Description
Product Information for the Mellanox MCX654106A-HCAT VPI 2 Port Adapter
In the ever-evolving landscape of networking technology, the Mellanox MCX654106A-HCAT ConnectX-6 VPI 2 Port Network Adapter stands out as a cutting-edge solution for high-performance connectivity. This adapter, designed for PCI Express 3.0 x16, offers unparalleled capabilities in the realms of Ethernet and InfiniBand, with a staggering speed of 200Gb. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the features, specifications, and applications of the MCX654106A-HCAT, exploring its role in pushing the boundaries of network performance.
Overview of Mellanox MCX654106A-HCAT ConnectX-6 VPI
The Mellanox MCX654106A-HCAT is part of the ConnectX-6 series, known for its advanced networking solutions. This specific model is a versatile 2-Port Network Adapter, featuring support for both 200Gb Ethernet and 200Gb InfiniBand. The adapter is equipped with QSFP28 connectors, providing a robust and high-speed interface for data transfer.
Technical Specifications
- PCI Express 3.0 x16 Compatibility: The MCX654106A-HCAT is designed to leverage the PCI Express 3.0 x16 interface, ensuring optimal bandwidth utilization and compatibility with modern server architectures.
- Dual Port Configuration: With two ports, this adapter allows for simultaneous high-speed connections, providing flexibility and load balancing in networking environments.
- 200Gb Ethernet: The adapter supports 200Gb Ethernet, making it suitable for data-intensive applications, data centers, and high-performance computing where ultra-fast connectivity is paramount.
- 200Gb InfiniBand: In addition to Ethernet support, the ConnectX-6 VPI enables 200Gb InfiniBand connectivity, catering to the demands of high-performance computing clusters and data centers with high-speed interconnect requirements.
- QSFP28 Connectors: The adapter is equipped with QSFP28 connectors, ensuring compatibility with QSFP28 cables and transceivers. These connectors provide a compact form factor while delivering the necessary bandwidth for demanding applications.
Features and Capabilities
- SmartNIC Technology: The MCX654106A-HCAT incorporates SmartNIC technology, enhancing network performance and offloading tasks from the CPU. This results in reduced latency and improved overall system efficiency.
- RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access): The ConnectX-6 VPI supports RDMA, enabling direct data transfers between systems without CPU involvement. This feature is crucial for applications requiring low-latency communication and high throughput.
- Hardware Offloads: Hardware offloads for protocols such as TCP, UDP, and IPsec are integrated into the adapter, optimizing network performance and reducing the CPU load associated with these tasks.
- RoCE (RDMA over Converged Ethernet): RoCE support enhances the efficiency of Ethernet-based communication by leveraging RDMA capabilities, resulting in improved performance for storage and networking applications.
- Advanced Congestion Control: The MCX654106A-HCAT features advanced congestion control mechanisms, ensuring smooth and reliable data flow even in congested network scenarios. This is particularly beneficial for large-scale deployments and data center environments.
Use Cases and Applications
- Data Centers: The high-speed capabilities of the ConnectX-6 VPI make it an ideal solution for data centers handling massive amounts of data. Whether used for storage, virtualization, or cloud computing, the adapter’s dual-port configuration and 200Gb speeds contribute to seamless and efficient operations.
- High-Performance Computing (HPC): In the realm of HPC, where speed and low latency are critical, the MCX654106A-HCAT excels. Its support for 200Gb InfiniBand and RDMA makes it well-suited for supercomputing clusters, scientific simulations, and research applications.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML applications often involve massive datasets and require rapid communication between nodes. The ConnectX-6 VPI’s SmartNIC technology and high-speed connectivity contribute to accelerated model training and improved overall performance in AI and ML workflows.
- Telecommunications: Telecommunications infrastructure, including 5G networks, benefits from the adapter’s high-speed Ethernet capabilities. The dual-port configuration allows for efficient handling of large volumes of network traffic, supporting the growing demands of modern telecommunications systems.
Future Trends and Considerations
- Evolving Network Standards: As networking standards continue to evolve, the MCX654106A-HCAT’s compatibility with the latest technologies positions it as a future-proof solution. This adaptability is crucial for organizations looking to invest in long-term networking infrastructure.
- Increasing Bandwidth Demands: With the relentless growth of data-intensive applications, the demand for higher bandwidth continues to rise. The 200Gb speeds offered by the ConnectX-6 VPI anticipate and address these escalating bandwidth requirements, making it a strategic choice for forward-looking enterprises.
- Integration with Emerging Technologies: The adapter’s flexibility and support for emerging technologies, such as AI accelerators and high-speed storage solutions, position it as a versatile component in evolving IT landscapes.
General Information about this Mellanox MCX654106A-HCAT
- Manufacturer: Mellanox
- Part Number or SKU# MCX654106A-HCAT
- Product Type: Network Adapter
- Product Name: Mellanox ConnectX-6 VPI 2 Port Network Adapter
Technical Specifications
- Form Factor: Plug-in Card
- Interface (Bus) Type: 2 x PCI Express 3.0 x16
- PCI Specification Revision: PCI-E 3.0
- Ports: 2 x 200Gb Ethernet / 200Gb InfiniBand QSFP28
- Data Link Protocol: GigE, 10 GigE, 40 Gigabit LAN, 100 Gigabit Ethernet, 25 Gigabit LAN, 50 Gigabit LAN, 100 Gigabit InfiniBand, 200 Gigabit LAN, 200 Gigabit InfiniBand
- Data Transfer Rate: 200 Gbps
- Network/Transport Protocol: TCP/IP, UDP/IP, iSCSI
- Compliant Standards: IEEE 802.1Q, IEEE 802.1p, IEEE 802.3ad (LACP), IEEE 802.3ae, IEEE 802.3ap, IEEE 802.3az, IEEE 802.3ba, IEEE 802.1ax, IEEE 802.1Qbb, IEEE 802.1Qaz, IEEE 802.1Qau, IBTA 1.3, IEEE 802.1Qbg, IEEE 1588v2, IEEE 802.3bj, IEEE 802.3bm, IEEE 802.3by
- System Requirements: FreeBSD, Microsoft Windows, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, CentOS
In summary, the Mellanox MCX654106A-HCAT ConnectX-6 VPI 2 Port Network Adapter is a powerhouse of connectivity, offering unparalleled speed and versatility in the realms of Ethernet and InfiniBand. Its dual-port configuration, SmartNIC technology, and support for RDMA make it a valuable asset for data centers, HPC environments, AI/ML applications, and telecommunications infrastructure. As technology continues to advance, the MCX654106A-HCAT stands at the forefront, providing a reliable and high-performance solution for organizations navigating the complex landscape of modern networking. Whether facilitating seamless data transfers in a data center or accelerating scientific simulations in a supercomputing cluster, this network adapter is poised to meet the demands of the most data-intensive and latency-sensitive applications.
