BCM5720-2PBLK

Overview

The Broadcom BCM5720-2PBLK is a dual-port 1GbE Ethernet server adapter based on the BCM5720 controller. It utilizes an x1 PCI Express v2.0 (5 GT/s) bus interface and provides 10/100/1000 Mbps data rates per port in each direction. The hardware features RJ-45 connectors and adheres to a low profile form factor measuring 4.3 inches by 2.7 inches. Operating temperature ranges from 0°C to 55°C, with storage capability between -40°C and 65°C. The unit supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az), VLAN tagging (IEEE 802.1q), and advanced offloads including TCP segmentation and IPv4/IPv6 processing.

Feature Summary

• Delivers full line-rate performance across all ports for high-transaction environments
• Reduces power consumption by up to 42% through Energy Efficient Ethernet standards
• Optimizes virtualization with support for VMware NetQueue and Microsoft VMQ technologies
• Supports I/O virtualization with dedicated receive and transmit queues per port

Applications

• Enterprise data center rack and tower servers
• High-transaction environments requiring small packet performance
• Multi-processor systems utilizing x86 and x64 architectures

Procurement Notes

Verify that the specific procurement requirement matches the bulk packaging configuration indicated by the BLK suffix. Confirm compatibility with existing PCIe slots and operating system versions prior to deployment. Ensure physical clearance exists within the server chassis for the low-profile bracket design. Validate firmware availability for the target hypervisor environment.

Selection Notes

Select this adapter when deploying dual-port Gigabit connectivity in standard enterprise servers. It is suitable for workloads demanding reduced CPU overhead via MSI-X interrupts and Receive Side Scaling. Consider this model for environments prioritizing energy efficiency alongside robust virtualization support. Verify that the host system supports the required PCIe generation and management software integration.

Part Context

This component belongs to the NetXtreme BCM5720 series of Ethernet controllers designed for enterprise networking. The BCM5720-2PBLK specifically denotes the bulk packaging variant containing ten units, whereas the single-unit version carries the BCM5720-2P designation. Both variants share identical technical specifications and hardware architecture.

Replacement Considerations

Public confirmed substitute part numbers are not available in the provided documentation.