Description
Intel 25Gigabit Ethernet Card
The Intel e810-xxvda2, OCP3.0 interlock NIC is engineered for modern data centers, cloud deployments, and enterprise server environments that demand high-throughput, low-latency networking. As a member of Intel’s 25 Gigabit Ethernet family, this card delivers the speed needed to power dense virtualized workloads, large-scale storage replication, and real-time analytics while maintaining reliability, security, and easy manageability in demanding 24/7 operations. Built to fit into OCP 3.0 backplanes and designed with an interlock mechanism for secure installation, it provides a forward-looking networking solution that scales with your infrastructure needs.
- Ultra-fast 25GbE performance for data-intensive workloads – Elevate throughput for modern data-center tasks such as virtualization, containerized microservices, AI/ML workloads, real-time analytics, and high-speed storage replication. The card focuses on line-rate efficiency to minimize bottlenecks, enabling more concurrent connections and smoother operation under heavy traffic. With 25 Gbps of usable bandwidth, you gain headroom for peak hours, multi-tenant environments, and future growth without sacrificing latency or responsiveness.
- OCP 3.0 form factor with secure interlock – Specifically designed for next-generation servers, the OCP 3.0 footprint offers plug-in flexibility and dense rack deployment. The interlock mechanism provides secure retention and reliable backplane engagement, helping ensure stable performance in high-density server chassis and spinning racks. This form factor supports simplified serviceability, rapid field upgrades, and consistent installation across a broad ecosystem of compatible servers and enclosures.
- Advanced networking offloads for virtualization and security – Engineered to reduce CPU overhead, this NIC provides hardware offloads and features that accelerate virtualized environments, multi-tenant clouds, and network security workloads. Expect support for large receive/transmit offloads, RSS for balanced CPU processing, SR-IOV and virtualization-ready capabilities, and other offload features that improve latency, throughput, and CPU efficiency. These capabilities enable higher VM density, faster container networking, and more predictable performance under mixed workloads.
- Broad OS and driver support for enterprise stability – Intel’s software ecosystem ensures compatibility across major operating systems and hypervisors. With ongoing driver and firmware updates from Intel, administrators can manage networking reliability, apply security patches quickly, and minimize downtime during upgrades. The card is designed to integrate smoothly with Linux distributions, Windows Server environments, and common virtualization platforms, helping IT teams maintain consistent performance and streamlined management.
- Reliability, manageability, and long‑term value – Built for enterprise-grade reliability, the Intel 25GbE NIC emphasizes durability, extensive validation, and a long product lifecycle. Expect robust quality assurance, solid thermal behavior in dense server configurations, and support pathways that help protect your investment as workloads evolve. IT teams benefit from predictable maintenance windows, fewer driver conflicts, and easier asset management throughout the card’s lifespan.
Technical Details of Intel 25Gigabit Ethernet Card
- Data rate: 25 Gigabits per second (25GbE) Ethernet connectivity designed for high-throughput workloads.
- Form factor: OCP 3.0 compliant NIC variant (e810-xxvda2) with interlock for secure backplane integration.
- Host interface: PCIe-based connection to the server motherboard, enabling fast data paths between CPU, memory, and peripherals.
- Target environments: Optimized for data centers, cloud servers, virtualization hosts, and HPC clusters requiring scalable network performance.
- Key capabilities: Hardware-assisted offloads, multi-queue support, and enterprise-grade reliability features designed to improve throughput and reduce CPU load in multi-tenant and mixed-workload deployments.
How to install Intel 25Gigabit Ethernet Card
- Power down the server and unplug it from the electrical supply. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge before handling internal components.
- Open the chassis and locate a compatible OCP 3.0 slot suitable for the Intel e810-xxvda2 card. Verify that the slot and backplane are compatible with the NIC’s interlock mechanism.
- Remove any existing NIC or upgrade module if replacement is required. Ensure the chassis backplane connectors align with the NIC’s interface and that the module seating is secure.
- Insert the Intel 25GbE card into the OCP 3.0 slot until it seats firmly. Engage the interlock latch to secure the card in place according to your chassis’ design.
- Connect any required backplane cables or mezzanine connections as specified by your server and NIC documentation. Ensure cables are fully seated and not under stress.
- Power on the server. Enter the BIOS/UEFI to confirm that the new NIC is detected and that the slot is enabled. Configure any necessary PCIe slot settings or PCIe Gen support if prompted by the platform.
- Install the appropriate drivers and firmware. Obtain the latest Intel drivers from the official Intel website or your OS vendor repository. Install, reboot if required, and verify the NIC appears in the system’s network interfaces.
- Configure networking in the operating system, including IP addressing, VLANs, and any offload or virtualization settings (SR-IOV, RSS, etc.) as needed for your workload. Validate performance with benchmark tools and ensure line-rate traffic is achieved under test conditions.
- Monitor the NIC for stability and performance, updating firmware as new releases are provided by Intel to maintain security and feature parity with evolving workloads.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Intel 25Gigabit Ethernet Card used for? It is designed to provide high-speed 25GbE connectivity for servers in data centers, cloud environments, and enterprise networks. It targets workloads that require large bandwidth and low latency, such as virtualization, storage replication, analytics, and HPC.
What is OCP 3.0 interlock? OCP 3.0 is a standardized open-backplane form factor for NICs, aiming to simplify integration into compatible servers. The interlock feature is a retention mechanism that ensures secure and stable attachment in dense server configurations, reducing the risk of disconnects during operation.
Which operating systems are supported? Intel provides drivers and software for major operating systems, including Linux distributions and Windows Server, with support extended to common virtualization platforms. Always verify compatibility with your specific OS version and hypervisor before deployment.
Do I need to update firmware before use? Yes. For best performance and security, install the latest NIC firmware and drivers from Intel or your OS vendor. Regular firmware updates help protect against vulnerabilities and ensure compatibility with evolving workloads.
What kind of workloads benefit most from this card? Environments that benefit include multi-tenant cloud servers, virtualization hosts, high-performance computing clusters, databases with heavy I/O, real-time analytics, and large-scale storage replication. The 25GbE bandwidth and advanced offloads are particularly valuable when traffic patterns are bandwidth-intensive or latency-sensitive.
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