved through advanced technologies like RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE), providing direct memory access between servers without involving the CPU, thereby reducing latency and CPU overhead.

Applications and Use Cases for Dell 0H9NW Connectx-5 EN Network Card

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

In HPC environments, where large volumes of data are processed in parallel, the Dell 0H9NW NIC offers the speed and reliability necessary for tasks like scientific simulations, financial modeling, and machine learning. Its high bandwidth and low latency facilitate faster computation times and more efficient data handling across clustered systems.

Enterprise Data Centers

Modern data centers require network interface cards that can handle massive data flows with efficiency and precision. The Dell 0H9NW Connectx-5 EN NIC meets these demands by supporting multi-host deployments, NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF), and scalable network virtualization offloads, ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure while future-proofing for emerging technologies.

Cloud and Virtualization Workloads

For cloud service providers and enterprises utilizing virtualized environments, the Connectx-5 EN NIC offers critical enhancements such as SR-IOV (Single Root I/O Virtualization) and overlay network offloads. These features enable higher VM density per server while maintaining optimal network performance, thereby reducing operational costs and improving service delivery.

Technical Specifications of Dell 0H9NW Connectx-5 EN NIC

The Dell 0H9NW NIC is powered by the Mellanox Connectx-5 EN controller, which supports a range of advanced features:

• Port Speed: Dual 25Gbps SFP28
• Interface: PCI Express 3.0 x16
• Form Factor: Low-profile adapter with optional full-height bracket
• Network Protocols: RoCE, RoCEv2, TCP/UDP/IP, iSCSI Extensions
• Offload Capabilities: VXLAN, NVGRE, GENEVE, SR-IOV, and more
• Power Consumption: Optimized for energy efficiency in high-density deployments
• Compatibility: Dell PowerEdge servers and other enterprise platforms

Benefits of Deploying Dell 0H9NW Connectx-5 EN Network Interface Cards

Enhanced Data Throughput

By leveraging dual-port 25GBE connectivity, businesses can significantly boost their network throughput, facilitating faster data transfers and improved application performance. This is particularly beneficial for organizations handling large datasets or engaging in real-time analytics.

Reduced Operational Overhead

The advanced offloading features reduce the processing burden on server CPUs, freeing up resources for other critical tasks. This not only enhances overall server performance but also contributes to lower energy consumption and reduced cooling requirements in data centers.

Scalability and Flexibility

The Dell 0H9NW Connectx-5 EN NIC supports scalable network architectures, allowing businesses to expand their network infrastructure with ease. Its compatibility with various transceivers and DAC options ensures seamless integration across diverse networking environments.

Comparison with Previous Generation NICs

Compared to its predecessors, the Connectx-5 EN series offers significant improvements in bandwidth, latency, and feature set. While earlier models like the Connectx-4 were limited to 10/25Gbps with fewer offload capabilities, the Connectx-5 EN NIC introduces support for enhanced virtualization, storage acceleration, and multi-host functionality, making it a superior choice for modern enterprise networks.

Reliability and Support from Dell

As a Dell-branded product, the 0H9NW Connectx-5 EN NIC benefits from Dell’s rigorous testing, quality assurance, and enterprise-grade support services. Businesses deploying this NIC can rely on Dell’s global support infrastructure, ensuring timely assistance and minimal downtime for mission-critical operations.

Dell 0H9NW Connectx-5 EN NIC for Your Data Center

Choosing the Dell 0H9NW Connectx-5 EN Network Interface Card means investing in a future-ready networking solution that meets the demands of modern enterprise IT environments. Whether upgrading existing infrastructure or deploying new high-performance applications, this NIC provides the speed, reliability, and advanced features necessary to maintain competitive advantage.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact

In addition to performance benefits, the Dell 0H9NW NIC is designed with energy efficiency in mind. By offloading network processing tasks from the CPU and optimizing power consumption, it contributes to a reduced carbon footprint and lower operating expenses. This makes it an environmentally responsible choice for organizations aiming to meet sustainability goals.

Future-Proofing with Dell 0H9NW Connectx-5 EN NIC

The rapid evolution of network technologies necessitates hardware that can adapt to future demands. The Dell 0H9NW Connectx-5 EN NIC supports the latest networking standards and protocols, ensuring compatibility with next-generation data center architectures. Its scalable design allows for incremental upgrades, protecting your investment over time.

Market Positioning and Competitor Comparison

Within the market, the Dell 0H9NW Connectx-5 EN NIC competes with offerings from vendors like Intel (XXV710 series) and Broadcom (NetXtreme E-series). However, its superior RoCE performance, advanced offload capabilities, and integration with Dell's enterprise ecosystem give it a competitive edge. Organizations looking for a balanced solution of performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency often prefer the Dell 0H9NW NIC for their data center needs.