Intel PCIe 4.0 x16 - QSFP28 x 2 Ethernet Network Adapter

Overview

The Intel E810CQDA2 is a high-performance network adapter designed for servers requiring robust data throughput and flexible connectivity. It fits into a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and features two QSFP28 ports, each capable of delivering up to 100 Gb Ethernet speeds. This adapter is ideal for environments handling cloud workloads, AI training, and large-scale storage clusters, offering versatile speed options and support for both copper and fiber cabling.

Key features

• Two QSFP28 ports provide up to 100 Gb Ethernet per port, supporting high-bandwidth applications.
• Selectable speeds of 100, 50, 25, or 10 Gb per port allow for flexible network configurations and cost management.
• PCIe 4.0 x16 interface maximizes data transfer rates between the adapter and host system.
• RDMA support with iWARP and RoCEv2 reduces CPU load and latency, enhancing performance for microservices and clustered databases.
• Dynamic Device Personalization adjusts packet processing dynamically to optimize efficiency for diverse protocols like storage over Ethernet and 5G user-plane data.
• Hardware-assisted virtualization, including SR-IOV, enables dedicated network resources for virtual machines and containers, improving throughput predictability.
• Compatibility with both copper and fiber QSFP28 cables offers deployment flexibility and future-proofing for network infrastructure.
• Includes full-height and low-profile brackets for straightforward installation in a variety of server chassis.
• IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol support ensures precise clock synchronization for distributed applications such as financial trading and media production.

Key specs

• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x16
• Ports: 2 x QSFP28
• Maximum speed per port: 100 Gb Ethernet
• Supported speeds: 100, 50, 25, 10 Gb Ethernet
• RDMA protocols: iWARP and RoCEv2
• Virtualization: Hardware-assisted with SR-IOV
• Cabling support: Copper and fiber QSFP28
• Time synchronization: IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol
• Form factors: Full-height and low-profile brackets included

Connectivity and compatibility

This adapter connects through a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, ensuring high bandwidth between the network card and the server motherboard. The dual QSFP28 ports support both copper and fiber optic cables, allowing integration with existing network infrastructure or new deployments. Its broad speed range accommodates mixed-bandwidth environments, making it suitable for data centers with varying performance needs.

Performance and reliability

Designed to handle demanding workloads, the adapter’s RDMA capabilities reduce CPU overhead and latency, which is critical for applications requiring fast data exchange such as AI training and storage clusters. Dynamic Device Personalization enhances packet processing efficiency, adapting to live traffic patterns. Hardware-assisted virtualization supports high VM density, ensuring consistent network performance across virtualized environments.

Installation and setup

Installation is simplified by the inclusion of both full-height and low-profile brackets, allowing the card to fit standard and compact server chassis. The plug-and-play design minimizes setup time, while support for IEEE 1588 ensures that time-sensitive applications maintain synchronization across distributed systems without additional configuration.

Ideal uses and environments

The Intel E810CQDA2 is well suited to data centers and enterprise servers that require scalable, high-speed networking. It fits well in setups focused on cloud computing, AI workloads, and large-scale storage solutions. Network architects will appreciate its flexibility in speed and cabling options, making it a strong choice for environments that demand both performance and adaptability.