Install a SmartNIC in a Server

NT200A02-SCC Installation

Platform
Napatech SmartNIC
Content Type
Hardware Installation Guide

About this task

The SmartNIC is not hot-pluggable.

Procedure

  1. Power off the server, and remove the server cover.
    CAUTION:
    Refer to the server documentation for correct procedure and for safety instructions.
  2. Remove the SmartNIC from the ESD bag.
    CAUTION:
    Observe the ESD precautions detailed in ESD Precautions when handling or placing the SmartNIC on a surface.
  3. Insert the SmartNIC in a vacant PCI Express ×16 connector, ensuring that it sits securely within the PCI Express connector.
  4. If the PCIe slot does not support 75 W, connect the optional auxiliary power connector to an additional power supply outlet (see Optional Auxiliary Power Connector Specifications).
  5. Secure the SmartNIC at the rear end of the server by fastening it at the top of the I/O bracket using the retention mechanism provided in the server, if applicable.
  6. Depending on the SmartNIC configuration, plug in the appropriate pluggable modules:
    • NT200A02-SCC to run at 2 × 100 Gbit/s: Plug in the desired QSFP28 modules.
    • NT200A02-SCC to run at 2 × 40 Gbit/s: Plug in the desired QSFP+ modules.
    • NT200A02-SCC to run at 4 × 25/10 Gbit/s optically: Plug in the desired QSFP28 or QSFP+ module in port 0 and connect a 4 × 25/10 Gbit/s optical breakout cable. For information on available optical breakout cables, see DN-0515 on docs.napatech.com (the Napatech Documentation Portal). For information on a usable optical breakout cassette, see Breakout Cables.
    • NT200A02-SCC to run at 4 × 25/10 Gbit/s electrically: Plug in a QSFP28 100GBASE-CR4 to SFP28 25GBASE-CR electrical breakout cable.
    • NT200A02-SCC to run at 2 × 25/10 Gbit/s: Plug in pluggable module adapters (PMAs) enabling SFP28, SFP+ and SFP modules to be plugged into a QSFP28 port, and then plug in the desired SFP28 or SFP+ modules.
    • NT200A02-SCC to run at 8 × 10 Gbit/s optically: Plug in the desired QSFP+ modules and connect two 4 × 10 Gbit/s optical breakout cables. For information on available optical breakout cables, see DN-0515 on docs.napatech.com (the Napatech Documentation Portal). For information on a usable optical breakout cassette, see Breakout Cables.
    • NT200A02-SCC to run at 8 × 10 Gbit/s electrically: Plug in two QSFP+ 40GBASE-CR4 to SFP+ 10GBASE-CR electrical breakout cables. For information on usable electrical breakout cables, see Breakout Cables.
    • NT200A02-SCC to run at 2 × 10/1 Gbit/s: Plug in pluggable module adapters (PMAs) enabling SFP28, SFP+ and SFP modules to be plugged into a QSFP28 port, and then plug in the desired SFP+ or SFP modules.

    See Plug In a Pluggable Module for more detailed instructions.

  7. Connect a network device via a fiber optic cable to the SmartNIC.
  8. Replace the server cover, and power on.
  9. Install the driver for the SmartNIC.
    For information on installing a Napatech driver, see:
  10. If the default image in the SmartNIC (the image in bank 0) is not the desired image, you must use the --switch command of the imgctrl tool to switch the SmartNIC to image bank 1, if this contains the desired image (see DN-0487). If the desired image is neither in bank 0 nor in bank 1, you must use the --program command of the imgctrl tool to upload the desired image to the SmartNIC (see DN-0487).

Results

The SmartNIC is now ready to operate.