NVIDIA Mellanox ConnectX-5 MCX556A-EDAT Dual-Port 100GbE/InfiniBand Network Card
The NVIDIA Mellanox ConnectX-5 MCX556A-EDAT is a high-performance dual-port network card supporting both 100Gb/s InfiniBand and Ethernet connectivity. Designed for PCIe Gen4 servers, this NIC card delivers ultra-low latency, high message rates, and advanced hardware offloads for compute and storage applications.
Key Features
- Dual-port 100Gb/s InfiniBand or Ethernet connectivity
- PCI Express 4.0 x16 host interface
- Hardware offloads for NVMe over Fabrics, MPI, and RDMA
- Support for RoCE (RDMA over Converged Ethernet)
- Enhanced performance with ConnectX-5 Ex technology
Technology Overview
The ConnectX-5 network card leverages cutting-edge technologies including RDMA, PCIe Atomic operations, and hardware-based congestion control. It supports NVMe-oF target offloading, T10 DIF, and storage protocols like SRP and iSER. This NIC card is also compatible with overlay networks such as VXLAN and GENEVE.
How It Works
The ConnectX-5 adapter uses embedded intelligence to offload network, storage, and compute operations from the CPU. It enables direct memory access (RDMA) between servers and storage devices, reducing latency and CPU overhead. The card supports adaptive routing and out-of-order packet delivery for optimized performance in complex topologies.
Applications
- High-Performance Computing (HPC) clusters
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning infrastructure
- Cloud data centers and hyperscale environments
- NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF) storage arrays
- Virtualized and software-defined data centers
Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
| Model | MCX556A-EDAT |
| Ports | 2 x QSFP28 |
| Speeds | 100Gb/s InfiniBand or Ethernet |
| Host Interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| Form Factor | HHHL (Half Height Half Length) |
| Protocols | InfiniBand, Ethernet, RoCE, NVMe-oF |
| OS Support | Linux, Windows, VMware, FreeBSD |
Advantages
- Lower latency and higher bandwidth compared to previous generations
- Advanced offloads reduce CPU utilization and improve efficiency
- Flexible support for both InfiniBand and Ethernet networks
- Ideal for AI, HPC, and storage-intensive workloads
Service & Support
We offer comprehensive support including warranty coverage, technical consultation, and integration services. Our team provides 24/7 customer service and ensures timely delivery and accurate order fulfillment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this card compatible with PCIe Gen3 slots?
A: Yes, the ConnectX-5 MCX556A-EDAT is backward compatible with PCIe Gen3.
Q: Does it support NVMe over Fabrics?
A: Yes, it includes hardware offloads for NVMe-oF target operations.
Q: What cables are required for 100GbE operation?
A: QSFP28 DAC or optical transceivers and fiber cables are supported.
Precautions
- Ensure proper cooling and airflow in the server chassis.
- Use certified cables and transceivers for optimal performance.
- Verify driver and firmware compatibility with your operating system.
- Follow ESD safety procedures during installation.
Company Introduction
With over a decade of industry experience, our company operates a large factory supported by a strong technical team. We represent leading brands including Mellanox (now NVIDIA), Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme. Our product range includes original new network switches, network cards, wireless access points, controllers, and cables.
We maintain over 10 million units in inventory, enabling us to supply a wide variety of products in large quantities. Our professional sales and technical support teams are available 24/7 to ensure customer satisfaction and timely assistance.
