Dell 5720 Dual Port 1GbE BASE-T PCIe Adapter

The Dell 540-BBGY is a dual port 1 GbE BASE-T PCIe adapter that equips a server with two independent RJ-45 connections for 10, 100, or 1000 Mbps networking. Built around the Broadcom BCM5720 controller, it delivers up to 1 Gbps of bandwidth per port through a PCI Express interface, giving administrators a simple way to increase throughput or split traffic across separate networks. Because it uses standard copper cabling and follows IEEE 802.3 protocols, the card integrates easily into existing Cat5e or Cat6 infrastructure without forcing a change to switches or cabling.

The adapter is a practical choice for PowerEdge hosts running virtualization, where one port can carry storage traffic while the other handles user sessions to keep workloads isolated and responsive. In branch offices, the two ports enable link redundancy; if one cable or switch fails, the second line keeps critical services online. Data centers that want extra gigabit capacity without the expense of a 10 GbE upgrade can deploy multiple 5720 adapters and scale bandwidth incrementally.

Installation is straightforward. The card uses a full-height bracket that fits standard server chassis, and Dell validation means it works seamlessly with iDRAC, Lifecycle Controller, and the major operating systems certified for Dell hardware. Once in place, drivers load automatically in current Windows Server and popular Linux distributions, so the adapter is ready for production with minimal configuration. The result is reliable, server-grade Ethernet connectivity that lets IT teams focus on applications rather than network links.

• Two RJ-45 ports, each supporting data rates up to 1 Gbps
• PCI Express interface for high-bandwidth system integration
• Broadcom BCM5720 controller designed for efficiency and stability
• Compliance with IEEE 802.3 standards for 10 Mb, 100 Mb, and 1000 Mb Ethernet
• Full-height form factor compatible with most Dell PowerEdge servers