MCX556A-ECAT ConnectX-5 100GbE Dual-Port QSFP28 NIC
MCX556A-ECAT ConnectX-5 100GbE Dual-Port QSFP28 NIC is a high-performance NVIDIA Mellanox network adapter designed for AI servers, HPC clusters, enterprise data centers, cloud infrastructure, and high-speed storage networks. Based on ConnectX-5 VPI technology, it supports both Ethernet and InfiniBand networking through dual QSFP28 ports.
The MCX556A-ECAT ConnectX-5 100GbE Dual-Port QSFP28 NIC supports Ethernet speeds up to 100GbE and EDR InfiniBand up to 100Gb/s, providing flexible connectivity for environments requiring high bandwidth, low latency, and efficient server-to-server communication.
Key Features
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NVIDIA Mellanox ConnectX-5 VPI architecture
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Model / Part Number: MCX556A-ECAT
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Dual-port QSFP28 interface
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Up to 100GbE Ethernet per port
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EDR InfiniBand up to 100Gb/s
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Supports Ethernet and InfiniBand networking
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PCIe 3.0 x16 host interface
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Suitable for AI servers and GPU clusters
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Designed for HPC and enterprise data centers
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Suitable for storage networking and virtualization
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Tested hardware supply and bulk procurement support
The MCX556A-ECAT ConnectX-5 100GbE Dual-Port QSFP28 NIC is particularly suitable for organizations requiring both Ethernet and InfiniBand flexibility within the same server and data center infrastructure.
Product Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | NVIDIA Mellanox |
| Model | MCX556A-ECAT |
| Series | ConnectX-5 VPI |
| Product Type | InfiniBand / Ethernet Network Adapter |
| Ethernet Speed | 1/10/25/40/50/100GbE |
| InfiniBand Speed | SDR / DDR / QDR / FDR / EDR |
| Maximum IB Speed | EDR 100Gb/s |
| Number of Ports | 2 |
| Port Type | Dual QSFP28 |
| Host Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Form Factor | Low Profile |
| Application | AI Server, GPU Server, HPC, Data Center |
| Typical Use | AI Clusters, Storage Networking, Cloud, Virtualization |
AI Server and HPC Applications
The MCX556A-ECAT ConnectX-5 100GbE Dual-Port QSFP28 NIC can be deployed in AI training clusters, GPU computing systems, HPC environments, enterprise storage platforms, and high-performance data center networks.
Its support for both 100GbE Ethernet and EDR InfiniBand gives system integrators greater flexibility when designing AI and HPC infrastructure. InfiniBand can be used for high-performance compute fabrics, while Ethernet connectivity can support general data center, storage, and cloud networking requirements.
Data Center Networking Applications
The adapter is suitable for:
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AI training and inference clusters
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GPU server interconnects
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High-performance computing systems
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Enterprise data centers
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High-speed storage networks
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Private and public cloud platforms
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Virtualization environments
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Server network upgrades
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Low-latency cluster networking
The MCX556A-ECAT ConnectX-5 100GbE Dual-Port QSFP28 NIC provides a flexible option for customers upgrading from lower-speed 10GbE, 25GbE, or 40GbE environments to higher-bandwidth 100GbE or EDR InfiniBand infrastructure.
PCIe Bandwidth Consideration
MCX556A-ECAT uses a PCIe 3.0 x16 host interface. Although both QSFP28 ports can support up to 100Gb/s network speeds, the PCIe 3.0 x16 host interface cannot provide a full 200Gb/s aggregate host bandwidth when both ports operate at maximum speed simultaneously.
For high-performance AI or HPC deployments, server architecture, PCIe bandwidth, workload type, and network topology should be reviewed before configuration.
About Us
Why Choose MCX556A-ECAT?
The MCX556A-ECAT ConnectX-5 100GbE Dual-Port QSFP28 NIC combines dual-port connectivity, 100GbE Ethernet, EDR InfiniBand, and ConnectX-5 VPI technology in a proven enterprise networking platform.
It is suitable for customers requiring:
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Ethernet and InfiniBand flexibility
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High-bandwidth GPU server networking
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AI and HPC cluster interconnects
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Dual-port QSFP28 connectivity
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Enterprise storage networking
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Data center infrastructure upgrades
FAQ
Q: What is MCX556A-ECAT?
A: MCX556A-ECAT is an NVIDIA Mellanox ConnectX-5 VPI network adapter featuring dual QSFP28 ports and support for both Ethernet and InfiniBand networking.
Q: Does MCX556A-ECAT support 100GbE?
A: Yes. Each QSFP28 port supports Ethernet speeds up to 100GbE.
Q: Does MCX556A-ECAT support InfiniBand?
A: Yes. It supports InfiniBand protocols up to EDR 100Gb/s.
Q: How many ports does MCX556A-ECAT have?
A: It features two QSFP28 network ports.
Q: Is MCX556A-ECAT suitable for AI servers?
A: Yes. It is suitable for AI servers, GPU clusters, HPC systems, storage networks, and other high-bandwidth data center environments.
Q: What PCIe interface does MCX556A-ECAT use?
A: It uses a PCIe 3.0 x16 host interface.
Q: Can CubeCore supply MCX556A-ECAT in bulk?
A: Yes. CubeCore supports tested hardware supply, configuration verification, bulk orders, project-based procurement, and global delivery.
