540-BBHO: Dell Broadcom 5720 Quad Port 1GbE BASE-T Network Daughter Card (rNDC)
Also listed as: 01D88N, 1D88N, BCM5720-RNDC, BCM95720 · made by Broadcom
The Dell 540-BBHO is a Dell Broadcom 5720 Quad Port 1GbE BASE-T Network Daughter Card (rNDC) delivering 1GbE network connectivity across 4x 1GbE RJ45 via Dell Proprietary rNDC Connector. Built with Broadcom controller architecture, the 540-BBHO provides hardware offload acceleration and virtualization support for R740, R740XD, R640, R730 enterprise servers.
Specifications
| Part number | 540-BBHO |
|---|---|
| Brand | Dell |
| Made by | Broadcom |
| Type | Network adapters |
| Other numbers | 01D88N, 1D88N, BCM5720-RNDC, BCM95720 |
| Status | current |
| Interface | Dell Proprietary rNDC Connector |
| Form factor | Rack Network Daughter Card (rNDC) |
| Ports | 4x 1GbE RJ45 |
| Speed | 1GbE |
| Tdp (W) | 5 |
About the 540-BBHO
The Dell 540-BBHO is a Dell Broadcom 5720 Quad Port 1GbE BASE-T Network Daughter Card (rNDC) engineered to deliver 1GbE network transmission across 4x 1GbE RJ45 over Dell Proprietary rNDC Connector. Powered by Broadcom controller architecture on the 540-BBHO, it executes hardware-level protocol processing, RoCE, and SR-IOV virtualization while maintaining a thermal envelope of approximately 5W. In Dell's networking portfolio, 540-BBHO provides dedicated high-bandwidth fabric connectivity for clustered virtualization, network storage, and enterprise database hosts.
Compatibility
Engineered for Dell PowerEdge servers including R740, R740XD, R640, R730, the 540-BBHO mounts directly into Rack Network Daughter Card (rNDC) locations. The 540-BBHO installs into a standard Dell Proprietary rNDC Connector expansion riser slot with matching bracket profile. Cabling the 540-BBHO requires 1GbE-rated media, including direct attach copper twinaxial assemblies, optical transceivers, or patch leads matched to its physical ports. Supported operating systems on the 540-BBHO include VMware ESXi, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and Windows Server with native Dell drivers.
How to identify a genuine unit
Authentic Dell 540-BBHO units carry an identification label displaying DP/N 01D88N and Broadcom model code BCM5720-RNDC along with Dell regulatory marks. In iDRAC Network Devices inventory, the card registers under part number 540-BBHO with active link state, port MAC addresses, negotiated speed, and certified Dell firmware. Onboard physical indicators on the 540-BBHO provide link status and port activity monitoring.
Buying used
When purchasing a pre-owned 540-BBHO, examine the gold edge connector fingers for scratches, peeling contacts, or missing surface-mount capacitors. Ensure that the 540-BBHO PCIe mounting bracket (low-profile or full-height) is intact and properly aligned for chassis installation. Validate in iDRAC Lifecycle Controller that the 540-BBHO is recognized with certified Dell firmware and passes diagnostics under sustained 1GbE network traffic.
Fits these models
Check compatibility with Dell
Before you buy, confirm the exact configuration against the vendor's own lists: firmware levels, operating systems, adapters and optics that Dell has tested with the Dell 540-BBHO.
- Compatibility Dell E-Lab Navigator (storage and SAN interoperability) (free vendor sign-in)
- Support Dell Support: drivers, manuals and service tag lookup
Equivalent part numbers
- Broadcom BCM5720-4P Broadcom BCM5720 controller OEM base
Buying or selling 540-BBHO?
New, refurbished or used. Tell us the quantity and condition and we connect you with a vetted reseller in your region, usually within one working day.
Sources
- Dell Broadcom 5720 Quad Port rNDC Specifications, checked 2026-10-27