Dell Broadcom 57142 2x10GBe SFP+ 2x1GBe RJ45 Network Daughter Card

Overview

The Dell NWMNX is a network daughter card designed to expand connectivity within compatible Dell servers by providing two 10-Gigabit SFP+ ports and two 1-Gigabit RJ45 ports. This card installs directly onto the server motherboard, allowing high-speed fiber or copper connections without occupying a full-height PCIe slot. It is ideal for environments that require a mix of fast data transfer and standard Ethernet connections while preserving expansion slots for other components.

Equipped with the Broadcom 57142 controller, the card supports load balancing and failover to maintain network traffic flow even during cable or port failures. This makes it a reliable choice for virtualization hosts, database servers, and clustered applications that demand continuous uptime.

Key features

• Two 10-Gigabit SFP+ ports support fiber transceivers or passive twinax cables, enabling flexible high-speed network connections.
• Two 1-Gigabit RJ45 ports provide standard Ethernet connectivity for management networks or backup links.
• Daughter card form factor installs inside Dell servers, freeing up PCIe slots for storage or GPU expansion.
• Load balancing and failover capabilities enhance network redundancy and reduce downtime risks.
• Broadcom 57142 controller ensures compatibility and driver support across Windows Server, VMware ESXi, and major Linux distributions.
• Compact design reduces cabling complexity and power consumption in dense rack or edge deployments.

Key specs

• Network controller: Broadcom 57142
• Ports: 2 x 10-Gigabit SFP+, 2 x 1-Gigabit RJ45
• Form factor: Daughter card for internal server motherboard slot
• Supported link types: Fiber transceivers, passive twinax cables, copper Ethernet
• Compatibility: Dell servers with designated internal slot
• Driver support: Dell and Broadcom drivers for Windows Server, VMware ESXi, Linux

Connectivity and compatibility

This card offers a versatile combination of ports to meet diverse networking needs. The 10-Gigabit SFP+ ports connect to modern top-of-rack switches using fiber or direct attach copper cables, providing high bandwidth for critical workloads. Meanwhile, the 1-Gigabit RJ45 ports handle routine Ethernet traffic, such as management or backup networks, without requiring additional hardware.

• Supports fiber optic and copper connections for flexible network design
• Integrates seamlessly with Dell server backplane harness for easy installation
• Compatible with common server operating systems and virtualization platforms

Installation and setup

Installing the Dell NWMNX is straightforward due to its daughter card design. It slides into a dedicated internal slot on supported Dell servers and secures with included screws. Connecting to the server backplane harness completes the setup, minimizing external cabling and preserving PCIe slots for other expansions. Firmware and driver updates are readily available from Dell and Broadcom, ensuring smooth integration and reliable operation.

Ideal uses and environments

This network daughter card suits data centers, remote sites, and edge environments where space and slot availability are limited. It supports high-density rack configurations and hyperconverged infrastructure by providing essential network ports without compromising expansion options. IT teams managing virtualization, database servers, or clustered applications will find its load balancing and failover features particularly valuable for maintaining uptime and performance.