Network Adapter Dell Broadcom 57416 Dual-Port 10Gb Base-T PCIe Low-Profile (Customer Install)

The Dell Broadcom 57416 Dual-Port 10Gb Base-T PCIe Low-Profile network adapter is a customer-installable expansion card that delivers two 10 Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports over copper Base-T. Designed for deployment in space-constrained servers and blade or rack systems that support low-profile PCIe cards, this adapter provides high-throughput connectivity for virtualization hosts, networked storage, and data-intensive applications while maintaining broad driver support for common server operating systems.

Advantages

This dual-port 10Gb adapter supports high-bandwidth, low-latency connections using standard RJ45 cabling, enabling easy integration with existing copper infrastructure. The low-profile PCIe form factor allows installation in dense server chassis without occupying full-height slots. Onboard Broadcom networking technology offers offload capabilities and stable driver support to improve CPU efficiency for network tasks and large data transfers. The card is intended for customer installation, allowing flexibility when upgrading or replacing network interfaces in servers.

Suitable for

• Servers requiring dual 10Gb Ethernet connectivity over copper
• Virtualization hosts where multiple high-bandwidth VMs share network resources
• Networked storage servers and backup appliances handling large data transfers
• Environments where low-profile PCIe cards are necessary due to chassis constraints
• Upgrades from 1Gb to 10Gb copper infrastructure without fiber deployment

When it may not be suitable

This adapter is intended for systems with available PCIe slots and physical clearance for a low-profile card; it is not suitable for systems that lack compatible PCIe lanes or do not support customer-replaceable expansion cards. If your environment requires fiber optic interfaces (SFP+, QSFP) or integrated switch features, a copper RJ45 10Gb Base-T adapter may not meet those specific connectivity or distance requirements.

Key specifications

• Interface: Dual 10 Gigabit Ethernet over RJ45 (Base-T)
• Form factor: Low-profile PCI Express expansion card
• Connectivity: Two copper ports supporting 10Gb, 1Gb (autonegotiation)
• Typical use: Server and storage network connectivity, virtualization
• Power and thermal: Designed for standard server slot power and airflow (check server compatibility)

How to use

Power down the server and follow the manufacturer's service manual to access the PCIe expansion area. Install the low-profile bracket if required and insert the adapter into a compatible PCIe slot, secure it to the chassis, and reconnect power. After booting, install vendor or Broadcom-provided drivers where necessary and verify link speed and duplex settings through the operating system or server management utilities. Use standard Cat6a/Cat7 cabling for reliable 10Gb connections and verify network switch port configuration for 10GbBase-T operation.

What to consider before purchase

• Ensure the server has an available compatible PCIe slot and enough physical clearance for a low-profile card
• Confirm switch ports and cabling support 10GbBase-T and plan for Cat6a or better at required distances
• Verify operating system and hypervisor driver support for Broadcom 10Gb controllers
• Assess power and airflow in the chassis to accommodate an additional network adapter

Usage recommendations

Use Cat6a or higher-rated copper cabling for stable 10GbBase-T links and keep cable runs within recommended distance limits to maintain throughput. Apply vendor-recommended drivers and firmware updates to ensure compatibility and optimal offload performance. For best results in virtualization or storage workloads, monitor link statistics and consider link aggregation or separate networks for management and data traffic.