Lenovo Mellanox ConnectX-6 Lx 25GbE Ethernet Card

The Lenovo Mellanox ConnectX-6 Lx 25GbE Ethernet Card is a high-performance network adapter engineered for data centers, virtualization, and cloud-intensive workloads. Built on NVIDIA Networking technology, this SFP28 NIC delivers blazing 25 Gigabit Ethernet speeds with advanced offloads that accelerate storage, networking, and compute tasks. With support for 10/25 GbE, RoCE v2, NVMe over Ethernet, and Open vSwitch, it is designed to maximize throughput, reduce latency, and simplify complex network architectures in enterprise servers and ThinkSystem platforms.

• Ultra-fast 25GbE performance: A single PCIe NIC provides sustained line-rate throughput up to 25 Gb/s per port, enabling faster data transfers, reduced bottlenecks, and improved application responsiveness for databases, virtualization, and high-performance computing.
• Versatile 10/25 GbE capability: Flexible SFP28 interface supports both 10Gb and 25Gb Ethernet, easing incremental upgrades and enabling cost-efficient migration paths in mixed legacy environments and modern data centers.
• Advanced offloads for cloud-native workloads: Offloads for RoCE v2 (RDMA over Converged Ethernet), NVMe over Ethernet, and Open vSwitch dramatically reduce CPU overhead, boost I/O efficiency, and accelerate software-defined networking and storage access.
• Hyper-virtualization and multi-tenant readiness: Features like SR-IOV and high-performance virtualization capabilities deliver near-native network performance to virtual machines and containers, improving consolidation density without compromising latency or throughput.
• Proven reliability and compatibility: Designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem servers and a broad ecosystem of data-center hardware, this card is built for reliability, long-term driver support, and seamless integration with NVIDIA Networking software stacks.

Technical Details of Lenovo Mellanox ConnectX-6 Lx 25Gigabit Ethernet Card

• Interface and connectivity: 1 x SFP28 optical/electrical 25GbE/10GbE capable port for flexible fiber connectivity and scalable performance.
• Performance characteristics: Supports line-rate 25GbE throughput with low latency to meet demanding enterprise and cloud workloads.
• Network offloads and features: RoCE v2 (RDMA over Converged Ethernet), NVMe over Ethernet, and Open vSwitch offloads to maximize throughput and reduce CPU load.
• Virtualization support: SR-IOV and virtualization-friendly features to deliver near-native network performance to VMs and containers in dense data-center environments.
• Driver and software ecosystem: Compatible with NVIDIA Networking software stacks and NVIDIA-supported drivers for Linux and Windows, enabling streamlined deployment, management, and performance tuning.
• Compatibility and form factor: Designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem servers and a wide range of data-center platforms that require high-speed 10/25 GbE connectivity in a PCIe-based card.

How to install Lenovo Mellanox ConnectX-6 Lx 25GbE Ethernet Card

• Power down and prepare the server: Fully shut down the system, unplug power cables, and discharge any residual static before handling the server components.
• Open the chassis and locate a PCIe slot: Remove the appropriate cover and identify an available PCIe slot that matches the card’s slot type and spacing for optimal fit and cooling.
• Install the card: Gently insert the ConnectX-6 Lx into the PCIe slot until it seats firmly. Secure the bracket with screws to ensure stability and proper alignment with the rear I/O.
• Connect SFP28 module and cabling: Attach a compatible SFP28 transceiver module and connect a suitable 25GbE or 10GbE fiber/ethernet patch cable to the port, ensuring correct fiber orientation and link integrity.
• Install drivers and configure networking: Boot the server and install the latest NVIDIA Networking (Mellanox) drivers. Verify firmware, load the correct NIC driver modules, and configure interfaces, VLANs, bonding or NIC teaming as required by the deployment.
• Validate performance and features: Run connectivity tests to confirm RoCE v2 or NVMe over Ethernet offloads are active, and verify virtualization features such as SR-IOV are correctly configured in the hypervisor.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Lenovo Mellanox ConnectX-6 Lx 25GbE Ethernet Card designed for? It is a high-performance NIC built for data centers, virtualization, cloud environments, and workloads that demand fast, low-latency 10/25 GbE connectivity with advanced offloads and robust driver support.
• Does this card support RoCE v2 and NVMe over Ethernet? Yes. The ConnectX-6 Lx includes RoCE v2 and NVMe over Ethernet offloads to accelerate RDMA-enabled storage and high-performance networking tasks while reducing CPU overhead.
• Can I use this card in Lenovo ThinkSystem servers? Yes. It is designed to integrate with Lenovo ThinkSystem hardware and is backed by NVIDIA Networking software and driver support to ensure compatibility and reliability in enterprise environments.
• Is the card suitable for virtualization and multi-tenant environments? Absolutely. The functionality includes robust virtualization features such as SR-IOV, offering near-native network performance to virtual machines and containers in dense deployments.
• What kind of interconnects and modules are required? The card uses an SFP28 port, so you’ll need compatible 25GbE/SFP28 transceivers and fiber or copper cabling suitable for your data center topology and distance requirements.
• Where can I obtain drivers and software? NVIDIA Networking provides the latest Mellanox drivers and management tools. Install the official package to ensure optimal performance, firmware compatibility, and access to feature updates.