Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx EN MCX4121A-XCAT: High-Performance Dual-Port Network Adapter

1. Product Overview

The Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx EN MCX4121A-XCAT represents a significant advancement in data center network card technology, delivering exceptional performance for modern enterprise infrastructure. This dual-port Ethernet NIC card supports 10, 25, 40, and 50Gb/s speeds through SFP28 interfaces, providing hardware-accelerated networking solutions for demanding cloud, big data, and virtualized environments. Engineered with cutting-edge features and comprehensive protocol support, this adapter offers a future-proof investment for evolving network requirements.

2. Key Characteristics

• Dual SFP28 ports supporting 10/25GbE connectivity with auto-negotiation
• PCI Express 3.0 x8 host interface with backward compatibility
• Advanced hardware offload for RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE)
• SR-IOV virtualization support with up to 256 virtual functions
• Comprehensive tunnel protocol offloading for VXLAN, NVGRE, and GENEVE
• Innovative Multi-Host technology enabling shared adapter resources
• Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) compliance reducing power consumption

3. Core Technologies

This advanced network card incorporates several groundbreaking technologies including Mellanox Multi-Host® architecture, which allows multiple servers to share a single adapter, dramatically reducing infrastructure costs and complexity. The card features hardware-based overlay network encapsulation/decapsulation, GPUDirect® RDMA acceleration, and sophisticated quality of service (QoS) mechanisms. While the newer ConnectX-6 series offers higher maximum speeds, this adapter provides exceptional value for 10-50GbE applications with a robust feature set that meets most enterprise requirements.

4. Operational Methodology

The ConnectX-4 Lx EN NIC card operates by offloading network processing tasks from the host CPU to specialized hardware engines on the adapter itself. This includes TCP/UDP/IP stateless offload, checksum computation, packet segmentation, and interrupt coalescence. For virtualized environments, the card implements Single Root I/O Virtualization (SR-IOV) to provide dedicated adapter resources and guaranteed isolation for virtual machines, significantly improving performance compared to software-based virtualization solutions while substantially reducing CPU overhead and improving efficiency.

5. Application Environments

• Cloud computing infrastructure and hyperscale data centers
• High-performance computing and artificial intelligence clusters
• Financial services and low-latency trading platforms
• Virtualized infrastructure and software-defined networking
• Enterprise storage area networks and storage appliances
• Media streaming services and content delivery networks
• High-frequency database and transaction processing systems

6. Technical Specifications

7. Competitive Advantages

• Industry-leading 75 million packets per second message rate
• Sub-microsecond latency enhances real-time application performance
• Hardware-based isolation ensures security in multi-tenant environments
• Superior price/performance ratio compared to alternative NIC card solutions
• Future-proof design supporting emerging network protocols and standards
• Reduced total cost of ownership through efficient power utilization

8. Service and Support

We provide comprehensive technical support services, including pre-sales consultation, system integration assistance, and post-sales troubleshooting. All products include standard warranty coverage, with extended protection plans available for enterprise deployments. Our global logistics network ensures timely delivery to customers worldwide, and we offer flexible procurement solutions for large-scale deployments of this advanced network card solution, including volume pricing and customized configuration options.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the ConnectX-4 Lx compare to the ConnectX-6 series adapters?
A: While the ConnectX-6 series offers higher maximum speeds (up to 200Gb/s) and enhanced security features, the ConnectX-4 Lx provides excellent performance for 10-50GbE applications at a more accessible price point, making it ideal for many enterprise deployments where extreme bandwidth isn't required.

Q: Can this network card be integrated with existing network infrastructure?
A: Yes, the card is fully backward compatible with lower-speed Ethernet standards and can interoperate with existing network switches supporting SFP28 interfaces, providing a smooth upgrade path for legacy environments without requiring complete infrastructure overhaul.

Q: What type of cabling is required for 25GbE operation?
A: You can use SFP28 DAC (Direct Attach Copper) cables for shorter distances or optical transceivers with appropriate fiber cables for longer runs, depending on distance requirements and existing infrastructure compatibility.

10. Implementation Considerations

• Ensure adequate airflow around the adapter for proper thermal management in dense deployments
• Verify server BIOS settings for PCIe slot configuration (x8 link width recommended for optimal performance)
• Always use manufacturer-recommended drivers and firmware for optimal performance and stability
• Consider switch compatibility and configuration requirements for advanced features like RoCE
• Plan for appropriate cooling solutions in high-density deployments to maintain optimal operating temperatures

11. Company Introduction

With over a decade of industry expertise, our organization maintains extensive manufacturing capabilities supported by a highly skilled technical team. We have cultivated a substantial customer base across diverse market sectors and accumulated significant operational experience, enabling us to deliver products at competitive prices without compromising service quality. Our comprehensive product portfolio includes leading brands such as Mellanox, Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme Networks.