Broadcom BCM957412N4120C Dual-Port 10 Gb/s Ethernet PCI Express 3.0 x8 OCP 3.0 SFF Network Adapter

The Broadcom BCM957412N4120C is a high-performance dual-port 10 Gb/s Ethernet PCI Express 3.0 x8 network adapter designed for the Open Compute Project (OCP) 3.0 Design Specification. Built for modern data centers, enterprise servers, and cloud infrastructures, this compact card delivers scalable, dependable connectivity with two SFP+ network connectors. It supports both SFP+ optical modules and copper Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables, offering flexible, cost-efficient options for a wide range of topologies—from fiber-rich fabric to copper-based leaf-spine networks. The PCIe 3.0 x8 host interface provides ample bandwidth to handle parallel 10 Gb/s links, virtualization workloads, and high-demand storage networking while maintaining low latency and efficient CPU utilization. By aligning with the OCP 3.0 standard, this adapter emphasizes open, interoperable hardware that fits into diverse compute ecosystems and supports future-ready networking technology.

• Dual-port 10 Gb/s Ethernet with PCIe 3.0 x8 host interface: Delivers two independent 10 Gb/s links to maximize throughput and enable effective NIC teaming, link aggregation, and redundant network paths, all while preserving PCIe bandwidth for other server components.
• Open Compute Project (OCP) 3.0 design specification: Built to a standardized, modular design that favors interoperability across data centers and hyperscale environments, simplifying procurement, maintenance, and future upgrades across multi-vendor hardware ecosystems.
• SFP+ connectivity with flexible optics and copper support: Equipped with two SFP+ ports that accommodate a broad ecosystem of transceivers, allowing deployment with SFP+ optical modules for long-reach fiber or copper Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables for cost-effective, short-reach connections.
• Small form factor designed for dense deployments: Optimized for compact server configurations and blade systems, delivering robust 10 Gb/s Ethernet performance without occupying excessive rack space, and enabling higher port density in data centers and edge deployments.
• Broad OS and driver ecosystem for reliable operation: Backed by Broadcom’s mature driver and firmware support, this adapter integrates with major operating systems and virtualization platforms, promoting stable performance, easier management, and compatibility with common network features like VLANs and multi-queue configurations.

Technical Details of Broadcom Dual-Port 10 Gb/s Ethernet PCI Express 3.0 x8 OCP 3.0 SFF Network Adapter

• Product name: Broadcom BCM957412N4120C
• Ports: 2 x SFP+ ports for 10 Gb/s Ethernet connectivity
• Interface: PCI Express 3.0 x8 host interface
• Design standard: Open Compute Project (OCP) 3.0 Design Specification
• Form factor: Small form factor with two SFP+ connectors
• Connectivity options: Supports SFP+ optical modules and copper Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables
• Application environments: Data centers, server racks, cloud infrastructure, high-performance computing clusters
• Driver and software support: Broadcom driver suite compatible with major Linux distributions, Windows Server, and common virtualization platforms

How to install Broadcom Dual-Port 10 Gb/s Ethernet PCI Express 3.0 x8 OCP 3.0 SFF Network Adapter

Installing the BCM957412N4120C is straightforward in a compatible server with an available PCIe slot. Begin by powering down the system and disconnecting power. Remove the server chassis cover to access the motherboard and PCIe slots. Select an available PCIe x8 slot, or a PCIe slot that can accommodate the card’s x8 interface, and insert the adapter firmly into the slot until seated. Secure the card with the appropriate retention mechanism or screw if required by the chassis. Next, connect the network interfaces using two SFP+ transceivers or copper Direct Attach Copper cables, choosing the configuration that matches your topology—fiber for longer distances or DAC for short-reach, cost-efficient deployments. Reassemble the chassis, reconnect power, and boot the system. Once the OS is up, install the Broadcom driver package appropriate for your operating system from the official Broadcom/Broadcom-supported repository or your vendor’s driver catalog. After installation, reboot if prompted and verify the NIC appears in the network interface list. In Linux environments, you can use standard networking utilities to configure VLANs, bonding or NIC teaming, and routing policies. For virtualization platforms, ensure the NIC is exposed to the hypervisor and included in any virtual switch or network fabric configuration. Regularly check for firmware and driver updates from Broadcom to maintain compatibility and performance optimizations as new features become available.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What speeds does the BCM957412N4120C support?
  A: Each of the two ports supports up to 10 Gb/s, offering a total potential bandwidth of up to 20 Gb/s across the card depending on configuration, traffic patterns, and link aggregation settings.
• Q: What connectivity options are supported?
  A: The card supports two SFP+ connectors and is compatible with both SFP+ optical modules and copper Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables, enabling flexible deployment across fiber and copper networks.
• Q: Which operating systems and virtualization platforms are supported?
  A: Broadcom provides driver support for major Linux distributions, Windows Server, and popular virtualization platforms such as VMware ESXi, Hyper-V, and KVM, ensuring broad compatibility for diverse data-center environments.
• Q: Is this card suitable for Open Compute Project (OCP) environments?
  A: Yes. The BCM957412N4120C is designed to align with the OCP 3.0 specification, delivering open, standardized design principles that enable interoperable deployments within OCP-based data centers and hardware ecosystems.
• Q: What makes this adapter a good choice for dense server configurations?
  A: Its small form factor with dual 10 Gb/s ports delivers essential high-speed connectivity in a compact footprint, helping maximize rack density while still providing scalable, flexible networking options through SFP+ modularity and broad driver support.
• Q: Can I use NIC teaming or link aggregation with this adapter?
  A: Yes. The dual 10 Gb/s ports are designed to work with NIC teaming and link aggregation configurations, enabling higher aggregate bandwidth and improved fault tolerance for critical workloads.