Description
Product Overview of the Dell 3N8C7
The Dell Broadcom 5720 Dual-Port Gigabit Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware device designed to enhance the connectivity of your Dell computer system. It is a network adapter card that allows you to connect your system to a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or the internet. In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of the 3N8C7 Dell Broadcom 5720 Dual-Port Gigabit NIC in detail.
- In the world of networking, the Dell 3N8C7 5720 Dual-Ports Gigabit PCI-E Network Interface Card (NIC) stands out as a robust and high-performance solution. Specifically designed for Dell PowerEdge servers such as R620, R720, R720XD, R820, and T620, this NIC delivers impressive connectivity speeds and reliability. Let’s delve into the details of the Dell 3N8C7, exploring its features, specifications, compatibility, and why it’s a crucial component for enhancing network capabilities in server environments.
Networking FeaturesPorts and Connectivity
Equipped with dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, the Dell 3N8C7 provides redundancy and load-balancing options. The two ports can be used simultaneously, enabling increased bandwidth and network reliability. The RJ-45 connectors ensure a standard and widely compatible physical connection.
- The 3N8C7 Dell Broadcom 5720 Dual-Port Gigabit NIC features two ports that enable it to connect to two different networks simultaneously. This allows you to connect your system to multiple networks or segments, which is useful in situations where you need to access resources on different networks.
Data Link Protocols
Supporting various data link protocols, including 10MB LAN, 100MB LAN, and Gigabit LAN, the Dell 3N8C7 accommodates diverse networking environments. This flexibility allows it to seamlessly integrate into networks with different speed requirements, ensuring optimal performance across various scenarios.
Management and Protocol Support
The NIC supports a range of network and transport protocols, including TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, NetBEUI/NetBIOS, IP/IPX, and CSMA/CA. Additionally, the SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) enables remote management, enhancing the card’s accessibility for monitoring and control purposes.
Key SpecificationsPerformance
The Dell 3N8C7 boasts dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for a combined data transfer rate of 1 Gigabyte per second (GBPS). This high-speed performance is essential for data-intensive tasks and applications, making it an ideal choice for PowerEdge servers handling demanding workloads.
PCI Express Interface
Built on Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI-E) architecture, the Dell 3N8C7 ensures efficient communication between the network and the server. With a full-height form factor, it seamlessly integrates into compatible PowerEdge models, providing a streamlined and space-efficient networking solution.
- The 3N8C7 Dell Broadcom 5720 Dual-Port Gigabit NIC is designed to work with a PCI Express interface. This interface is a high-speed serial connection that allows data to be transferred between the network adapter and the computer system at high speeds. This ensures that the network adapter does not become a bottleneck in the data transfer process.
Gigabit Ethernet Speeds
The 3N8C7 Dell Broadcom 5720 Dual-Port Gigabit NIC supports gigabit Ethernet speeds of up to 1000 Mbps. This means that it can transmit and receive data at high speeds, making it ideal for applications that require high bandwidth.
Advanced Features
The 3N8C7 Dell Broadcom 5720 Dual-Port Gigabit NIC supports advanced features such as virtual LANs (VLANs), jumbo frames, and TCP offloading. VLANs allow you to create virtual networks within a physical network, which can help to improve network performance and security. Jumbo frames are larger data packets that can help to improve network efficiency by reducing the number of packets that need to be transmitted. TCP offloading is a feature that offloads some of the processing tasks required for TCP/IP communication from the CPU to the network adapter, which can improve system performance.
Advanced Features for Enhanced FunctionalityPower Interface (ACPI) Support
The Dell 3N8C7 includes ACPI support, which plays a crucial role in power management. This feature allows the NIC to optimize power usage, contributing to overall energy efficiency in server environments.
Virtual LAN (VLAN) Support
For organizations with complex networking requirements, VLAN support is essential. The 3N8C7 enables the implementation of VLANs, allowing for network segmentation and improved traffic management, thereby enhancing network security and performance.
Wake On LAN (WOL)
Wake On LAN functionality is a standout feature, especially in scenarios where energy conservation is a priority. The NIC can be remotely activated, reducing power consumption during periods of inactivity and contributing to green IT initiatives.
Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) Support
PXE support is a critical aspect of network booting. The Dell 3N8C7 facilitates the booting of servers over the network, streamlining deployment and maintenance tasks for IT administrators.
Large Send Offload (LSO) and Receive Side Scaling (RSS)
These features contribute to optimized data transfer. LSO enables the offloading of large data segments to the NIC, reducing CPU overhead, while RSS enhances network performance by distributing incoming network traffic across multiple processors.
Interface Details
The Dell 3N8C7 features two 1000base-T interfaces with RJ-45 connectors. These interfaces provide a standard and widely accepted physical connection for Ethernet networks, ensuring compatibility with various networking equipment.
Compatible Slots
The NIC is designed to fit seamlessly into one PCI Express 2.0 x2 slot. This compatibility simplifies the installation process and ensures that the card can be easily integrated into PowerEdge servers without the need for additional adapters or modifications.
- The 3N8C7 Dell Broadcom 5720 Dual-Port Gigabit NIC is designed to work with Dell PowerEdge servers and other Dell computer systems that have a PCI Express slot. It is also compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and VMware.
General Information about the Dell 3N8C7
- Manufacturer: Dell
- Model Number or SKU# 3N8C7
- Product Type: Network Adapter
Networking Specifications
- Ports: Two Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Form Factor: Plug-in card
- Interface (Bus) Type: PCI Express 2.0 x2
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Cabling Type: Ethernet 10base-T, Ethernet 100base-TX, Ethernet 1000base-T
- Data Link Protocol: 10MB LAN, 100MB LAN, Gigabit LAN
- Data Transfer Rate: 1 Gbps
Management & Protocol
- Network/Transport Protocol: TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, NetBEUI/NetBIOS, IP/IPX, CSMA/CA
- Remote Management Protocol: SNMP
Key Features
- ACPI Support
- VLAN Support
- Wake On LAN (WOL)
- PXE Support
- Large Send Offload (LSO)
- Receive Side Scaling (RSS)
Compliant Standards
- IEEE 802.2
- IEEE 802.3Z
- IEEE 802.1Q
- IEEE 802.3X
- IEEE 802.1AS
- IEEE 802.3AZ
Expansion/Connectivity
- Interfaces: Two 1000base-T (RJ-45)
- Compatible Slots: One PCI Express 2.0 x2
In summary, the Dell 3N8C7 5720 Dual-Ports Gigabit PCI-E Network Interface Card is a powerhouse solution for enhancing network capabilities in PowerEdge server environments. With its dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, PCI-E architecture, and a host of advanced features, it delivers high-speed performance, reliability, and flexibility.
Whether you are managing a PowerEdge R620, R720, R720XD, R820, or T620, the Dell 3N8C7 provides a seamless integration experience. From its compatibility with industry standards to its support for advanced features like WOL and VLANs, this NIC is designed to meet the diverse needs of modern server environments.
Investing in the Dell 3N8C7 ensures that your PowerEdge server not only meets but exceeds the networking requirements, contributing to the overall efficiency and performance of your IT infrastructure. As technology continues to advance, having a reliable and high-performance NIC like the Dell 3N8C7 becomes increasingly essential for organizations striving to stay at the forefront of efficient and responsive network management.