---
id: connectivity
title: "Connectivity and Networking"
status: established
source_sections: "Web research: Dell product page, WCCFTech, Phoronix, NVIDIA DGX Spark User Guide, ServeTheHome, Jeff Geerling"
related_topics: [gb10-superchip, multi-unit-stacking, physical-specs, setup-and-config]
key_equations: []
key_terms: [usb-c, hdmi, connectx-7, smartnic, qsfp, wifi-7, bluetooth, displayport-alt-mode, 10gbe]
images: []
examples: []
open_questions:
  - "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           |

## Key Relationships

- Enables: [[multi-unit-stacking]]
- Setup guide: [[setup-and-config]]
- Physical port locations: [[physical-specs]]