Network card MELLANOX MCX4121A-XCAT internal PCI Express, fiber interface, wired

MELLANOX MCX4121A-XCAT is an internal wired network card designed for servers and workstations that require high-performance fiber connectivity via a PCI Express host interface. The adapter supports multi-rate Ethernet connectivity (1/10/25/40/50 Gb/s) and includes an advanced ConnectX-4 Lx EN network controller that provides hardware acceleration for RDMA, overlay network encapsulation/decapsulation and other offloads. The card implements industry networking standards such as IEEE 802.1Q for VLAN tagging and IEEE 802.1AX for link aggregation, and supports QoS and energy-efficient Ethernet protocols for efficient network resource use.

Advantages

The MCX4121A-XCAT offers multi-rate fiber connectivity and a PCI Express host interface for compatibility with modern server platforms. Hardware-based I/O isolation and offload capabilities reduce CPU overhead and improve application performance in virtualized and data-intensive environments. Support for RDMA and overlay networks encapsulation/decapsulation enables lower latency and greater throughput for storage, database and cloud workloads. Standards-based VLAN tagging, link aggregation and QoS features simplify integration in managed network infrastructures.

Suitable for

• High-performance servers in data centers and private clouds
• Virtualized environments requiring RDMA and hardware offloads
• Storage and database systems needing low-latency fiber connectivity
• Network infrastructures using VLANs, link aggregation and QoS policies
• Applications that require multi-rate Ethernet (1/10/25/40/50 Gb/s)

Key specifications

• Connectivity: Wired fiber interface
• Host interface: PCI Express (PCIe)
• Supported speeds: 1/10/25/40/50 Gigabit Ethernet
• Network controller: ConnectX-4 Lx EN
• Offload features: RDMA, overlay network encapsulation/decapsulation, hardware I/O isolation
• Supported standards: IEEE 802.1Q (VLAN), IEEE 802.1AX (link aggregation), QoS and energy-efficient Ethernet protocols

How to use

Install the MCX4121A-XCAT into an available PCI Express slot on a compatible server or workstation following the chassis and motherboard manufacturer guidelines. Connect fiber cables to the card's fiber interface and configure link speed and duplex settings as required by the network. Install vendor drivers and firmware updates from the manufacturer to enable full functionality, including RDMA and overlay encapsulation features. Configure VLANs, link aggregation and QoS in the host operating system or network management platform to match your network design.

Usage recommendations

Ensure the host system firmware and operating system are up to date and use Mellanox-provided drivers for best compatibility. For RDMA and low-latency workloads, verify NIC offloads are enabled and tune network stack parameters according to application requirements. Use appropriate fiber transceivers and cabling rated for the intended speed (1/10/25/40/50 Gb/s) and verify SFP/QSFP compatibility with the ConnectX-4 Lx EN controller.