Intel optimises Ethernet for next-generation servers

By Simon Aughton

Posted on 24 Jul 2007 at 13:40

Intel has introduced two new Ethernet controllers designed to optimise the performance of Xeon processor-based server systems and virtualised datacentres.

The chip maker says that its 82598 and Intel 82575 Ethernet controllers enable high traffic flow and optimise I/O by distributing workloads across all available processing cores to reduce utilisation and achieve optimal system performance.

The Intel 82598 10 Gigabit Ethernet Controller provides energy-efficient, dual-port, PCI Express-based 10GbE connectivity to handle high-speed interconnects. The 82575 Gigabit Ethernet Controller offers the same features at 1GbE connectivity and is designed for use in Intel's next-generation low-profile, quad-port server adapters.

"We introduced our first Ethernet controller 25 years ago, and today continue with our leadership with our second generation 10GbE controller," says Tom Swinford, general manager of Intel's LAN Access Division. "Our new low-power, high-performance, dual port 10GbE controller doubles past connectivity to better meet the ever-increasing server traffic loads of LAN and Ethernet Storage."

The 82598 controller provides dual-port 10GbE at an average of just 4.8W, a response to the energy efficiency requirements of dense computing environments, AdvancedTCA and embedded platforms.

Intel is also working with Microsoft and Cisco as well as server vendors, to validate the new controllers for future systems.