Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx MCX4121A-ACAT Dual-Port Network Card

1. Product Overview

The Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx MCX4121A-ACAT represents a sophisticated networking solution designed to address the challenges of modern virtualized data centers. This advanced network card delivers dual-port 25GbE connectivity while maintaining backward compatibility with 10GbE and 1GbE standards, providing exceptional flexibility for evolving infrastructure requirements.

Engineered for performance-intensive environments, this NIC card (also referenced as mq9700 in some configurations) incorporates cutting-edge technologies to optimize server utilization and reduce total cost of ownership. The network interface card delivers robust performance for cloud computing, data analytics, and storage applications through its intelligent acceleration capabilities.

2. Technical Characteristics

3. Core Technologies

The MCX4121A-ACAT network card leverages several advanced technologies including Remote Direct Memory Access over Converged Ethernet (RoCE) for low-latency data transfers, Single Root I/O Virtualization (SR-IOV) for efficient resource allocation, and hardware-offloaded overlay network processing. This NIC card also implements Mellanox Multi-Host technology, enabling multiple servers to share a single network interface while maintaining complete isolation.

The network interface card supports comprehensive protocol offloading including TCP/UDP checksum calculations, segmentation, and receive-side scaling. The mq9700 compatible architecture ensures optimal performance for both traditional and software-defined networking environments through its sophisticated acceleration engines.

4. Operational Architecture

This network card operates through a distributed processing architecture where networking functions are handled by dedicated hardware engines rather than host CPUs. The adapter performs protocol processing, encapsulation/decapsulation of overlay networks, and memory management operations directly in hardware, significantly reducing CPU overhead.

The NIC card implements a sophisticated queue management system that prioritizes traffic based on quality of service policies while maintaining sub-microsecond latency. Through RDMA technology, the network interface card enables direct memory access between applications across the network, eliminating unnecessary data copying and context switching overhead.

5. Deployment Scenarios

The MCX4121A-ACAT is ideally suited for virtualized data centers, cloud infrastructure, big data analytics platforms, and high-performance storage environments. This network card excels in scenarios requiring high throughput and low latency, including financial trading systems, scientific computing clusters, and enterprise database applications.

As a versatile NIC card, it supports diverse deployment models from traditional enterprise networks to modern hyper-converged infrastructure. The mq9700 equivalent functionality makes this network interface card particularly valuable for organizations transitioning to software-defined architectures while maintaining investment protection through backward compatibility.

6. Technical Specifications

7. Competitive Advantages

The ConnectX-4 Lx network card delivers superior value through its balanced combination of performance, efficiency, and advanced features. Compared to previous generations, this NIC card offers enhanced virtualization capabilities, improved power efficiency, and comprehensive overlay network offloading. The hardware-based acceleration ensures consistent performance even under heavy virtualization loads.

This network interface card provides significant TCO reduction through its multi-host technology, allowing up to four independent servers to share a single adapter. The mq9700 comparable architecture delivers enterprise-grade features at a competitive price point, making advanced networking capabilities accessible to a broader range of organizations.

8. Service & Support

We provide comprehensive support services including standard 3-year manufacturer warranty, technical consultation, and integration assistance. Our team offers 24/7 customer support with guaranteed response times for critical issues. With extensive inventory and established supply chains, we ensure reliable delivery and competitive pricing for both small and large-scale deployments.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

10. Installation Considerations

Ensure adequate airflow around the network card as proper cooling is essential for maintaining optimal performance. Verify PCIe slot compatibility (x8 electrical connection required) and system power capacity. Install latest firmware and drivers from official sources before deployment. For virtualized environments, configure SR-IOV settings in BIOS and hypervisor for full functionality.

This advanced NIC card requires appropriate system configuration to leverage all acceleration features. The mq9700 compatible design ensures broad compatibility, but specific features may require enabling in driver settings or system BIOS. Regular firmware updates are recommended to maintain security and performance optimizations.

11. Company Introduction

With over ten years of industry presence, we have established ourselves as a premier provider of networking solutions. Our extensive manufacturing facilities and experienced technical teams enable us to deliver superior products at competitive price points while maintaining stringent quality standards.

We maintain strategic partnerships with leading technology manufacturers including Mellanox (now part of NVIDIA), Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme Networks. Our inventory management system ensures availability of over 10 million units across various product categories, supporting both immediate requirements and large-scale deployments.

Our dedicated sales and engineering teams provide end-to-end support throughout the procurement and implementation lifecycle. We offer round-the-clock customer service and technical consultation, building lasting relationships with clients across global markets and earning recognition for reliability and expertise.