Dell A4580449 Mellanox ConnectX-2 VPI Adapter Card

Product Overview: Dell A4580449 ConnectX-2 VPI Network Adapter

The Dell A4580449 ConnectX-2 VPI Network Adapter is a high-performance solution tailored for advanced networking needs, offering flexible connectivity options and robust features.

Main Details

• Manufacturer: Dell
• Part Number/SKU#: A4580449
• Product Type: Network Devices
• Sub-Type: Network Adapter

Advanced Networking Capabilities

• Connectivity Technology: Wired
• Data Link Protocols Supported:
  • 10 Gigabit Ethernet
  • Infiniband
  • Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE)
  • Fibre Channel over Infiniband (FCoIB)
• Data Transfer Rate: Up to 40 Gbps
• MAC Address Table: 256 entries
• Network/Transport Protocols:
  • TCP/IP
  • UDP/IP
  • IPoIB (IP over Infiniband)
  • uDAPL (User Direct Access Programming Library)

Remote Management and Control

• Remote Management Protocols:
  • RMON 2
  • RMON (Remote Monitoring)

Key Features for Enhanced Performance

• VLAN Support: Ensures network segmentation and better traffic management.
• Infiniband QDR Link Support: Provides enhanced bandwidth for data transfer.
• Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI): Offers seamless transitions between Ethernet and Infiniband.
• Quality of Service (QoS): Guarantees network traffic prioritization.
• Jumbo Frames Support: Enables larger packet sizes for efficient data transfer.
• RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access) Support: Reduces latency and boosts network performance.
• Core-Direct Technology: Accelerates data movement between memory and CPU.
• SR-IOV (Single Root I/O Virtualization): Improves virtual machine efficiency.
• LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol): Provides link redundancy and greater bandwidth.

Standards Compliance

• Compliant Standards:
  • IEEE 802.1Q (VLAN tagging)
  • IEEE 802.1P (Traffic prioritization)
  • IEEE 802.3ad (LACP for link aggregation)
  • IEEE 802.3ae (10 Gigabit Ethernet)
  • IBTA 1.2.1 (Infiniband standards)

Expansion and Connectivity

• Expansion Slots: 2 total / 2 free x QSFP (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable)
• Compatible Slots: PCI Express 2.0 x8

Interface: PCI Express 2.0 x8

The Dell A4580449 Adapter Card is equipped with a powerful and efficient PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface. This feature plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal performance and seamless connectivity for users. Let's take a closer look at the benefits and importance of this interface.

Enhanced Bandwidth

The PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface offers significantly higher bandwidth compared to its predecessor, the PCI Express 1.0. With a transfer rate of up to 5 gigatransfers per second per lane, it provides ample room for data to flow smoothly between the adapter card and the server.

This increased bandwidth enables faster communication between the adapter card and other components in the system, resulting in improved overall performance. Whether you are running resource-intensive applications or transferring large files, the PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface ensures that data can be processed more efficiently.

Reduced Latency

In addition to enhanced bandwidth, the PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface also offers reduced latency compared to previous generations. Latency refers to the delay between a command being issued and its execution. With lower latency, data can be transmitted and received more quickly, resulting in improved responsiveness and reduced lag.

For users engaging in real-time applications such as online gaming or high-frequency trading, every millisecond matters. The PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface minimizes latency, ensuring that data transfers occur with minimal delay, leading to a smoother and more seamless user experience.

Future-Proof Compatibility

Another significant advantage of the PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface is its future-proof compatibility with various devices and systems. This interface is widely supported by modern motherboards and servers, making it a reliable choice for users who want to ensure compatibility with existing and future hardware.

By adopting the PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface, Dell has ensured that the A4580449 Adapter Card can seamlessly integrate with a wide range of Dell PowerEdge servers and other compatible systems. This compatibility allows users to upgrade their infrastructure without worrying about compatibility issues, providing a hassle-free experience.

Connectivity: Dual-port InfiniBand and Ethernet

The Dell A4580449 Adapter Card offers dual-port connectivity, supporting both InfiniBand and Ethernet protocols. This versatile feature provides users with flexibility and compatibility, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Let's explore the benefits and importance of this connectivity option.

Flexible Networking Options

By supporting both InfiniBand and Ethernet protocols, the Dell A4580449 Adapter Card offers users the flexibility to choose the networking technology that best suits their needs. InfiniBand is commonly used in high-performance computing environments, while Ethernet is widely adopted for general networking purposes.

This dual-port connectivity allows users to connect to different networks or devices, depending on their specific requirements. Whether you need to establish a high-speed connection for data-intensive tasks or connect to a standard Ethernet network for regular internet access, the Dell A4580449 Adapter Card has you covered.

Seamless Integration

The ability to support both InfiniBand and Ethernet protocols ensures seamless integration into existing network infrastructures. Whether your organization primarily relies on InfiniBand or Ethernet, this adapter card can easily integrate into your network without requiring any major infrastructure changes.

This seamless integration is particularly beneficial for organizations that are transitioning from one networking technology to another or those that require compatibility with multiple protocols. The Dell A4580449 Adapter Card eliminates the need for separate cards or adapters, simplifying the network setup and reducing costs.

Increased Scalability

The dual-port InfiniBand and Ethernet connectivity of the Dell A4580449 Adapter Card also enables increased scalability for users. With multiple ports available, users can easily expand their network capabilities without the need to invest in additional hardware.

This scalability is especially important for businesses experiencing growth or those that require high-performance networking solutions. The ability to add more ports as needed allows organizations to adapt to changing demands without significant disruptions or costly upgrades.

Speed: 20 Gbps InfiniBand / 10 Gbps Ethernet

When it comes to networking, speed is crucial. The Dell A4580449 Adapter Card boasts impressive speeds of 20 Gbps for InfiniBand and 10 Gbps for Ethernet connections. This high-speed capability brings numerous benefits to users and ensures efficient data transmission. Let's delve deeper into the importance of speed in networking.

Enhanced Performance

The high-speed capabilities of the Dell A4580449 Adapter Card contribute to enhanced overall performance. Whether you are transferring large files, streaming media, or running resource-intensive applications, the faster data transfer rate provided by this adapter card ensures that tasks are completed more quickly and efficiently.

By minimizing transfer times, users can experience reduced loading times, improved responsiveness, and smoother operation. This is especially crucial in time-sensitive environments where delays can have a significant impact on productivity and user satisfaction.

Support for Bandwidth-Intensive Applications

The 20 Gbps InfiniBand and 10 Gbps Ethernet speeds offered by the Dell A4580449 Adapter Card make it suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications. InfiniBand is commonly used in high-performance computing environments where large amounts of data need to be processed simultaneously.

Additionally, the 10 Gbps Ethernet speed ensures that even demanding network tasks such as video streaming, virtualization, and cloud computing can be handled with ease. The high-speed capabilities of this adapter card enable businesses to leverage advanced technologies and maximize their efficiency.

Future-Proof Networking

By supporting such high speeds, the Dell A4580449 Adapter Card ensures future-proof networking capabilities for users. As technology continues to advance, the demand for faster and more efficient data transfer will only increase.

Investing in an adapter card with high-speed capabilities provides users with a solution that can keep up with evolving networking requirements. Whether it's handling emerging technologies or accommodating higher bandwidth demands, the Dell A4580449 Adapter Card's speed ensures longevity and reliability for users.

Compatibility: Compatible with Dell PowerEdge Servers

The Dell A4580449 Adapter Card is specifically designed to be compatible with Dell PowerEdge servers. This compatibility ensures seamless integration and optimal performance for users. Let's explore the benefits and importance of this feature.

Plug-and-Play Integration

With its compatibility with Dell PowerEdge servers, the Dell A4580449 Adapter Card offers a plug-and-play integration experience. Users can simply install the adapter card into their Dell PowerEdge server without the need for additional drivers or configuration.

This seamless integration saves time and effort by eliminating complex setup processes. Users can quickly deploy the adapter card and have it up and running in no time, allowing them to focus on their core tasks without unnecessary delays.

Optimized Performance

The compatibility of the Dell A4580449 Adapter Card with Dell PowerEdge servers ensures optimized performance. By utilizing a card specifically designed for Dell servers, users can leverage the full potential of their hardware.

This optimized performance translates into faster data transfer rates, reduced latency, and enhanced overall system efficiency. Whether you're running critical applications or handling large amounts of data, the compatibility between the adapter card and Dell PowerEdge servers ensures that you can maximize your server's capabilities.

Seamless Expansion

The compatibility with Dell PowerEdge servers also enables seamless expansion for users. If you already have a Dell server infrastructure in place, adding the Dell A4580449 Adapter Card allows you to expand your network capabilities without disrupting your existing setup.

This seamless expansion is particularly beneficial for organizations experiencing growth or those that require additional networking resources. By leveraging the compatibility between the adapter card and Dell PowerEdge servers, users can easily scale their infrastructure to meet evolving business needs.

Features: Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) technology, RoHS compliant

The Dell A4580449 Adapter Card comes equipped with two notable features: Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) technology and RoHS compliance. These features provide additional benefits and ensure that users can rely on this adapter card for their networking needs. Let's explore the importance of these features.

Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) Technology

The Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) technology is a key feature of the Dell A4580449 Adapter Card. VPI technology allows the adapter card to support multiple protocols, including both InfiniBand and Ethernet, as discussed earlier.

This versatility enables users to choose the networking protocol that best suits their requirements, providing flexibility and compatibility. The VPI technology ensures that the adapter card can seamlessly integrate into various network infrastructures without requiring additional hardware or complex configurations.

Enhanced Efficiency and Cost Savings

By supporting multiple protocols, the VPI technology of the Dell A4580449 Adapter Card enhances efficiency and cost savings for users. Rather than investing in separate adapter cards for different protocols, users can utilize a single card that supports both InfiniBand and Ethernet.

This consolidation not only reduces hardware costs but also simplifies network management. With just one adapter card to install, configure, and maintain, users can streamline their operations and reduce the complexity associated with managing multiple networking devices.

RoHS Compliance

RoHS compliance is another important feature of the Dell A4580449 Adapter Card. RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances, a directive aimed at reducing the use of certain hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment.

By adhering to RoHS standards, Dell ensures that the adapter card is manufactured using environmentally friendly materials. This compliance not only contributes to a healthier environment but also ensures that users can confidently use the adapter card without worrying about potential harm to themselves or their surroundings.

In conclusion, the Dell A4580449 Adapter Card offers a range of impressive features that cater to users' networking needs. With its PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface, users can enjoy enhanced bandwidth, reduced latency, and future-proof compatibility. The dual-port InfiniBand and Ethernet connectivity provide flexibility and scalability, while the high-speed capabilities ensure optimal performance. The compatibility with Dell PowerEdge servers ensures seamless integration and optimized performance. Lastly, the Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) technology and RoHS compliance offer additional benefits such as versatility, efficiency, and environmental friendliness. With the Dell A4580449 Adapter Card, users can experience reliable and efficient networking solutions for their Dell PowerEdge servers.