Broadcom 25Gigabit Ethernet Card

The Broadcom BCM957414N4140C dual-port 25 Gb/s Ethernet card is engineered for modern data centers, cloud infrastructures, and high-performance computing environments. This PCI Express 3.0 x8 adapter delivers exceptional throughput and low latency with two independent SFP28 network connections, enabling flexible deployment along with SFP28 optical modules or copper direct-attach cables (DACs). Built to the Open Compute Project (OCP) 3.0 design specification and optimized for dense server platforms, it provides scalable performance, virtualization-ready features, and robust reliability to support demanding workloads such as virtualization, AI inference, database sharding, and storage networking. With Broadcom’s proven silicon and firmware stack, administrators gain a dependable, future-proof NIC that can adapt to evolving data-center topologies while minimizing CPU overhead and maximizing application performance.

• High-performance dual-port 25 GbE NIC with a PCI Express 3.0 x8 host interface, delivering up to 25 Gbps per port for aggregate bandwidth that scales with your workloads.
• Two independent SFP28 network connectors provide flexible 25G connectivity, supporting both optical modules for long-range links and copper direct-attach cables (DACs) for short, intra-rack connections.
• Open Compute Project (OCP) 3.0 design compliance in a compact, small-form-factor package, enabling easy integration into dense servers and standardized data-center platforms.
• Virtualization-ready architecture with hardware-assisted offloads and support for virtualization features such as SR-IOV and NIC partitioning, designed to reduce CPU utilization and improve VM throughput and latency isolation.
• Broad driver and operating-system support (Linux and Windows), backed by Broadcom’s ongoing software updates for security, reliability, and compatibility with the latest server ecosystems.

Technical Details of Broadcom 25Gigabit Ethernet Card

• Model: Broadcom BCM957414N4140C
• Ports: 2 × SFP28 (25 Gbps per port)
• Interface: PCI Express 3.0 x8
• Form factor: Small-form-factor Open Compute Project 3.0 design
• Connectivity: Supports SFP28 optical modules and copper direct-attach cables (DAC)
• Compliance: Open Compute Project (OCP) 3.0 compliant, designed for interoperability with standard data-center switches and servers
• Capabilities: Dual-port 25GBASE connectivity with hardware offloads to maximize CPU efficiency
• Compatibility: Broad driver support for Linux and Windows environments with ongoing software updates

How to Install Broadcom 25Gigabit Ethernet Card

• Power down the server and disconnect all power sources before handling the motherboard or PCIe slots to prevent electrostatic damage.
• Open the chassis, locate an available PCI Express slot compatible with a PCIe x8 card, and remove the slot bracket if necessary to accommodate the card’s form factor.
• Carefully insert the Broadcom BCM957414N4140C into the PCIe x8 slot, applying even pressure until the card is fully seated and aligned with the slot. Re-secure the card with a motherboard spacer screw if required.
• Connect your network cables or SFP28 transceivers/DACs to the two SFP28 ports. Ensure the transceivers are compatible with your switches or fabric and that the DACs meet the desired length and copper specifications.
• Power on the server and install or update the network drivers from Broadcom. Complete any OS-specific setup, including loading the correct NIC driver, configuring interface naming, and applying desired network policies or QoS settings.
• Configure the NIC in your operating system or hypervisor environment (e.g., assign IP addresses, enable SR-IOV instances if needed, set bonding/teaming if applicable) and verify link status and throughput using appropriate network testing tools.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What speeds does this NIC support?

  A: Each port supports up to 25 Gbps, for a total potential bandwidth of 50 Gbps across both ports in optimal conditions. Real-world performance will depend on switch capabilities, cabling, and workload characteristics.

• Q: What connectors are used?

  A: The card provides two SFP28 ports, enabling either optical SFP28 modules for longer reach or copper DACs for short-range connections inside a data center rack.

• Q: Is this card compatible with Open Compute Project (OCP) environments?

  A: Yes. It is designed to conform to the Open Compute Project 3.0 design specification, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of OCP-compliant servers and networking gear.

• Q: Which operating systems are supported?

  A: Broadcom supplies drivers for major Linux distributions and Windows. Always check the latest driver package to ensure compatibility with your kernel version and hypervisor platform.

• Q: Can I use virtualization features like SR-IOV?

  A: Yes. The NIC supports virtualization features such as SR-IOV and NIC partitioning to improve VM density and reduce CPU overhead, depending on driver support and the host environment.

• Q: What should I consider when selecting SFP28 modules or DAC?

  A: Choose modules or DACs that match your latency, distance, and power requirements, and ensure they are rated for 25 Gbps with compatible interfaces on both ends (SFP28). Confirm switch compatibility and firmware support for the chosen transceivers.