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spark/context/connectivity.md

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id title status source_sections related_topics key_equations key_terms images examples open_questions
connectivity Connectivity and Networking established Web research: Dell product page, WCCFTech, Phoronix, NVIDIA DGX Spark User Guide, ServeTheHome, Jeff Geerling [gb10-superchip multi-unit-stacking physical-specs setup-and-config] [] [usb-c hdmi connectx-7 smartnic qsfp wifi-7 bluetooth displayport-alt-mode 10gbe] [] [] [Can USB-C ports drive multiple displays simultaneously via MST? (Manual says 'Not supported')]

Connectivity and Networking

The Dell Pro Max GB10 provides extensive I/O for a system of its size, including high-speed networking for multi-unit configurations.

NOTE: All ports and connectors are located on the BACK of the computer. The front has no ports. (T0 Spec, Dell Owner's Manual)

Rear Panel Layout (left to right)

  1. Power button
  2. Power-in USB-C port (280W adapter)
  3. Three USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C ports (with DP 1.4a alt-mode, power out)
  4. HDMI 2.1a port
  5. RJ45 10GbE Ethernet port
  6. Two QSFP 200 Gbps ports

1. USB Ports

  • 1x USB Type-C (20 Gbps) — power input port (280W adapter on Dell, 240W on Spark)
  • 3x USB Type-C (20 Gbps) — USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 with DisplayPort 1.4a alt-mode and power out
  • Max resolution per USB-C: 7680 x 4320 at 60 Hz (8K@60) with Type-C to DP adapter (T0 Spec)
  • MST (Multi-Stream Transport): Not supported (T0 Spec, Dell Owner's Manual)
  • Cable recommendation: Connect right to left due to port proximity; use standard cables ≤6.5mm width/thickness (T1, Dell Owner's Manual)

2. Display Output

  • 1x HDMI 2.1a — dedicated display output (T0 Spec, Dell Owner's Manual)
    • Max resolution: 7680 x 4320 at 30 Hz (8K@30) (T0 Spec)
  • USB-C DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode — up to 8K@60 per port (T0 Spec)

Known issue: Some displays have compatibility issues, particularly over USB-C/DisplayPort. If no display appears on USB-C, try HDMI instead. (T1 Documented, NVIDIA DGX Spark User Guide; T2 Confirmed, ServeTheHome)

3. Wired Networking

  • 1x 10 GbE Ethernet (RJ45, Realtek RTL8127-CG controller) — standard network connectivity (T0 Spec)
  • 2x QSFP56 200 Gbps ports — via NVIDIA ConnectX-7 SmartNIC
    • Each port: 4 channels of 56G/50Gbps PAM4 (T0 Spec)
    • Connected via x4 PCIe Gen 5 links (T2, Jeff Geerling)
    • Ethernet configuration only — no InfiniBand (T1 Documented, NVIDIA DGX Spark User Guide)
    • Primary use: multi-unit-stacking for scaling to 2-unit configurations
    • Can be used for general 200GbE networking
    • Real-world throughput: ~106 Gbps single stream, 200+ Gbps with RDMA (T2, Jeff Geerling)

4. Wireless

  • Module: AzureWave AW-EM637 (T0 Spec, Dell Owner's Manual)
  • Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) — also supports 802.11a/b/g, Wi-Fi 4 (n), Wi-Fi 5 (ac), Wi-Fi 6E (ax)
  • Frequency bands: 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz / 6 GHz
  • Max transfer rate: Up to 1000 Mbps
  • Bluetooth 5.4
  • Encryption: 128-bit AES-CCMP, 256-bit AES-GCMP, 256-bit AES-GMAC

5. Port Summary Table

Port Count Speed/Spec Max Resolution / Notes
USB-C (power) 1 20 Gbps 280W PD (Dell) / 240W (Spark)
USB-C (data) 3 20 Gbps Gen2x2 DP 1.4a: 8K@60, power out
HDMI 1 2.1a 8K@30 (7680x4320)
RJ45 Ethernet 1 10 GbE Realtek RTL8127-CG
QSFP56 2 200 Gbps each ConnectX-7, Ethernet only
Wi-Fi 1 Wi-Fi 7 (1 Gbps) AzureWave AW-EM637, 2.4/5/6 GHz
Bluetooth 1 5.4 Paired with Wi-Fi in UEFI

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