Intel® Ethernet Network Adapter XXV710-DA2 — Dual-Port 25GbE Performance for Modern Data Centers

The Intel® Ethernet Network Adapter XXV710-DA2 delivers exceptional 25GbE performance with backwards compatibility to 1GbE and 10GbE, making migration to higher speeds seamless for growing data centers, hyper-converged environments, and server-scale applications. As a member of the Intel® Ethernet 700 Series, the XXV710-DA2 combines reliable, high-throughput networking with robust offloads and virtualization features designed to optimize traffic for virtualization, storage, and compute-intensive workloads. Built to handle dense, latency-sensitive workloads, this dual-port adapter is a versatile foundation for modern data centers that demand both speed and stability.

• Blazing-fast 25GbE dual-port performance: Two independent 25GbE ports (SFP28) provide aggregated bandwidth for demanding workloads such as NVMe over Fabrics, scale-out storage, and high-performance computing, while preserving headroom for future growth.
• Backward compatibility for seamless migrations: Automatically negotiates to 1GbE or 10GbE when required, enabling gradual upgrades across servers without replacing existing cabling or infrastructure.
• Advanced offloads for efficiency and latency reduction: Hardware acceleration for receive/transmit operations, virtualization offloads (SR-IOV and VM Direct Path support), and traffic steering to minimize CPU overhead and maximize throughput.
• Intelligent traffic management with Flow Director: Intel® Ethernet Flow Director dynamically directs inbound traffic to the appropriate VM or container, improving latency, reducing jitter, and boosting overall performance in multi-tenant environments.
• Comprehensive OS and driver support for flexible deployments: Broad driver availability across Windows, Linux, and VMware environments with ongoing Intel updates, ensuring compatibility with your preferred management stack and hypervisor.

Technical Details of Intel® Ethernet Network Adapter XXV710-DA2

• Ports: 2 x 25GbE SFP28 ports for fiber connectivity.
• Interface: PCIe 3.0 x8, suitable for standard servers and high-density racks.
• Form Factor: Flexible deployment in full-height or low-profile server slots to suit various chassis designs.
• Speed and compatibility: Native 25GbE with backward compatibility to 1GbE/10GbE to ease migration paths.
• Virtualization support: SR-IOV and VM Direct Path availability to optimize virtual machine performance and efficiency.
• Traffic management: Intel® Ethernet Flow Director for dynamic, workload-aware traffic steering and improved multi-tenant performance.
• Management and drivers: Comprehensive driver and software support across major operating systems, with Intel-provided utilities for configuration and monitoring.
• Security and reliability: Enterprise-grade reliability features and industry-standard security considerations typical of Intel Ethernet hardware.

how to install Intel® Ethernet Network Adapter XXV710-DA2

Installing the XXV710-DA2 is straightforward in a compatible server. Follow these general steps to ensure proper operation and optimal performance:

1) Power down the server and unplug the power sources to prevent static discharge or accidental damage. Ground yourself to minimize electrostatic risk.

2) Locate an available PCIe 3.0 x8 or higher slot in the server chassis. If you’re deploying in a dense blade or short-depth system, ensure you have adequate clearance for the low-profile form factor and any adjacent devices.

3) Insert the XXV710-DA2 securely into the PCIe slot. Confirm that the card is fully seated and the retention mechanism is engaged. If your server supports hot-plug, you may install without powering down, but consult your platform’s guidelines first.

4) Connect the networking cables to the appropriate SFP28 ports. Use compatible 25GbE optical transceivers or DAC (Direct Attach Cable) assemblies, depending on your data-center fabric requirements and distance.

5) Power on the server and enter the operating system. Install or update the Intel® Ethernet driver package from Intel’s official site or your platform’s hardware repository. This includes management utilities such as Intel PROSet for Windows or the Linux driver package for Linux-based systems.

6) Configure the adapter using the appropriate network management tools. Enable Link Aggregation if needed, set up SR-IOV peers for virtual machines, or adjust Flow Director rules to optimize traffic for your workloads.

7) Validate connectivity and performance with baseline tests. Confirm link status, negotiated speed, and duplex settings. Run throughput and latency tests to verify that 25GbE performance meets your SLAs. If any issues arise, consult the Intel support resources or your system integrator for guidance.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What speeds does the XXV710-DA2 support?
  A: The adapter provides 25GbE connectivity on each of its two ports, with full backward compatibility to 1GbE and 10GbE as negotiated by the link partner and driver support.
• Q: Which cable types are supported?
  A: The XXV710-DA2 uses SFP28 connectors. Use compatible 25GbE optical transceivers for fiber or Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables, depending on your distance and infrastructure.
• Q: What virtualization features are supported?
  A: The adapter supports virtualization offloads such as SR-IOV and VM Direct Path, enabling efficient PCIe pass-through and multi-tenant VM performance in virtualized environments.
• Q: Is there Windows and Linux driver support?
  A: Yes. Intel provides drivers and management utilities for Windows, Linux, and VMware environments, with ongoing updates to improve performance and security.
• Q: Can I use this adapter in a high-density rack without changing existing cabling?
  A: Yes. Its backward compatibility to 1GbE/10GbE helps simplify migrations. However, to take full advantage of 25GbE, plan for 25GbE-capable switches and SFP28 optics or DAC cables.