HPE BCM5719 Ethernet 1Gb 4-port BASE-T Adapter

Overview

The HPE P51178-B21 is a network adapter designed to add four 1Gb Ethernet ports to your server through a PCIe Gen2 x4 interface. It is built to enhance wired network connectivity in HPE Gen10 servers such as the ProLiant DL360, DL380, and Apollo 4200 Gen10. This adapter supports PXE boot and both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, making it a solid choice for data centers and enterprise environments that require stable and efficient network performance.

Equipped with the Broadcom BCM5719 chipset, it optimizes data transfer with features like TCP segmentation offload and Receive Side Scaling, which reduce CPU load during heavy network traffic. Its standard plug-in card form factor and moderate power consumption of 5.78 watts allow for straightforward integration without major hardware changes.

Key features

• Four 1Gb Ethernet ports with RJ-45 connectors provide multiple reliable network connections for servers.
• PCI Express 2.0 x4 interface ensures consistent and efficient data transfer speeds suitable for demanding workloads.
• Supports PXE boot and UEFI firmware, enabling flexible network boot options for streamlined server management.
• Compatibility with both IPv4 and IPv6 networks allows seamless integration into modern network infrastructures.
• TCP segmentation offload and Receive Side Scaling improve network efficiency by reducing CPU overhead during data transfers.
• Built-in root-of-trust firmware verification enhances security by confirming the authenticity of the adapter’s firmware.
• Standard plug-in card design simplifies installation and fits easily into existing server configurations.
• Power consumption balanced at 5.78 watts to maintain performance without excessive energy use.

Key specs

• Network ports: 4 x 1Gb Ethernet (RJ-45)
• Interface: PCI Express 2.0 x4
• Chipset: Broadcom BCM5719
• Power consumption: 5.78 watts
• Supported protocols: IPv4, IPv6
• Boot support: PXE boot, UEFI firmware
• Form factor: Standard plug-in card

Connectivity and compatibility

This adapter is designed specifically for HPE Gen10 servers, including popular models like the ProLiant DL360, DL380, and Apollo 4200 Gen10. Its four RJ-45 Ethernet ports provide wired connections that fit well in environments requiring multiple network links or redundancy. The support for both IPv4 and IPv6 ensures it works with current and future network protocols, while PXE boot capability allows network-based server startup, which is useful for remote management and deployment.

Performance and reliability

By offloading TCP segmentation and distributing network processing across multiple CPU cores with Receive Side Scaling, this adapter helps maintain high throughput without overloading the server’s processor. The root-of-trust firmware verification adds a security layer that protects against firmware tampering, which is critical in enterprise and data center environments. Its moderate power draw keeps operational costs in check while delivering consistent network performance.

Ideal uses and environments

This network adapter fits well in data centers, enterprise server rooms, and hybrid cloud setups where reliable 1Gb Ethernet connectivity is essential. It supports everyday server workloads, data streaming, and network boot scenarios, making it a practical choice for IT professionals who need to expand network capacity without adding complexity. Its compatibility with HPE Gen10 servers ensures it integrates smoothly into existing infrastructure.