Dell 540-BDHQ Dual Port Gigabit Ethernet Card - PCI Express - Broadcom BCM5720 - Low Profile Bracket
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This network adapter utilizes PCI Express host interface technology to deliver full-duplex Gigabit Ethernet connectivity without compromising system performance. The Broadcom BCM5720 controller chip provides hardware-accelerated packet processing, reducing CPU overhead while maintaining consistent network throughput.
Each of the two RJ-45 ports supports auto-negotiation for seamless integration with 10/100/1000 Mbps network equipment. The low profile bracket enables installation in space-constrained server racks and small form factor systems where standard height brackets would not fit.
Relevant factors for this section include Chipset Manufacturer, Chipset Model, Host Interface, Total Number of Ports. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
A strong technical summary explains how the product's interfaces, hardware profile, and operating characteristics work together in real deployment. Buyers often need this context to confirm compatibility with existing devices, expected performance in daily use, and whether installation will be straightforward for IT staff or end users.
Key Product Advantages
The dual-port design maximizes expansion slot efficiency by providing two independent network connections through a single PCI Express slot. This configuration reduces the need for multiple network cards while maintaining separate network paths for traffic segmentation or redundancy.
Server-Grade Reliability
Designed for continuous operation in server environments, the adapter maintains stable connections under sustained network loads with minimal latency variation.
- Broadcom enterprise chipset
- Hardware packet processing
- Server deployment ready
Space-Efficient Design
The low profile bracket accommodates installation in 1U and 2U server chassis as well as compact desktop systems where vertical space is limited.
- Fits compact enclosures
- Standard mounting points
- No full-height bracket required
Deployment / Use Cases
This Gigabit Ethernet card serves as an ideal network expansion solution for servers requiring additional physical network interfaces for VLAN segmentation, network teaming, or separate management and data networks. The dual-port configuration allows administrators to dedicate specific ports to different network functions while conserving expansion slots.
In workstation environments, the adapter enables connectivity to multiple networks simultaneously, such as separate development and production networks or isolated test environments. The low profile design makes it suitable for small form factor workstations and compact server installations where internal space is constrained.
Server Network Expansion
Add dedicated network interfaces for management traffic, backup networks, or application-specific VLANs without consuming multiple expansion slots.
Workstation Multi-Network Access
Connect to corporate networks, development environments, and test networks simultaneously through separate physical interfaces.
What's in the Box
This product ships as a server-grade network adapter ready for installation into compatible systems with available PCI Express slots.
Package contents include Server, Device Supported. These included items support setup, installation, and immediate deployment without needing to source the core bundled accessories separately.
Highlights
- Dual-port Gigabit Ethernet connectivity through single PCI Express slot
- Broadcom BCM5720 chipset for reliable network performance
- 1 Gbit/s maximum data transfer rate with 1000Base-T compatibility
- Low profile bracket fits compact server chassis and small form factor systems
- Two RJ-45 ports support auto-negotiation for 10/100/1000 Mbps networks
- Server deployment ready with hardware-accelerated packet processing
- PCI Express interface minimizes CPU overhead during network operations
- Ideal for network expansion in servers, workstations, and client systems
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Dell Technologies |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 540-BDHQ |
| Brand Name | Dell |
| Product Name | Gigabit Ethernet Card |
| Product Type | Gigabit Ethernet Card |
| Technical Information | |
| Chipset Manufacturer | Broadcom |
| Chipset Model | BCM5720 |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Host Interface | PCI Express |
| Total Number of Ports | 2 |
| Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports | 2 |
| Media & Performance | |
| Maximum Data Transfer Rate | 1 Gbit/s |
| Network & Communication | |
| Network Technology | 1000Base-T |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Bracket Height | Low Profile |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | |
| Device Supported | Server |
FAQ
What type of systems is this network adapter compatible with?
The Dell 540-BDHQ Gigabit Ethernet Card requires a system with an available PCI Express expansion slot. It is compatible with servers, workstations, and desktop computers that support standard PCI Express network adapters. The low profile bracket makes it suitable for compact chassis and rack-mounted servers where space is limited.
How many network ports does this adapter provide?
This adapter provides two independent Gigabit Ethernet ports through a single PCI Express slot. Both ports use standard RJ-45 connectors and support auto-negotiation for connection speeds of 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 1000 Mbps depending on the connected network equipment and cabling.
What is the maximum data transfer rate supported?
The adapter supports a maximum data transfer rate of 1 Gbit/s (1000 Mbps) per port when connected to compatible Gigabit Ethernet network equipment using Category 5e or better twisted-pair cabling. This provides full-duplex Gigabit Ethernet performance for demanding network applications.
What does 'low profile bracket' mean for installation?
The low profile bracket is approximately half the height of standard full-size brackets, allowing the card to fit into compact server chassis, small form factor systems, and rack-mounted equipment with limited vertical clearance. This design is particularly useful for 1U and 2U server installations where space constraints prevent using full-height expansion cards.
What chipset does this network adapter use?
This adapter uses the Broadcom BCM5720 Gigabit Ethernet controller chipset. Broadcom chipsets are widely recognized for their reliability and performance in enterprise networking environments, providing hardware-accelerated packet processing that reduces CPU overhead while maintaining consistent network throughput.
Can this adapter be used in server environments?
Yes, this adapter is designed for server deployment and includes features appropriate for server environments. The Broadcom BCM5720 chipset provides stable performance under continuous operation, and the dual-port configuration allows for network segmentation, redundancy, or separate management interfaces in server applications.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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