MCX542A-ACAN Mellanox En NIC for OCP2.0 Type 1, 25GBE Dual-Port SFP28 PCIe 3.0 x16
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Product Details
Overview of the MELLANOX MCX542A-ACAN Network Interface Card
- The MELLANOX MCX542A-ACAN ConnectX-5 EN Network Interface Card is engineered for high-performance connectivity in enterprise data centers. Designed to support 25GbE dual-port SFP28, this card is compliant with OCP 2.0 Type 1 specifications and offers advanced features such as host management for seamless integration into a variety of network environments.
Key Specifications
- Brand: Mellanox
- Part Number: MCX542A-ACAN
- Size: 3.07 inches x 4.33 inches (78.00mm x 110.05mm)
- Connector Type: Dual SFP28 Ethernet (supports both copper and optical connections)
- Data Rate Support: 1/10/25 Gb/s Ethernet speeds
Protocol Compatibility
This network card supports a variety of Ethernet protocols, ensuring compatibility with multiple networking standards:
- 25GBASE-CR/CR-S, 25GBASE-SR, 25GBASE-LR, 25G Ethernet Consortium
- 10GBASE-SR, 10GBASE-LR, 10GBASE-ER
- SGMII, 1000BASE-X
PCIe Compatibility
Utilizing PCIe Gen 3.0, the card is equipped with 16 lanes, providing a robust connection with a SerDes speed of 8.0GT/s, and backward compatibility with PCIe 2.0 and 1.1.
Power and Voltage Requirements
- Typical Power Consumption:
- Passive cables: 12.95W
- Active cables (1.5W): 15.95W
- Maximum Power Consumption:
- Passive cables: 15.55W
- Active cables (1.5W): 18.55W
- Standby Power:
- 5V_AUX/12V: 4W
- 3.3V_AUX: 0.94W
Airflow and Cooling Requirements
For optimal performance, the following airflow specifications must be met:
- Passive Cables: 350 LFM (heatsink to port), 400 LFM (port to heatsink)
- Active 1.5W Cables: 350 LFM (heatsink to port), 400 LFM (port to heatsink)
Environmental Conditions
- Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to 55°C
- Non-operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 70°C
- Operating Humidity: 10% to 85% relative humidity
- Non-operating Humidity: -10% to 90% relative humidity
- Maximum Altitude (Operational): 3050 meters
Interface: PCIe 3.0 x16
The Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC is equipped with a cutting-edge PCIe 3.0 x16 interface, which offers users a range of benefits and capabilities. This interface is a significant upgrade over previous generations, providing enhanced performance and improved bandwidth for data transfer.
Increased Bandwidth
One of the key advantages of the PCIe 3.0 x16 interface is its increased bandwidth capacity. With 16 lanes, it can support higher data transfer rates compared to other interfaces. This means that users can enjoy faster and more efficient communication between the NIC and the host system.
The increased bandwidth is particularly beneficial in scenarios where large amounts of data need to be processed or transferred quickly. For example, in high-performance computing environments, such as data centers or scientific research labs, where massive amounts of data are generated and analyzed, the PCIe 3.0 x16 interface ensures smooth and uninterrupted data flow.
Improved Performance
By leveraging the full potential of the PCIe 3.0 x16 interface, the Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC delivers exceptional performance. The wider bandwidth enables faster data transmission, reducing latency and increasing overall system responsiveness.
This improved performance is especially advantageous for users who rely on high-speed networking for their workloads. Whether it's running resource-intensive applications, processing large datasets, or supporting virtualized environments, the PCIe 3.0 x16 interface ensures that the NIC can handle demanding workloads without compromising performance.
Future-Proof Technology
The PCIe 3.0 x16 interface represents a future-proof technology investment for users. As technology advances and demands for higher bandwidth continue to grow, having a NIC with PCIe 3.0 x16 ensures compatibility and scalability for years to come.
With the ability to support emerging technologies and standards, such as 100GbE Ethernet, the Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC can seamlessly integrate into evolving network infrastructures. This future-proof design reduces the need for frequent NIC upgrades, saving both time and money for users.
Conclusion
The PCIe 3.0 x16 interface of the Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC offers a range of benefits that cater to users' increasing demands for faster and more efficient networking solutions. With increased bandwidth, improved performance, and future-proof technology, this interface ensures that users can leverage the full potential of their network infrastructure and meet the requirements of modern data-intensive applications.
Speed: 25GbE
The Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC boasts an impressive speed of 25GbE, making it a powerhouse in terms of network performance. This high-speed capability opens up a world of possibilities for users across various industries, enabling them to take advantage of faster data transfer rates and improved network efficiency.
Enhanced Data Transfer
With a speed of 25GbE, the Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC allows for significantly faster data transfer compared to traditional 1GbE or even 10GbE connections. This is especially beneficial in scenarios where large amounts of data need to be transmitted quickly, such as in media and entertainment industries, cloud computing environments, or large-scale data centers.
The enhanced data transfer capability provided by the 25GbE speed ensures that users can efficiently handle data-intensive tasks without experiencing bottlenecks or performance degradation. Whether it's transferring multimedia files, running virtual machines, or processing real-time analytics, the high-speed connectivity of the NIC enables seamless and uninterrupted data flow.
Improved Network Efficiency
The 25GbE speed of the Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC also contributes to improved network efficiency. By providing faster data transmission, it reduces latency and enables quicker response times, optimizing overall network performance.
In industries where real-time data processing is critical, such as financial services or online gaming, the improved network efficiency can make a significant difference. The low latency and high throughput of the NIC ensure that users can make split-second decisions or enjoy smooth online gaming experiences without experiencing delays or lag.
Cost-Effective Solution
Adopting a 25GbE network infrastructure with the Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC can also offer cost-saving benefits for users. Compared to traditional 40GbE or 100GbE solutions, the 25GbE speed provides a more affordable alternative without compromising performance.
By leveraging the 25GbE speed, users can achieve higher bandwidth and improved network efficiency at a fraction of the cost of higher-speed options. This makes it an attractive solution for businesses that require fast and reliable networking capabilities but have budget constraints.
Conclusion
The 25GbE speed of the Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC empowers users with enhanced data transfer, improved network efficiency, and cost-effective networking solutions. Whether it's for media production, cloud computing, or real-time data analysis, this high-speed capability ensures that users can achieve optimal performance and meet their networking requirements.
Ports: Dual-Port
The Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC features a dual-port configuration, offering users the flexibility and scalability needed for demanding networking environments. With two ports available, users can leverage the advantages of simultaneous connections, increased bandwidth, and redundancy.
Simultaneous Connections
The dual-port configuration of the Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC allows users to establish multiple simultaneous connections. This is particularly beneficial in scenarios where workload distribution or load balancing is essential.
By utilizing both ports, users can distribute network traffic across multiple paths, preventing congestion and ensuring efficient utilization of available bandwidth. This is especially valuable in environments where high data throughput is required, such as virtualized infrastructures, distributed computing, or content delivery networks.
Increased Bandwidth
Having two ports on the Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC also provides users with increased bandwidth capacity. Each port operates independently, allowing for parallel data transmission and receiving.
In applications that require high-speed data transfer within a single system or between multiple systems, the dual-port configuration enables users to achieve higher aggregate bandwidth. This is particularly advantageous in scenarios where large datasets need to be processed simultaneously or where real-time data streaming is necessary.
Redundancy and Failover
The dual-port design of the Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC also offers redundancy and failover capabilities. In mission-critical environments where network uptime is crucial, having two ports ensures a backup connection in case one port fails or experiences issues.
In the event of a port failure, the NIC can automatically switch to the functioning port, minimizing downtime and maintaining uninterrupted network connectivity. This redundancy feature is essential for industries that rely heavily on continuous network operation, such as finance, healthcare, or online commerce.
Conclusion
The dual-port configuration of the Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC provides users with the flexibility, scalability, and reliability required for demanding networking environments. With simultaneous connections, increased bandwidth, and redundancy, this feature ensures optimal network performance and seamless operation in critical applications.
Connector: SFP28
The Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC is equipped with an SFP28 connector, offering users versatility and compatibility with a wide range of networking equipment. This connector type is widely adopted in the industry and provides several benefits for users.
Versatility and Compatibility
The SFP28 connector on the Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC ensures versatility and compatibility with various network switches, routers, and other networking devices. The SFP28 form factor is widely supported by major networking vendors, making it easy to integrate the NIC into existing network infrastructures.
With the ability to connect to different types of equipment, users have the flexibility to adapt their network setup based on their specific requirements. Whether it's connecting to a switch in a data center or establishing point-to-point links in a campus network, the SFP28 connector allows users to leverage a broad range of networking options.
Modularity and Scalability
The SFP28 connector also offers modularity and scalability for users. The small form factor allows for high-density port configurations, enabling users to maximize their networking capabilities within limited physical space.
In environments where rack space is at a premium or when upgrading existing network infrastructures, the modularity of the SFP28 connector allows users to easily add or replace NICs without disrupting the overall network setup. This scalability feature ensures that users can adapt their network infrastructure as their needs evolve over time.
High-Speed Connectivity
The SFP28 connector supports high-speed connectivity, making it suitable for demanding networking applications. With a maximum data rate of 25Gbps, it provides users with fast and reliable data transfer capabilities.
Whether it's transmitting large files, streaming high-definition multimedia content, or supporting real-time communication applications, the high-speed connectivity of the SFP28 connector ensures smooth and uninterrupted data flow.
Conclusion
The SFP28 connector of the Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC offers users versatility, compatibility, modularity, scalability, and high-speed connectivity. With its widespread adoption in the industry and support from major networking vendors, this connector type ensures seamless integration into existing network infrastructures and provides users with the flexibility to adapt their networking setup based on their specific needs.
Form Factor: OCP2.0 Type 1
The Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC features an OCP2.0 Type 1 form factor, which provides users with a standardized and compact design suitable for various deployment scenarios. This form factor offers several benefits, including compatibility, space-saving advantages, and scalability.
Standardized Design
The OCP2.0 Type 1 form factor is part of the Open Compute Project (OCP) specifications, which aim to provide open and efficient designs for data center hardware. By adhering to a standardized design, the Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC ensures compatibility with other OCP-compliant hardware.
For users who have adopted or are planning to adopt OCP-based infrastructure, the OCP2.0 Type 1 form factor allows for seamless integration into their existing setups. This standardized design simplifies the deployment process and ensures interoperability between different components within the data center ecosystem.
Space-Saving Advantage
The OCP2.0 Type 1 form factor offers a space-saving advantage for users. With its compact design, the NIC occupies less physical space within the server chassis, freeing up valuable rack space for other components or enabling higher-density deployments.
In data center environments where floor space is limited or when aiming for higher server densities, the space-saving advantage of the OCP2.0 Type 1 form factor allows users to optimize their infrastructure layout and maximize resource utilization.
Scalability and Future-Proofing
The OCP2.0 Type 1 form factor provides scalability and future-proofing capabilities for users. As technology advances and networking requirements evolve, having a standardized form factor ensures compatibility with future OCP-compliant hardware.
By adopting the OCP2.0 Type 1 form factor, users can easily upgrade or replace their NICs without significant disruptions to their existing infrastructure. This scalability feature allows users to keep pace with changing demands and ensures that their network setup remains flexible and adaptable over time.
Conclusion
The OCP2.0 Type 1 form factor of the Mellanox MCX542A-ACAN NIC offers users a standardized, space-saving, scalable, and future-proof design suitable for various deployment scenarios. Whether it's for data centers adhering to OCP specifications or organizations looking to optimize their infrastructure layout, this form factor provides users with the necessary compatibility and flexibility to meet their networking needs.