What are the primary interface specifications for the Mellanox MCX416A-CCAT? +
The MCX416A-CCAT is a high-performance ConnectX-4 VPI adapter card. It features dual-port connectivity supporting 100Gb/s per port, utilizing an industry-standard PCIe 3.0 x16 host interface. This configuration ensures massive bandwidth throughput, making it an ideal choice for high-speed data center environments, HPC clusters, and cloud-native applications requiring low latency and high scalability.
Does the MCX416A-CCAT support both Ethernet and InfiniBand fabrics? +
Yes, this card utilizes Mellanox’s Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) technology. This design allows the adapter to operate natively in either Ethernet or InfiniBand environments. Administrators can configure the ports to match their specific network infrastructure needs, providing significant flexibility for deployments that might evolve from standard Ethernet data centers to high-performance InfiniBand computing fabrics.
What type of optical modules or cables are required for this 100GbE NIC? +
The MCX416A-CCAT is equipped with QSFP28 ports. These ports support a variety of connection media, including Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables for short-reach rack connectivity, Active Optical Cables (AOC), or optical transceivers for longer distances. Users should ensure their selected optics or cables are QSFP28 compliant and rated for 100Gb/s operation to ensure full performance and compatibility with the adapter.
How does the ConnectX-4 architecture impact CPU utilization during high-speed data transfers? +
The MCX416A-CCAT leverages hardware offload engines to manage network traffic independently of the host CPU. By offloading complex tasks such as RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE), encapsulation, and flow steering, the card significantly reduces CPU overhead. This allows the host server to dedicate more processing power to compute-intensive applications rather than managing high-speed network I/O packets.
Is the MCX416A-CCAT suitable for virtualization and cloud environments? +
Absolutely. The card includes robust support for SR-IOV (Single Root I/O Virtualization), which allows a single physical PCIe device to appear as multiple separate virtual devices. This capability is essential for virtualized data centers, as it enables high-performance network access for virtual machines while maintaining strict isolation, security, and low latency across the virtualized infrastructure.
What PCIe generation and slot width does this card require? +
This network interface card is designed for a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot. To achieve the full rated throughput of the dual 100GbE ports, it is important to install the card in a PCIe slot that provides sufficient lane bandwidth. While it may physically fit into wider slots, verifying that the motherboard slot supports the necessary x16 electrical configuration is recommended for optimal performance.
Can the MCX416A-CCAT perform hardware-based packet inspection or filtering? +
Yes, the card supports advanced flow steering and OVS (Open vSwitch) offloading capabilities. By utilizing the ConnectX-4 programmable hardware, the adapter can efficiently classify and filter incoming traffic at line rate. This offloading capability is critical for software-defined networking (SDN) deployments where granular control over network traffic is required without impacting overall system throughput or latency.
What operating systems are supported by the Mellanox ConnectX-4 VPI series? +
The MCX416A-CCAT is compatible with a wide range of enterprise-grade operating systems, including various Linux distributions, Windows Server editions, and VMware ESXi. Mellanox provides comprehensive driver support for these platforms to ensure seamless integration. For specific version requirements, it is best practice to consult the latest Mellanox OFED (OpenFabrics Enterprise Distribution) release notes corresponding to your target server environment.
How can I obtain a bulk quote for multiple MCX416A-CCAT units? +
If you are planning an infrastructure refresh or need to provision multiple server racks, BuyRouterSwitch.com makes the process seamless. Simply add the required quantity of MCX416A-CCAT cards to your cart or contact our sales team directly through our website. We specialize in volume orders and will provide you with a competitive quote tailored to your specific project requirements and scale.
Why should I choose BuyRouterSwitch.com for Mellanox networking hardware? +
BuyRouterSwitch.com is a trusted source for high-end enterprise networking gear, ensuring that every product, including the MCX416A-CCAT, is authentic and sourced reliably. We focus on providing a secure ordering experience and maintaining a streamlined procurement process. By choosing us, you receive dedicated assistance from professionals who understand the complexities of enterprise hardware and are committed to helping you source the right equipment efficiently.