Description
Product Outline of the Mellanox MCX4421A-ACAN 25GBPS PCIe3 Network Adapter
The MCX4421A-ACAN ConnectX-4 Lx EN 25GB Adapter Card is a cutting-edge solution designed for the Open Compute Project (OCP). This Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI-E) 3.0 X8 card features 2 Ports of 25 Gigabit Ethernet LAN, offering a high-performance, low-latency, and energy-efficient connectivity solution. In this detailed exploration, we will delve into the key features, benefits, and applications of the MCX4421A-ACAN, shedding light on its significance in the realm of data center networking.
Understanding PCI-E 3.0 X8 ArchitectureDecoding PCI-E 3.0
The “PCI-E 3.0” designation refers to the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express standard, a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard. In the context of the MCX4421A-ACAN, the version number “3.0” indicates the card’s adherence to the third generation of the PCI-E standard. This generation brings improvements in data transfer rates and efficiency compared to its predecessors, making it well-suited for demanding networking applications.
Significance of X8
The “X8” in the architecture description signifies the number of lanes available for data transfer. In PCI Express, the number following the ‘X’ represents the number of available lanes. In the case of the MCX4421A-ACAN, “X8” indicates that the card utilizes eight lanes for data transmission. This broader pathway enhances the card’s overall bandwidth, contributing to its ability to handle large volumes of data with reduced latency.
Exploring the Dual Ports ConfigurationUnveiling the Dual Ports
One standout feature of the MCX4421A-ACAN is its dual-port configuration. This means that the adapter card is equipped with two distinct connection points, allowing for concurrent data transmission and reception. The dual ports design not only enhances the card’s overall throughput but also provides flexibility in network configurations, enabling more intricate setups and load-balancing strategies.
25 Gigabit Ethernet LANThe Need for Speed: 25 Gigabits per Second
The “25 Gigabit Ethernet” specification showcases the card’s impressive data transfer capabilities. With a capacity to transmit and receive data at 25 gigabits per second, the MCX4421A-ACAN caters to high-performance networking requirements. This is particularly crucial in scenarios where low latency and rapid data transfers are paramount, such as in modern data centers and cloud computing environments.
Optical Fiber Interface
Incorporating optical fiber interfaces further elevates the card’s capabilities. Optical fiber is known for its high bandwidth and immunity to electromagnetic interference, making it an ideal medium for transmitting data at high speeds over long distances. The MCX4421A-ACAN’s compatibility with optical fiber interfaces ensures reliable and efficient data transmission, even in challenging networking environments.
Key Features
- PCI-E 3.0 X8 Interface: The MCX4421A-ACAN operates on the PCI Express 3.0 X8 interface, providing a robust and high-bandwidth connection. This interface ensures efficient data transfer between the adapter card and the host system, enabling seamless integration into modern server architectures.
- 25 Gigabit Ethernet LAN: With 2 Ports of 25 Gigabit Ethernet LAN, the adapter card delivers a total of 50 Gbps of network bandwidth. This high-speed connectivity is crucial for data-intensive applications, facilitating rapid data transfers and reducing network congestion.
- Optical Fiber Interface: The MCX4421A-ACAN features an Optical Fiber Interface, allowing for long-distance, high-speed data transmission. This interface supports optical fiber connections, enhancing the overall flexibility and scalability of the adapter card for diverse networking environments.
- ConnectX-4 Lx EN Technology: Leveraging ConnectX-4 Lx EN technology, this adapter card ensures advanced performance optimization, efficient packet processing, and low-latency communication. ConnectX-4 Lx EN is a proven technology that enhances the overall reliability and efficiency of data center networking solutions.
Benefits
- High Performance: The MCX4421A-ACAN excels in delivering high performance, making it ideal for demanding applications such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics. The 25 Gbps Ethernet connectivity ensures that data-intensive workloads can be processed with efficiency and speed.
- Low Latency: Low-latency communication is critical in modern data center environments. The MCX4421A-ACAN, with its ConnectX-4 Lx EN technology, minimizes latency, enabling real-time data processing and enhancing the overall responsiveness of applications.
- Energy Efficiency: In addition to its high performance, the adapter card is designed with energy efficiency in mind. This is particularly important for data centers aiming to reduce power consumption and environmental impact. The optimized design ensures that the MCX4421A-ACAN operates efficiently while maintaining peak performance.
- Scalability: The Optical Fiber Interface and 2 Ports of 25 Gigabit Ethernet LAN contribute to the scalability of the MCX4421A-ACAN. This scalability allows data centers to adapt to changing network requirements, ensuring that the infrastructure can grow alongside the expanding needs of the organization.
Applications
- Data Center Networking: The MCX4421A-ACAN is tailor-made for data center networking applications. Its high-speed connectivity and low-latency performance make it a preferred choice for organizations managing large-scale data processing and storage tasks.
- Cloud Computing: In cloud computing environments, where agility and performance are paramount, the MCX4421A-ACAN excels. It provides the necessary bandwidth and low latency required to support the dynamic workloads characteristic of cloud-based services.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: The demands of artificial intelligence and machine learning workloads necessitate high-speed data transfers. The MCX4421A-ACAN’s 25 Gbps Ethernet connectivity ensures that these applications can access and process data without bottlenecks.
- Big Data Analytics: Big data analytics often involve processing vast amounts of data in real-time. The MCX4421A-ACAN’s combination of high performance and low latency makes it an ideal choice for organizations engaged in big data analytics, enabling them to derive insights faster.
General Information of the Mellanox MCX4421A-ACAN 2 Ports Network Adapter
- Manufacturer: Mellanox
- Part Number or SKU# MCX4421A-ACAN
- Product Line: ConnectX-4
- Product Type: Network Adapter
Technical Information of 25 Gigabits Ethernet Adapter
- Data transfer rate: 25GBPS
- Data Link Protocol 25 Gigabit Lan
- Connectivity technology: Wired
- Fiber optic connector: SFP28
I/O Expansions
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP28
- Form Factor: Plug-in Card
Interfaces/Ports
- Host Interface: PCI Express 3.0 x8
- Total Number of Ports: 2
Media & Performance
- Media Type Supported: Optical Fiber
Compliant Standards
- IEEE 802.1Q, IEEE 802.1P, IEEE 802.3ad (LACP), IEEE 802.3ae, IEEE 802.3az, IEEE 802.1Qbb, IEEE 802.1Qaz, IEEE 1149.1, IEEE 802.1Qau, IEEE 1588v2
In short, the MCX4421A-ACAN ConnectX-4 Lx EN 25GB Adapter Card stands as a powerful solution for organizations embracing the Open Compute Project. With its PCI-E 3.0 X8 interface, 25 Gigabit Ethernet LAN, Optical Fiber Interface, and ConnectX-4 Lx EN technology, this adapter card delivers high performance, low latency, energy efficiency, and scalability. Its applications span across data center networking, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics, making it a versatile and valuable addition to modern IT infrastructures. As the demand for faster and more efficient data processing continues to grow, the MCX4421A-ACAN proves itself as a reliable and forward-looking solution for organizations seeking to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in networking.
