Dell 5720 Dual Port 1GbE BASE-T PCIe Adapter

Overview

The Dell 540-BBGY is a dual port 1 GbE BASE-T PCIe adapter designed to provide reliable and efficient network connectivity for servers. It features two independent RJ-45 ports capable of delivering up to 1 Gbps per port, making it suitable for environments that require stable gigabit Ethernet connections. Built around the Broadcom BCM5720 controller, this adapter supports 10, 100, and 1000 Mbps speeds over standard copper cabling, allowing seamless integration into existing Cat5e or Cat6 network infrastructures without the need for costly upgrades.

This adapter is well suited for PowerEdge servers running virtualization workloads, enabling traffic segregation by dedicating one port to storage and the other to user sessions. It also supports link redundancy in branch offices, ensuring continuous network availability if one connection fails. The card’s compatibility with Dell’s iDRAC and Lifecycle Controller, along with automatic driver support in major operating systems, simplifies installation and management for IT teams.

Key features

• Two RJ-45 ports that provide independent 1 Gbps connections for flexible network configurations
• PCI Express interface that delivers high-bandwidth integration with server systems
• Broadcom BCM5720 controller optimized for stable and efficient network performance
• Compliance with IEEE 802.3 standards ensures compatibility with 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet networks
• Full-height form factor designed to fit standard Dell PowerEdge server chassis without modification
• Supports link redundancy to maintain network uptime in case of cable or switch failure
• Automatic driver loading on current Windows Server and popular Linux distributions reduces setup time
• Validated by Dell for seamless operation with server management tools like iDRAC and Lifecycle Controller

Key specs

• Controller: Broadcom BCM5720
• Ports: 2 x RJ-45
• Data rates: 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) per port
• Interface: PCI Express
• Form factor: Full-height bracket
• Standards: IEEE 802.3 Ethernet compliance

Connectivity and compatibility

This adapter integrates easily into existing network environments using standard copper cabling, supporting Cat5e and Cat6 cables without requiring changes to switches or infrastructure. It is compatible with Dell PowerEdge servers and works smoothly with Dell’s server management software, ensuring reliable network performance in enterprise and data center settings.

• Supports standard RJ-45 Ethernet connections for widespread compatibility
• Works with Dell iDRAC and Lifecycle Controller for enhanced server management
• Drivers included for major operating systems, including Windows Server and Linux distributions

Installation and setup

Installation is straightforward thanks to the full-height bracket that fits most Dell server chassis. The adapter is validated by Dell to ensure compatibility and ease of use, with drivers that load automatically on supported operating systems. This reduces downtime and allows IT staff to deploy the adapter quickly without complex configuration.

Ideal uses and environments

This dual port gigabit adapter is a strong choice for data centers and branch offices that need to increase network capacity without upgrading to 10 GbE. It works well in virtualized server environments where traffic separation improves performance and security. Additionally, its link redundancy capabilities make it suitable for critical applications that require continuous network availability.