Cisco UCSC-P-N7S400GF | ConnectX-7 400GbE Network Card, PCIe 5.0 x16

Q: What is Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) and why is it important?
A: VPI allows the adapter to support both InfiniBand and Ethernet protocols on the same port, providing flexible connectivity options. This enables seamless protocol switching without hardware changes, making it versatile for diverse data center networking needs including AI, HPC, and storage workloads.

Q: Which Cisco UCS servers are compatible with this network card?
A: The UCSC-P-N7S400GF is qualified for Cisco UCS C220 M7, C240 M7, and C245 M8 rack servers. It installs in PCIe risers 1, 2, or 3 as a half-height, half-length, single-slot card. Always verify compatibility through the Cisco Hardware Compatibility List for your specific server configuration.

Q: What are the key advantages of PCIe 5.0 x16 interface on this adapter?
A: PCIe 5.0 x16 provides 32 GT/s data rate per lane, delivering the high-bandwidth host interface needed to fully support 400 Gbps network throughput. This eliminates PCIe bottlenecks and ensures seamless integration with modern server platforms for data-intensive applications.

Q: Can this adapter be used for both networking and storage workloads?
A: Yes, the ConnectX-7 supports NVMe-over-Fabrics, enabling high-performance remote storage access. It provides hardware-accelerated networking and storage capabilities with RDMA for ultra-low latency, making it suitable for converged infrastructure deployments.

Q: What types of transceivers or cables are supported with the QSFP112 port?
A: The QSFP112 port supports optical fiber transceivers and direct attach copper (DAC) cables for 400GbE connectivity. For qualified optics and cables, consult the Cisco Transceiver Module Group (TMG) Compatibility Matrix to ensure proper interoperability with your network infrastructure.