Mellanox MCX414A-GCAT 2-Port Network Interface Card QSFP28 Refurbished

The MCX414A-GCAT is a cutting-edge Network Interface Card (NIC) designed to deliver high-performance networking capabilities in enterprise environments. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the MCX414A-GCAT, focusing on its key features and specifications, with a particular emphasis on its compatibility with 50 Gigabit Ethernet technology, the Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable 28 (QSFP28) interface, Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI-E) 3.0 X8, and Optical Fiber connectivity.

The MCX414A-GCAT is a 50 Gigabit Ethernet NIC that belongs to the ConnectX-4 EN family, developed by Mellanox Technologies. This 2-port network interface card is designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern data centers and high-performance computing environments. It stands out for its advanced features and capabilities, making it a crucial component for organizations seeking robust and efficient networking solutions.

The MCX414A-GCAT supports 50 Gigabit Ethernet, providing a significant boost in network speed compared to traditional Gigabit Ethernet or even 10 Gigabit Ethernet. This enhanced data transfer rate is essential for applications that demand high bandwidth, such as data-intensive computations, virtualization, and real-time analytics.

The NIC is equipped with a Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable 28 (QSFP28) interface. This compact and high-density optical transceiver module supports four channels of 25 Gigabit Ethernet, allowing for efficient data transmission over short and medium distances. The QSFP28 interface is widely adopted in modern networking equipment, making the MCX414A-GCAT compatible with various networking environments.

The MCX414A-GCAT utilizes the PCI Express (PCI-E) 3.0 X8 interface, which provides a high-speed connection between the NIC and the server's motherboard. The PCI-E 3.0 specification ensures optimal data transfer rates and low-latency communication, enhancing the overall performance of the network.

• Definition: Optical fiber technology involves the use of thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data using light signals. This technology offers several advantages, including high bandwidth and immunity to electromagnetic interference.
• MCX414A-GCAT's Optical Fiber Connectivity: The MCX414A-GCAT leverages optical fiber connectivity, ensuring reliable and high-performance data transmission. This is particularly beneficial in environments where signal integrity and low latency are critical.

• High Bandwidth: Optical fibers provide significantly higher bandwidth compared to traditional copper cables, supporting the MCX414A-GCAT in meeting the demands of bandwidth-intensive applications.
• Signal Integrity: Optical fibers are less susceptible to signal degradation over long distances, ensuring consistent and reliable data transmission for the MCX414A-GCAT.

The MCX414A-GCAT is well-suited for data center environments where high-performance networking is crucial. Its 50 Gigabit Ethernet capability ensures that data can be transmitted swiftly and efficiently, meeting the demands of modern data center applications such as cloud computing, virtualization, and big data processing.

In high-performance computing scenarios, where large-scale computations and simulations are performed, the MCX414A-GCAT plays a vital role in facilitating fast and reliable communication between servers. The combination of 50 Gigabit Ethernet and QSFP28 ensures that HPC clusters can achieve peak performance without bottlenecks.

For organizations leveraging virtualization technologies, the MCX414A-GCAT contributes to creating a robust and responsive virtualized infrastructure. The high-speed connectivity provided by the NIC enhances the performance of virtual machines and supports the seamless operation of virtualized applications.

In applications requiring real-time analytics, such as financial trading platforms and network monitoring systems, the MCX414A-GCAT's high-speed data transfer capabilities contribute to low-latency communication. This is essential for processing and analyzing data in real-time, allowing organizations to make informed decisions swiftly.

The MCX414A-GCAT's 50 Gigabit Ethernet capability, coupled with the QSFP28 interface, ensures high performance in data-intensive applications. This makes it an ideal choice for organizations that prioritize network speed and efficiency.

The NIC's support for PCI-E 3.0 X8 and 50 Gigabit Ethernet provides scalability, allowing organizations to expand their network infrastructure without sacrificing performance. This scalability is crucial for accommodating growing workloads and data requirements.

With optical fiber connectivity and advanced features, the MCX414A-GCAT offers a reliable networking solution. The use of optical fiber reduces signal degradation and electromagnetic interference, contributing to a stable and consistent network connection.

The adoption of 50 Gigabit Ethernet and QSFP28 positions the MCX414A-GCAT as a future-proof solution. As network demands continue to evolve, the NIC's capabilities ensure that it remains relevant and effective in meeting emerging requirements.

• Manufacturer: Mellanox
• Part Number or SKU# MCX414A-BCAT
• Product Line: ConnectX-4
• Product Name: ConnectX-4 EN 50GbE Network Interface Card
• Product Type: Network Interface Card

• Data transfer rate: (max): 50000 Mbit/s
• Connectivity technology: Wired
• Fiber optic connector: QSFP28

• Expansion Slot Type: QSFP+
• Form Factor: Plug-in Card

• Host Interface: PCI Express 3.0 x8
• Total Number of Ports: 2

• Media Type Supported: Optical Fiber

In summary, the MCX414A-GCAT stands as a testament to the continuous advancements in networking technology, providing a robust foundation for organizations to build and expand their networks in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Whether deployed in data centers, high-performance computing clusters, or virtualized environments, this NIC plays a crucial role in ensuring fast, efficient, and reliable communication, contributing to the overall success of modern enterprises.

The MCX414A-GCAT 50 Gigabit Ethernet NIC is a powerful networking solution designed to meet the demands of modern data centers, high-performance computing environments, and other networking-intensive applications. With its advanced features, including support for 50 Gigabit Ethernet, QSFP28, PCI-E 3.0 X8, and optical fiber connectivity, the MCX414A-GCAT offers a high-performance, scalable, and reliable solution for organizations seeking to optimize their network infrastructure.