NVIDIA ConnectX-6 Lx MCX631102AN-ADAT Smart Network Interface Card (SmartNIC)

Product Model: MCX631102AN-ADAT | Form Factor: PCIe Low Profile | Ports: Dual SFP28 (10/25GbE) | Host Bus: PCIe 4.0 x8

1. Product Overview

The NVIDIA ConnectX-6 Lx MCX631102AN-ADAT is a dual-port 25GbE SmartNIC designed to transform standard servers into high-performance, secure networking endpoints. By integrating specialized accelerators for RDMA (RoCE), software-defined networking (SDN), and cryptography directly onto the NIC card, it delivers line-rate throughput while freeing up valuable host CPU cycles. This model offers exceptional flexibility and performance in a standard PCIe low-profile form factor, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of servers from mainstream enterprise to high-density cloud platforms.

2. Key Characteristics

• High-Density Connectivity: Two SFP28 ports, each configurable for 10GbE or 25GbE operation.
• Advanced Hardware Offloads: Dedicated engines for Zero-Touch RoCE, ASAP2 packet processing, and inline IPsec encryption/decryption.
• High-Bandwidth Host Interface: PCI Express 4.0 x8 lane interface, ensuring no bottleneck between the network and server memory.
• Comprehensive Virtualization Support: Full SR-IOV and VirtIO 1.1 implementation for efficient virtual machine and container networking.
• Enhanced Security: Built-in hardware root-of-trust for secure boot and anti-tampering, plus line-rate IPsec.
• Intelligent Traffic Management: Features like connection tracking, flow mirroring, and hierarchical QoS.

3. Core Technology & Standards

This SmartNIC is powered by several key technologies that address modern data center challenges:

• ASAP² (Accelerated Switch and Packet Processing): This technology enables the network card to perform complex network virtualization tasks (like VXLAN encapsulation/decapsulation) at wire speed, offloading the hypervisor's virtual switch and boosting VM performance.
• Zero-Touch RoCE (ZTR): A groundbreaking implementation of RDMA over Converged Ethernet that automatically adapts to network conditions, delivering the low-latency benefits of RoCE without requiring complex, network-wide configuration changes.
• Inline IPsec Acceleration: Full offload of IPsec cryptographic operations (AES-GCM, AES-XTS) to hardware, enabling secure network tunnels without compromising throughput or increasing CPU utilization.
• Hardware-Based Security Root: Utilizes a unique, factory-programmed key and RSA cryptography to validate all firmware, ensuring the adapter's operational integrity from boot-up.

4. Operational Mechanics: The Intelligent Offload Engine

The MCX631102AN-ADAT functions as an autonomous network co-processor. Upon receiving packets, its programmable parser immediately classifies the traffic. If it's RoCE storage traffic, it's placed directly into application memory via RDMA, bypassing the kernel. If it's an encapsulated VXLAN packet from an overlay network, the ASAP2 engine strips the tunnel header. If it's a secured IPsec packet, it is decrypted on-the-fly. All these processing steps are executed in hardware at full 25Gb/s line rate. This transforms the adapter from a simple data mover into an active processing element, drastically reducing the workload on the server's CPU—a efficiency gain that pairs powerfully with the high-throughput capabilities of a mq9700 switch fabric.

5. Primary Application Scenarios

• Virtualized Data Centers & Private Clouds: Offloads virtual switching (OVS) to improve virtual machine density and network performance.
• High-Performance Storage (NVMe-oF): Provides the ultra-low latency RoCE connectivity required for disaggregated storage solutions.
• Telco & Network Function Virtualization (NFV): Accelerates virtual network functions like firewalls, routers, and 5G user plane functions.
• AI/ML and HPC Workloads: Enables fast data exchange between servers in compute clusters, reducing training and simulation times.
• Secured Enterprise Interconnects: Establishes high-speed, encrypted links between data centers or branch offices.

6. Technical Specifications

7. Competitive Advantages

• Maximized Server ROI: By offloading CPU-intensive networking tasks, it allows servers to support more virtual machines or containers, effectively increasing the computational capacity of your existing hardware investment.
• Simplified Deployment of Advanced Features: Technologies like Zero-Touch RoCE remove traditional barriers to adopting high-performance storage and clustering solutions, enabling faster time-to-value for new applications.
• Integrated Security Without Compromise: Delivers full line-rate encryption, allowing organizations to implement robust security policies across their network without fearing a performance penalty—a critical requirement when connecting to secure core networks built with devices like the mq9700.
• Broad Compatibility and Flexibility: The standard PCIe form factor and comprehensive driver support for all major operating systems and hypervisors make this NIC card an easy, low-risk integration into diverse environments.

8. Support & Service Commitment

Choosing us as your supplier for the MCX631102AN-ADAT ensures a reliable and knowledgeable partnership:

• Authentic Product Supply: We distribute genuine NVIDIA products, backed by full manufacturer warranty and support.
• Pre-Sales Technical Consultation: Our experts can assist with compatibility checks and solution design tailored to your specific use case.
• Efficient Logistics: We leverage a robust supply chain to ensure timely delivery, whether for single units or bulk orders.
• Post-Sales Support: Access to documentation, driver resources, and technical assistance to ensure smooth deployment and operation.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

10. Important Precautions

• Thermal Considerations: Ensure adequate airflow within the server chassis. The low-profile bracket is designed for standard airflow patterns.
• Driver and Firmware Compatibility: Always install the recommended driver and firmware bundle from the NVIDIA support portal to ensure stability and access to all features.
• Optics and Cables: Use qualified SFP28 optical transceivers or Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables that are compatible with the ConnectX-6 Lx series.
• BIOS Settings: Verify that SR-IOV and Above 4G Decoding (if applicable) are enabled in the server BIOS for full functionality.

11. About Our Company