IBM 46K6696 10GbE CX4 PCI Express x8 SR Controller Card

Product Description

The IBM 46K6696 is a high-performance network interface card designed to provide 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity to IBM servers. This adapter utilizes the CX4 physical interface, which is known for its ability to deliver high bandwidth over short to medium distances, making it suitable for server-to-server communication, storage area networks (SANs), and high-performance computing clusters. The card employs a PCI Express x8 (PCIe x8) bus, ensuring that the network interface is not a bottleneck for data transfer, allowing it to fully leverage the 10Gbps speed. This controller card is engineered for environments where network throughput is critical. Applications such as large-scale data analysis, high-frequency trading, video streaming, and intensive database operations can benefit significantly from the increased bandwidth offered by 10GbE. The CX4 connector typically uses InfiniBand-style cables, which are robust and designed for high-speed data transmission. The PCIe x8 interface provides ample bandwidth to support the full 10Gbps throughput of the network connection, ensuring efficient data flow between the server's memory and the network. Installation of the IBM 46K6696 typically involves inserting the card into an available PCIe x8 slot in a compatible IBM server. Drivers are required for the operating system to recognize and utilize the card's functionality. This adapter is a key component for upgrading server network infrastructure to meet the demands of modern data-intensive applications and high-speed networking requirements, facilitating faster data access and improved overall system performance.