Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X520-DA2

TheIntel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X520-DA2 with SFP+ Direct AttachCopper connectivity is the most flexible and scalable Ethernet adapter for today's data center environments. Increasing deployments of servers with multi-core processors and demanding applications such as High Performance Computing (HPC), database clusters, and video on demand, create the need for connections up to 10 Gbps.

If you need a flexible and scalable I/O solution to meet the rigorous demands ofmission-critical applications in a virtualized and unified environment, the Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X520-DA2 is here!

The best choice for virtualisation

The Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X520-DA2 offers the best network performance available in its field, whether the physical port is configured in emulation mode using the Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) virtual switch, or is directly assigned to a virtual machine (VM). In emulation mode, Intel I/O Virtual Machine Device Queues (VMDq) technology optimises network performance by offloading the sorting and copying of data from the Virtual Switch software in the VMM to the embedded Intel Ethernet 82599 10Gbps controller. This solution is best suited for configurations with a large number of VMs running standard applications with limited bandwidth and latency requirements.

For mission-critical applications where a dedicated I/O process is required for maximum performance, you can assign a dedicated virtual adapter to a VM. Using the PCI-SIG-SR-IOV of the Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X520-DA2, direct connectivity to the VM can be created while ensuring data protection between VMs. SR-IOV technology allows data to bypass the virtual switch software and provide near-native performance. It assigns either physical or virtual I/O ports directly to VMs. This technology is best suited for applications requiring the highest level of I/O and lowest latency, such as databases, storage or financial applications.

PCI-SIG SR-IOV

PCI-SIG SR-IOV is a mechanism for systems to advertise their ability to be directly assigned to multiple VMs. Thus, SR-IOV allows the partitioning of a PCI Express slot into multiple interfaces in order to share PCIe bus resources in a virtual environment. These virtual interfaces are called Virtual Functions. Each Virtual Function can manage a separate and unique data bus with its associated I/O within the PCIe hierarchy. Using this system allows, for example, the bandwidth of a single interface to be partitioned between multiple VMs.

Fiber Channel over Ethernet (FCoE)

FCoE encapsulates fibre frames on the standard Ethernet network, allowing fibre to benefit from 10GbE networks while preserving its native protocol. The Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X520-DA2 provides FCoE hardware acceleration to deliver performance comparable to FC HBAs. It also supports Data Center Bridging, also known as Converged Enhanced Ethernet (CEE), which will allow you to configure traffic classes and priorities to provide a lossless Ethernet network. The Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X520-DA2 reduces your TCO by eliminating redundant network elements and eliminating the need to purchase expensive FC HBAs and FC switches.

iSCSI

This adapter provides full compatibility with native and VMM iSCSI initiators and iSCSI boot. Historically, CRC32C calculations have been a drag on system performance, but now with the CRC instruction set included in the latest Intel Xeon processors, CRC validation is still possible with minimal impact on the network and still guarantees superior data integrity.

Security Optimisations

The Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X520-DA2 supports IPsec Offload for Microsoft Network Access Protection (NAP), Active Directory, and future Windows 7 security features. This allows you to run your network securely without sacrificing performance.

Key Features :

• SFP+ Direct Attached Twin Axial Cabling up to 10m
• Suitable for multi-core processors: MSI-X, CPU Load Balancing, Intel DCA, IPsec Offload, MacSec
• Optimised virtualisation: VMDq, PC-SIG SR-IOV, VLMB, Advanced Packet Filtering, up to 4096 VLAN tags
• Easy management: PXE, SNMP, RMON, iSCSI remote Boot, Watchdog Timer, Intel PROSet
• Power consumption between 4.3W and 7W
• Operating temperature from 0°C to 55°C
• Low-profile card on PCI Express 2.0 8xbus