# Coding, fit, and qualification.

Editorial revision 2026-11-01 — engineering guidance, not a released model specification.

Three separate questions sit behind a supported connection.

## What identity does the host see?

Record the requested identity/coding profile separately from the module's hardware and firmware. A readable identity is useful identification evidence; it does not establish the entire link's operating envelope.

## Does the specification fit?

Compare package, electrical lanes, optical interface, protocol, power and temperature requirements with the exact model. Keep required host settings attached to that comparison.

## What was actually qualified?

A useful qualification record identifies the host model, software, module revision, operating mode and scope of the result. Vendor compatibility material can be specific to a firmware release. It cannot establish qualification of a WBN product that it does not name.

In practice / Worked example

## Three records. Three different conclusions.

A readable module identity and an operational link answer different questions. Preserve the evidence behind each conclusion.

| Record | Evidence to retain | What it supports |
| Coding | Reported identity and requested profile | The host reads the intended identity |
| Specification fit | Package, interfaces, permitted power and temperature | Documented requirements have been compared |
| Qualification | Host, software, module revision, settings, traffic and errors | That configuration passed the stated test |
A readable identity cannot fill an empty qualification record. NVIDIA’s ConnectX-6 firmware 20.38.1002 reference lists specific cable part numbers by supported rate; preserve that release and part-number context. This worksheet is an editorial evidence structure, not a NVIDIA test procedure or a WBN test result.

Source: NVIDIA · ConnectX-6 Firmware Compatible Products ↗ Firmware 20.38.1002 · version-specific compatibility tables

## Before you specify

- Identity requested

- Specification conditions satisfied

- Exact host/software/model evidence

## Sources & scope

General engineering guidance. External examples describe their own products and do not establish WBN availability or qualification.

- Firmware compatible products ↗ NVIDIA · ConnectX-6 · firmware 20.38.1002

Source: NVIDIA · ConnectX-6 Firmware Compatible Products ↗ — https://networking-docs.nvidia.com/connectx6fwrn/20381002/firmware-compatible-products
Source: Firmware compatible products ↗ — https://networking-docs.nvidia.com/connectx6fwrn/20381002/firmware-compatible-products