Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx EN Network Interface Card (NIC) - MCX4121A-XCAT
1. Product Overview
The Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx EN MCX4121A-XCAT is a high-performance dual-port network card designed for data centers and enterprise networks. Supporting speeds of 10, 25, 40, and 50Gb/s, this NIC card delivers exceptional bandwidth, ultra-low latency, and advanced hardware offloads for optimized server performance. It is an ideal solution for cloud, big data, storage, and virtualized environments.
2. Key Characteristics
- Dual-port SFP28 connectivity supporting 10/25GbE
- PCIe 3.0 x8 host interface
- Hardware offload for RoCE, NVGRE, VXLAN, and GENEVE
- Support for SR-IOV virtualization with up to 256 virtual functions
- Low-profile form factor with standard and tall brackets included
- Energy-efficient design with IEEE 802.3az compliance
3. Core Technologies
The ConnectX-6 series predecessor, the ConnectX-4 Lx EN, incorporates cutting-edge technologies including RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE), Mellanox Multi-Host® support, overlay network encapsulation/decapsulation, and GPU-direct communication. It complies with IEEE standards for Ethernet, VLAN, DCB, and energy efficiency.
4. Working Principle
The network card uses hardware-based acceleration to offload processing from the CPU. It encapsulates/decapsulates overlay protocols like VXLAN and NVGRE directly in hardware, reducing latency and improving throughput. The adapter also supports SR-IOV to provide dedicated resources to virtual machines, improving isolation and performance.
5. Applications
- Cloud and Hyperscale Data Centers
- High-Performance Computing (HPC) Clusters
- Virtualized Infrastructure and SDN
- Big Data and Analytics Platforms
- Storage Area Networks (SAN and NAS)
6. Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
| Model | MCX4121A-XCAT |
| Ports | 2 x SFP28 |
| Speeds | 10/25 Gb/s |
| Host Interface | PCIe 3.0 x8 |
| Form Factor | Low Profile |
| Protocols | RoCE, iSCSI, NVMe over Fabrics |
| OS Support | Linux, Windows, VMware |
7. Advantages
- Superior throughput and lower latency compared to previous-generation NICs
- Advanced hardware offloading reduces CPU overhead
- Multi-host technology allows up to 4 servers to share one NIC card
- Robust virtualization support improves VM density and performance
8. Service & Support
We offer a 5-year warranty, 24/7 technical consultation, and global logistics support. Custom configuration and bulk order discounts are available.
9. FAQ
Q: What cables are compatible with this network card?
A: It supports SFP28 DAC and optical cables for 10/25GbE connections.
Q: Is RDMA supported?
A: Yes, RoCE v1 and v2 are fully supported.
Q: Can I use this in a VMware environment?
A: Yes, it is compatible with VMware ESXi and supports SR-IOV.
10. Precautions
- Ensure proper cooling in the server chassis.
- Use certified cables and transceivers for optimal performance.
- Update to the latest firmware and drivers from the Mellanox support site.
11. Company Introduction
With over a decade of industry experience, we operate a large-scale manufacturing facility and are supported by a robust technical team. We have built a substantial client base and accumulated extensive expertise, enabling us to offer competitively priced products and superior service quality. Our portfolio includes leading brands such as Mellanox, Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme. We specialize in providing brand-new networking equipment including switches, network cards, wireless access points, controllers, and cables. Our inventory exceeds 10 million units, ensuring a wide selection and ample supply for large-volume orders. We guarantee accurate delivery and provide round-the-clock customer consultation and technical support. Our professional sales and engineering teams have established a strong reputation in global markets.
