Cisco Broadcom 5709 Quad Port 1Gb w/TOE iSCSI for M3 Servers

The Cisco Broadcom 5709 Quad Port 1Gb w/TOE iSCSI for M3 Servers is a purpose-built converged networking solution crafted for modern data centers. Powered by the Broadcom NetXtreme II 5709 architecture, this Gigabit Ethernet server adapter delivers high-throughput networking while simultaneously offloading storage tasks, enabling a single, streamlined path for both data and storage traffic. Designed to meet the demands of virtualized environments, databases, and dense storage deployments, the 5709 card brings together four 1 Gbps Ethernet ports with advanced offload capabilities to reduce CPU overhead, boost throughput, and improve latency. Built for M3 server platforms, it integrates smoothly with enterprise networks and management ecosystems, providing predictable performance and enhanced reliability for a wide range of workloads. By converging networking and storage onto a single NIC, administrators gain more flexible network topology options, simplified cabling, and improved efficiency in rack deployments. Whether you’re consolidating NAS/SAN traffic, running multi-tenant virtual machines, or aligning with storage-area networking best practices, the Cisco Broadcom 5709 Quad Port card is engineered to help you maximize throughput while minimizing processing overhead and hardware complexity.

• Quad-port versatility: Four independent 1 Gb Ethernet ports enable flexible network segmentation, NIC teaming, and scalable bandwidth to support virtualization, clustering, and high-traffic workloads without sacrificing control over traffic separation.
• TOE iSCSI acceleration: The integrated TCP Offload Engine offloads storage protocol processing, reducing CPU utilization and enhancing iSCSI efficiency for databases, backups, and virtual machine storage paths.
• Converged network design: A true C-NIC solution that blends convergence of data and storage networking on standard Ethernet, delivering streamlined cabling, simplified management, and improved resource utilization in data centers.
• NetXtreme II reliability: Leveraging the proven NetXtreme II architecture, this adapter delivers robust driver support, compatibility with leading operating systems, and steady performance under virtualization and cloud workloads.
• Optimized for M3 servers: Engineered to integrate with Cisco and Broadcom ecosystems, helping IT teams accelerate deployment in enterprise racks and hyperscale environments while maintaining compatibility with common management tools and workflows.

Technical Details of Cisco Broadcom 5709 Quad Port 1Gb w/TOE iSCSI for M3 Servers

• Technical specifications are provided in the official ec.synnex catalog for this product. Please refer to the UPC/SKU reference in that catalog to view exact port counts, speeds, driver compatibility, and supported operating systems.

how to install Cisco Broadcom 5709 Quad Port 1Gb w/TOE iSCSI for M3 Servers

Preparing your server for installation ensures a smooth, disruption-free deployment. Follow these general steps to install and configure the adapter on an M3 server:

• Power down the server, unplug all cables, and open the chassis to access the PCIe slots.
• Identify a suitable PCIe slot that meets your server’s motherboard and expansion card specifications. Ensure there is sufficient clearance for the card and adequate airflow around the slot.
• Insert the Broadcom 5709 Quad Port card firmly into the PCIe slot until it seats fully. Secure the card with a chassis screw to the PCIe bracket to prevent movement.
• Reconnect power and all data cables, then close the chassis. Power on the server and enter the operating system or hypervisor boot process.
• Install or update the NetXtreme II drivers and management utilities from the vendor’s website or your OS repository. A reboot may be required to initialize the hardware properly.
• Open the network management tools in your OS. Configure the four 1 GbE ports as needed—either as separate NICs, bonded interfaces, or part of a virtual switch. If you plan to use iSCSI storage, enable the TOE offload feature and verify that storage traffic is properly routed to the intended NICs.
• Set up NIC teaming or virtualization networking (if applicable) to optimize throughput and fault tolerance. Validate connectivity by testing ping, throughput, and iSCSI performance using appropriate diagnostic tools and your storage array’s management software.
• Document the configuration, including port mappings, VLAN assignments, and any custom offload settings, to facilitate future maintenance and troubleshooting.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is TOE iSCSI and why would I enable it on this adapter?
  A: TOE stands for TCP Offload Engine. It offloads iSCSI protocol processing from the host CPU to the NIC, reducing CPU cycles used for storage traffic and improving overall storage throughput and efficiency for demanding workloads.
• Q: How many ports does this adapter provide and what speed are they?
  A: The card provides four independent 1 Gb Ethernet ports, suitable for 1 Gbps networks and storage traffic paths when combined with NIC teaming or VLAN configurations.
• Q: Is this adapter compatible with M3 servers?
  A: Yes. The Cisco Broadcom 5709 Quad Port card is designed for M3 server platforms and is intended to integrate with common enterprise hardware ecosystems and management tooling.
• Q: What workloads benefit most from a converged NIC like this?
  A: Virtualized environments, databases, backups, and storage-heavy workloads benefit from reduced CPU overhead, faster storage I/O, and simplified cabling and management when networking and storage traffic share the same NICs.
• Q: Do I need special drivers or software?
  A: Yes. Install the NetXtreme II drivers and management utilities. Compatibility with major operating systems and virtualization platforms is supported, but always verify driver versions against your OS and hypervisor version.