NVIDIA Mellanox MBF1L332A-AFCAT BlueField-1 SmartNIC: This is a BlueField-1-class SmartNIC / data processing unit (DPU) combining a ConnectX-class network controller with an integrated ARM-based SoC for offloading networking, storage, and security workloads from the host CPU. It provides 25GbE Ethernet across Dual SFP28 ports. This is a network adapter with onboard programmable cores; it is not a passive NIC, not a switch, and not an accelerator-only card. Hardware crypto acceleration is enabled on this unit, supporting IPsec/TLS offload pipelines. This is a refurbished unit.
Engineering Context
The MBF1L332A-AFCAT integrates a ARM-based BlueField-1 SoC, Onboard DDR, and a PCIe Gen3.0/4.0 x8 host interface. The dual Dual SFP28 interface supports Ethernet. As a BlueField-1 DPU, it can isolate infrastructure functions (overlay networking, NVMe-oF, firewalling, telemetry) on its embedded cores while the host CPU runs application workloads. The card requires a host slot delivering the full PCIe lane width and adequate airflow; the embedded SoC adds thermal load beyond a passive ConnectX adapter.
Deployment & Use Cases
Bare-metal cloud and multi-tenant infrastructure where east-west traffic is offloaded from the hypervisor. NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF) target and initiator acceleration. Software-defined networking with OVS hardware offload, VXLAN/Geneve tunneling, and connection tracking. Inline storage encryption and host-isolated security appliances. Ethernet-only data center fabrics built on Spectrum or compatible 100GbE switching.
Technical Specifications
- OEM: NVIDIA Mellanox
- Part Number (MPN): MBF1L332A-AFCAT
- Family: BlueField-1 SmartNIC / DPU
- Network Interface: Dual SFP28
- Data Rate / Protocol: Ethernet
- Embedded Processor: ARM-based BlueField-1 SoC
- Memory: Onboard DDR
- Host Interface: PCIe Gen3.0/4.0 x8
- Hardware Crypto Engine: Enabled
- Form Factor: Half-Height Half-Length plug-in card with tall bracket
- Condition: Refurbished — Tested by T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
Compatibility & Hard Constraints
Requires a host server with a PCIe Gen3.0/4.0 x8 slot of equivalent or greater capability and supported airflow direction. Compatible with NVIDIA DOCA software framework and NVIDIA OFED/MLNX_OFED drivers on supported Linux distributions. This SKU operates in Ethernet mode; it is not intended for InfiniBand-only fabrics. Crypto-enabled SKU; verify that customer security policy permits the included crypto engine in the destination region. Optical or copper modules and cables are not included.
Why Choose T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS specializes in refurbished NVIDIA Mellanox networking hardware. Each BlueField-1 unit is functionally tested for link training, host enumeration, and basic offload paths before shipment. Handling time is 1–3 business days, with global tracked shipping and pre-sales compatibility consultation available at tes-itsolutions.com.