NVIDIA BlueField-2 DPU Network Card (MBF2H516C-CESOT)
1. Product Overview
The NVIDIA BlueField-2 Data Processing Unit (DPU) model MBF2H516C-CESOT is a high-performance, programmable network card designed for modern data centers. It combines powerful Arm® cores with ConnectX-6 Dx network adapter technology to offload, accelerate, and isolate data center infrastructure tasks like networking, storage, and security. This NIC card supports dual-port 100Gb/s Ethernet connectivity and is ideal for accelerating AI, cloud, and enterprise workloads.
2. Key Characteristics
- Dual-port 100Gb/s Ethernet connectivity via QSFP56 cages
- 8x Arm® Cortex-A72 cores running at up to 2.75GHz
- Hardware offloads for networking, storage, and security
- 16GB DDR4 memory with ECC protection
- 128GB eMMC onboard storage
- PCIe Gen 4.0 x16 host interface
- Out-of-Band (OOB) 1GbE management port
3. Core Technologies
The BlueField-2 DPU leverages NVIDIA’s DOCA software framework, RoCE (RDMA over Converged Ethernet), and hardware acceleration for NVMe over Fabrics, TLS/IPSEC encryption, and virtualization. It supports SR-IOV, GPUDirect® RDMA, and PCIe atomics for high-performance computing environments.
4. Working Principle
The BlueField-2 network card operates as a standalone data-centric processor. It offloads infrastructure functions from the host CPU, handling tasks such as packet processing, encryption, and storage protocols directly on the card. The integrated Arm cores run a full Linux OS, enabling custom application deployment and secure service isolation.
5. Applications
- Software-Defined Storage (SDS) and Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI)
- AI and Machine Learning training clusters
- Cloud and Enterprise Data Center Networking
- Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Security Offload
- High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Big Data analytics
6. Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
| Model | MBF2H516C-CESOT |
| Form Factor | FHHL (Full-Height Half-Length) |
| Ports | 2 x QSFP56 |
| Speed | Up to 100Gb/s per port |
| Host Interface | PCIe Gen 4.0 x16 |
| Onboard Memory | 16GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC |
| Power Connector | 6-pin ATX (auxiliary) |
| Dimensions | 167.65mm x 115.15mm |
7. Advantages
- Reduces host CPU overhead by offloading infrastructure tasks
- Enables zero-trust security with hardware-isolated workloads
- Improves network performance with RoCE and RDMA support
- Provides full programmability with NVIDIA DOCA SDK
- Designed for high scalability in hyperscale and cloud environments
8. Service & Support
We offer global shipping, 24/7 technical support, and a standard manufacturer warranty. Custom configuration and bulk pricing available. Our team provides integration support and firmware updates.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this DPU support virtualization?
A: Yes, it supports SR-IOV with up to 1,000 virtual functions per port.
Q: What cables are compatible with the QSFP56 ports?
A: You can use DAC, AOC, or optical transceivers compliant with 100GbE standards.
Q: Is the DPU compatible with VMware?
A: Yes, it is fully compatible with VMware vSphere and supports NetQueue.
10. Precautions
- Ensure proper airflow and cooling in the server chassis
- Use only certified cables and transceivers
- Verify PCIe slot compatibility (x16 required)
- Update to the latest firmware and drivers before deployment
- Follow ESD safety procedures during installation
11. Company Introduction
With over a decade of industry experience, we operate a large-scale factory and maintain a strong technical team. We are authorized distributors of leading brands including NVIDIA (Mellanox), Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme. Our inventory includes over 10 million units of network switches, network cards, wireless access points, and cables. We offer competitive pricing, 24/7 customer support, and global logistics to ensure timely delivery and seamless integration.
