NVIDIA Mellanox ConnectX-5 EN MCX515A-CCAT: 100GbE Single-Port Ethernet Adapter Card
Product Overview
The NVIDIA Mellanox ConnectX-5 EN MCX515A-CCAT is a high-performance single-port Ethernet network card designed to deliver 100Gb/s connectivity for demanding enterprise and data center environments. This intelligent network adapter combines exceptional bandwidth with advanced hardware offload capabilities, providing optimal performance for cloud computing, storage systems, and telecommunications applications. With support for multiple Ethernet speeds and comprehensive virtualization features, this NIC card offers a future-proof solution for modern network infrastructure requirements.
Key Characteristics
- Single QSFP28 port supporting 100/50/40/25/10/1 GbE speeds
- PCI Express 3.0 x16 host interface with backward compatibility
- Hardware offloads for overlay networks including VXLAN, NVGRE, and GENEVE
- RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE) support for low-latency applications
- SR-IOV virtualization with up to 512 virtual functions
Advanced Technologies
This network adapter incorporates several innovative technologies that enhance performance and efficiency:
- ASAP² Technology: Accelerated Switching and Packet Processing for vSwitch/vRouter offloading
- RoCE v2: RDMA over Converged Ethernet for low-latency data transfer
- Hardware Offload Engines: Dedicated processors for overlay network encapsulation/decapsulation
- T10-DIF Signature Handover: Hardware-assisted data integrity verification
- Embedded PCIe Switch: Enables advanced host chaining configurations
Operational Framework
The ConnectX-5 EN network card operates through an advanced architecture that offloads network processing tasks from the host CPU. The adapter features dedicated hardware engines for protocol processing, traffic management, and virtualization functions. For overlay networks, the NIC card performs encapsulation and decapsulation of VXLAN, NVGRE, and GENEVE packets at line rate, maintaining performance while enabling network scalability. The RoCE implementation leverages data center bridging capabilities to provide low-latency RDMA services over standard Ethernet infrastructure.
Application Environments
Cloud Infrastructure
Ideal for public and private cloud deployments with advanced virtualization capabilities.
Telecommunications
Supports NFV workloads with high packet processing rates and low latency requirements.
Storage Systems
Enables high-performance storage access through RoCE and NVMe over Fabrics offloads.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Model Number | MCX515A-CCAT |
| Form Factor | PCIe HHHL (Half Height Half Length) |
| Data Rates | 100/50/40/25/10/1 GbE |
| Host Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Port Configuration | 1 x QSFP28 |
| Virtualization | SR-IOV with 512 VFs |
| Protocol Support | Ethernet, RoCE, VXLAN, NVGRE, GENEVE |
| OS Compatibility | Linux, Windows, VMware, FreeBSD |
Competitive Advantages
- Multi-Speed Flexibility: Supports six different Ethernet speeds from 1GbE to 100GbE on the same hardware
- Advanced Offload Capabilities: Reduces CPU utilization through hardware acceleration of networking functions
- Overlay Network Optimization: Maintains performance in virtualized network environments with hardware offloads
- Enhanced Virtualization: SR-IOV technology improves server utilization and tenant isolation
- Future-Proof Design: Compatible with emerging network protocols and technologies
Service & Support
We provide comprehensive support services including product warranty, technical consultation, and integration assistance. Our team offers 24/7 customer support to ensure seamless deployment and operation. With extensive inventory and efficient logistics network, we guarantee timely delivery and responsive support throughout the product lifecycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between ConnectX-5 and ConnectX-6 adapters?
A: While both are high-performance network cards, ConnectX-6 offers higher port speeds (up to 200Gb/s), enhanced security features, and more advanced in-network computing capabilities.
Q: Can this adapter operate at multiple speeds?
A: Yes, the port can operate at six different speeds (1/10/25/40/50/100GbE), providing deployment flexibility.
Q: Does this NIC card support RDMA over Ethernet?
A: Yes, the adapter fully supports RoCE (RDMA over Converged Ethernet) for low-latency applications.
Q: What virtualization features are available?
A: The card supports SR-IOV with up to 512 virtual functions, enabling efficient hardware-based virtualization.
Installation & Compatibility Notes
- Ensure proper cooling for optimal performance in high-throughput applications
- Verify PCIe slot compatibility (x16 mechanical and electrical interface required)
- Use qualified optical transceivers or DAC cables for reliable high-speed operation
- Update to latest firmware and drivers for full feature availability
- Follow ESD precautions during handling and installation procedures
Company Profile
With over a decade of industry experience, we operate extensive manufacturing facilities supported by a highly skilled technical team. As an authorized distributor of leading networking brands including NVIDIA Mellanox, Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme Networks, we provide authentic products with comprehensive warranty coverage.
Our inventory management system maintains over 10 million units, encompassing network switches, adapter cards, wireless solutions, and connectivity products. We implement rigorous quality control measures and offer competitive pricing alongside exceptional technical support services. Our global distribution network ensures reliable delivery to customers worldwide.
