MCX653105A-ECAT Mellanox ConnectX-6 1-Ports VPI QSFP56 PCIe 4.0x16 Adapter

Mellanox MCX653105A-ECAT QSFP56 PCIe Adapter Overview

The Mellanox MCX653105A-ECAT ConnectX-6 VPI Network Adapter is a high-performance networking solution engineered for modern enterprise data centers, cloud computing environments, high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and large-scale virtualization. Featuring a single QSFP56 port with VPI (Virtual Protocol Interconnect) technology, this adapter seamlessly supports both InfiniBand and Ethernet networking, allowing organizations to deploy flexible, scalable, and future-ready infrastructure.

Built on the advanced ConnectX-6 architecture, this PCI Express 4.0 x16 adapter delivers exceptional throughput, ultra-low latency, and outstanding reliability. Its versatile protocol compatibility enables administrators to simplify network management while maximizing bandwidth efficiency across demanding workloads.

General Information of Mellanox MCX653105A-ECAT

• Manufacturer: Mellanox
• Part Number: MCX653105A-ECAT
• Product Type: High-Speed Network Adapter

Product Highlights

• Series: ConnectX-6 VPI
• Host Interface: PCI Express Gen4 x16
• Port Configuration: Single QSFP56
• Supports Both InfiniBand and Ethernet Networks
• Compatible with Copper and Optical QSFP56 Connectivity
• Designed for Enterprise, HPC, AI, and Cloud Infrastructure

Advantages of ConnectX-6 Technology

• Ultra-low latency communication
• Exceptional packet processing efficiency
• Enterprise-grade reliability
• Optimized server utilization
• Excellent scalability for expanding infrastructures
• High bandwidth for intensive computing applications

QSFP56 Connector Features

• Single QSFP56 port
• Supports optical fiber modules
• Compatible with passive copper cables
• Supports active NVIDIA cables
• Designed for high-speed server connectivity
• Ideal for flexible network deployments

Supported InfiniBand Standards

• SDR (Single Data Rate)
• DDR (Double Data Rate)
• QDR (Quad Data Rate)
• FDR10
• FDR
• EDR
• HDR100 (2-Lane × 50Gb/s)

Supported Ethernet Standards

• 100GBASE-CR4
• 100GBASE-CR2
• 100GBASE-KR4
• 100GBASE-SR4
• 50GBASE-R2
• 50GBASE-R4
• 40GBASE-CR4
• 40GBASE-KR4
• 40GBASE-SR4
• 40GBASE-LR4
• 40GBASE-ER4
• 40GBASE-R2
• 25GBASE-R
• 20GBASE-KR2
• 10GBASE-SR
• 10GBASE-LR
• 10GBASE-ER
• 10GBASE-CR
• 10GBASE-KR
• 10GBASE-CX4
• 1000BASE-CX
• 1000BASE-KX
• SGMII

Supported Data Rates

• InfiniBand SDR
• InfiniBand DDR
• InfiniBand QDR
• InfiniBand FDR
• InfiniBand EDR
• InfiniBand HDR100
• Ethernet 10GbE
• Ethernet 25GbE
• Ethernet 40GbE
• Ethernet 50GbE
• Ethernet 100GbE

PCI Express Performance

• PCI Express Gen4 x16 Interface
• Backward compatible with PCIe Gen3
• Compatible with PCIe 2.0 and PCIe 1.1 systems
• 16 GT/s PCIe Gen4 signaling
• 8 GT/s PCIe Gen3 signaling
• Sixteen PCIe lanes for maximum bandwidth

Power Specifications

• Auxiliary Voltage: 3.3V
• Maximum Current: 100mA
• Typical Power Consumption: 15.6W with Passive Cables
• Maximum QSFP56 Port Power: 5W
• Supports NVIDIA Active 4.7W Cables

Recommended Airflow

• 300 LFM at 55°C (Heatsink to Port)
• 200 LFM at 35°C (Port to Heatsink)
• Supports passive cable installations
• Supports NVIDIA active cable deployments
• Designed for enterprise server cooling environments

Operating Conditions

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
• Storage Temperature: -40°C to 70°C
• Operating Humidity: 10% to 85% Relative Humidity
• Storage Humidity: 10% to 90% Relative Humidity
• Maximum Operating Altitude: 3050 meters

Physical Specifications

Adapter Dimensions

• Length: 6.6 Inches (167.65 mm)
• Height: 2.71 Inches (68.90 mm)
• Compact PCIe Adapter Form Factor
• Optimized for Enterprise Server Installation

Recommended Applications

• High-Performance Computing (HPC)
• Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure
• Machine Learning Clusters
• Cloud Data Centers
• Enterprise Virtualization Platforms
• Software-Defined Storage
• GPU Computing Systems
• Hyper-Converged Infrastructure
• Big Data Analytics
• Financial Computing
• Research Laboratories
• Large Enterprise Networks

Mellanox MCX653105A-ECAT ConnectX-6 1-Port Adapter

The Mellanox MCX653105A-ECAT ConnectX-6 1-Port VPI QSFP56 PCIe 4.0 x16 Network Adapter is engineered for enterprise networking, high-performance computing, cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence environments, storage networking, and modern data center deployments that demand exceptional bandwidth, ultra-low latency, and reliable connectivity. Built on the advanced ConnectX-6 architecture, this adapter provides a highly scalable networking platform capable of supporting InfiniBand and Ethernet through Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) technology. Organizations looking to maximize application responsiveness, improve data transfer efficiency, and prepare for next-generation workloads can benefit from the exceptional capabilities integrated into this high-speed network interface card.

Designed with a single QSFP56 port and PCI Express 4.0 x16 host interface, the adapter delivers outstanding throughput while maintaining superior signal integrity and low CPU utilization. It enables virtualization, software-defined infrastructure, cloud-native applications, machine learning clusters, distributed storage, and virtualization platforms to operate with greater efficiency. By combining intelligent hardware acceleration with advanced networking technologies, the Mellanox MCX653105A-ECAT helps organizations improve resource utilization while reducing network bottlenecks across demanding workloads.

ConnectX-6 Architecture for Modern Enterprise Infrastructure

The ConnectX-6 platform represents one of the most advanced generations of Mellanox networking technology, providing organizations with enterprise-grade performance, reliability, and flexibility. Designed for evolving networking requirements, the adapter supports high-bandwidth communications while maintaining consistent packet delivery across complex environments. The architecture is optimized for scalable deployments where predictable latency and efficient data movement are essential.

Modern applications frequently generate massive volumes of data that require rapid processing between servers, storage systems, GPU clusters, and virtualization platforms. The ConnectX-6 architecture minimizes communication delays through intelligent packet processing and advanced hardware acceleration, allowing servers to dedicate more resources to applications rather than networking tasks.

Optimized Hardware Design

The hardware platform integrates high-speed processing engines, intelligent packet management, and advanced memory access capabilities that work together to improve networking efficiency. These technologies enable consistent performance across enterprise environments while reducing overall system overhead. The PCIe Gen4 x16 interface ensures the adapter has sufficient bandwidth to maximize network throughput without creating host-side limitations.

Enterprise-Class Reliability

Reliability is essential within mission-critical infrastructures, and the MCX653105A-ECAT is engineered with enterprise-grade components that deliver dependable long-term operation. Whether installed within cloud servers, HPC nodes, virtualization clusters, or enterprise storage platforms, the adapter provides stable connectivity designed for continuous operation in demanding environments.

Single-Port QSFP56 High-Speed Connectivity

The integrated QSFP56 interface enables high-density networking using modern optical modules or high-speed copper cables. This flexible connectivity option simplifies deployment while supporting advanced network architectures that require exceptional bandwidth and low latency. Organizations can integrate the adapter into existing infrastructure while preparing for future expansion without replacing their networking foundation.

High-Bandwidth Data Transmission

High-speed communication is essential for applications involving large datasets, real-time analytics, distributed databases, virtualization, and cloud computing. The QSFP56 interface supports rapid movement of information between servers, storage devices, and network switches, significantly reducing transfer times while improving application responsiveness.

Flexible Media Compatibility

The QSFP56 interface supports both passive and active copper cabling as well as optical transceiver modules, allowing network architects to select media based on deployment distance, infrastructure design, and performance objectives. This flexibility simplifies network planning across short-range rack deployments and long-distance interconnects.

Virtual Protocol Interconnect Technology

One of the defining characteristics of the Mellanox MCX653105A-ECAT is its Virtual Protocol Interconnect capability. VPI technology enables the adapter to operate within both Ethernet and InfiniBand environments, providing organizations with remarkable deployment flexibility. Businesses can standardize networking hardware while supporting multiple communication protocols depending on workload requirements.

Ethernet Networking Support

Ethernet remains the dominant networking technology across enterprise IT infrastructure. The ConnectX-6 adapter delivers high-speed Ethernet connectivity suitable for virtualization, cloud services, enterprise applications, distributed storage, backup environments, and software-defined networking. Hardware acceleration features help reduce processor utilization while maintaining excellent throughput.

InfiniBand Performance

InfiniBand provides exceptional bandwidth and extremely low latency for environments requiring maximum performance. High-performance computing clusters, scientific research, engineering simulations, financial modeling, artificial intelligence training, and GPU computing environments frequently rely on InfiniBand communication to minimize delays between compute nodes. The MCX653105A-ECAT supports these demanding environments while simplifying infrastructure management.

Protocol Flexibility for Hybrid Infrastructure

Organizations frequently operate mixed networking environments where Ethernet supports traditional business applications while InfiniBand powers compute-intensive workloads. VPI technology allows administrators to deploy a unified networking platform that accommodates both protocols without maintaining separate adapter inventories.

PCI Express 4.0 x16 Interface Performance

The PCIe 4.0 x16 host interface significantly increases available bandwidth between the network adapter and server processor. This enhanced communication path eliminates potential bottlenecks that could otherwise restrict network performance. As applications continue generating larger datasets and requiring faster communications, PCIe Gen4 ensures the adapter can fully utilize available network bandwidth.

Improved Server Throughput

High-speed PCI Express connectivity enables faster movement of packets between server memory and the network interface. This improves overall application responsiveness while supporting bandwidth-intensive workloads such as virtualization, media processing, AI model training, distributed databases, and cloud-native applications.

Future-Ready Infrastructure

Organizations investing in PCIe Gen4 networking adapters gain infrastructure capable of supporting evolving server technologies for years to come. The improved host bandwidth ensures compatibility with modern enterprise platforms while preparing data centers for increasingly demanding applications.

Advanced Hardware Acceleration Technologies

The MCX653105A-ECAT incorporates multiple hardware acceleration capabilities that reduce CPU overhead and improve networking efficiency. Offloading repetitive networking operations from the processor allows servers to dedicate additional computing resources toward business applications, analytics, and computational workloads.

Remote Direct Memory Access

Remote Direct Memory Access technology enables direct communication between application memory spaces without involving the operating system during every transfer. This significantly lowers latency while reducing processor utilization, making RDMA particularly valuable for distributed storage, database clusters, virtualization platforms, and scientific computing.

Intelligent Packet Processing

Hardware-based packet handling accelerates network operations by processing networking tasks directly within the adapter. This minimizes software intervention while improving consistency during high-volume traffic conditions. Applications experience smoother communication with reduced latency and increased throughput.

Efficient CPU Utilization

By moving networking workloads into specialized hardware, server processors remain available for virtual machines, containers, databases, and enterprise software. Improved processor efficiency contributes to better server consolidation and enhanced infrastructure utilization.

Virtualization and Cloud Computing Optimization

Virtualization platforms demand networking adapters capable of handling large numbers of virtual machines while maintaining predictable performance. The ConnectX-6 adapter includes technologies specifically developed to improve virtual networking efficiency across enterprise cloud environments.

Support for Virtual Machines

Virtualized infrastructures often host hundreds of workloads on shared physical hardware. The adapter delivers high-speed connectivity with intelligent traffic management, allowing virtual machines to communicate efficiently while minimizing resource contention.

Cloud Infrastructure Performance

Private clouds, hybrid cloud deployments, and software-defined data centers require scalable networking capable of adapting to changing workloads. The MCX653105A-ECAT provides the bandwidth, flexibility, and hardware acceleration necessary to support cloud-native applications, orchestration platforms, and automated infrastructure.

Containerized Workloads

Container platforms generate dynamic networking patterns that benefit from low-latency communication and rapid packet processing. The adapter enhances Kubernetes clusters, Docker deployments, and microservices architectures by supporting efficient communication between distributed application components.

Storage Networking Capabilities

Enterprise storage platforms benefit significantly from low-latency networking technologies that minimize delays during read and write operations. The adapter supports storage architectures requiring consistent performance across demanding enterprise workloads.

Distributed Storage Systems

Distributed storage environments rely on continuous communication between storage nodes to maintain data consistency, redundancy, and performance. The MCX653105A-ECAT enables reliable high-speed connectivity that supports efficient storage synchronization and data replication.

Software-Defined Storage

Software-defined storage platforms require networking capable of handling substantial east-west traffic within the data center. Hardware acceleration improves storage communication while reducing server processor utilization during intensive storage operations.

Security and Enterprise Data Protection Features

Enterprise networking increasingly requires security capabilities integrated directly into networking hardware. The ConnectX-6 platform supports advanced technologies designed to strengthen infrastructure protection while maintaining networking performance. Hardware-assisted security features reduce reliance on software processing while improving operational efficiency across secure environments.

Secure Infrastructure Deployment

Organizations deploying sensitive workloads benefit from networking hardware designed with enterprise-grade security capabilities. These technologies assist in protecting communications while supporting compliance requirements commonly found within financial services, healthcare, government, and research organizations.

Reliable Enterprise Operations

Stable networking is fundamental to business continuity. The MCX653105A-ECAT combines intelligent hardware architecture with dependable operational characteristics to deliver consistent performance throughout continuous enterprise workloads, ensuring applications remain responsive under demanding operating conditions.

Scalable Data Center Networking Solutions

The Mellanox MCX653105A-ECAT ConnectX-6 1-Port VPI QSFP56 PCIe 4.0 x16 Network Adapter provides organizations with a networking platform capable of supporting evolving enterprise infrastructure, cloud computing, virtualization, storage networking, AI computing, and high-performance computing environments. Its combination of advanced ConnectX-6 technology, PCIe Gen4 connectivity, Virtual Protocol Interconnect flexibility, hardware acceleration, RDMA capabilities, and enterprise-class reliability makes it an outstanding solution for organizations seeking scalable, future-ready networking performance across demanding modern data center deployments.