Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter

Overview

The Intel X710DA4FHBLK is a converged network adapter designed to deliver four independent Ethernet ports, each supporting speeds of 10 GbE or 1 GbE. It connects via a PCIe 3.0 slot, providing a high-bandwidth link to your server and enabling efficient handling of virtualization, cloud workloads, and storage traffic. This adapter is built to maintain reliable throughput while minimizing CPU load, making it a strong choice for data centers and enterprise environments that require predictable network performance.

Key features

• Four Ethernet ports that can operate at either 10 GbE or 1 GbE, offering flexible network speed options.
• PCIe 3.0 interface ensures a direct and fast connection to the host system for high data transfer rates.
• Intel Ethernet Controller XL710-BM1 efficiently manages packet processing to reduce CPU overhead.
• Supports Virtual Machine Device Queues to offload network traffic handling from the CPU, improving overall system responsiveness.
• Flexible Port Partitioning allows precise bandwidth allocation to individual virtual machines or tenant networks, enhancing resource control.
• On-chip Quality of Service and traffic management features help maintain application responsiveness even under heavy network load.
• Intel Data Direct I/O Technology accelerates data movement to processor caches, reducing latency for sensitive applications.
• Compatible with SFP+ Direct Attached Twin Axial cables up to 10 meters, simplifying top-of-rack or in-chassis connections.
• Full-height bracket included for easy installation in standard rack-mount servers without modification.
• Supports Intel Virtualization Technology to enhance connectivity and performance in virtualized environments.

Key specs

• Ports: 4 independent Ethernet ports
• Speed: 10 GbE or 1 GbE per port
• Interface: PCIe 3.0
• Controller: Intel Ethernet Controller XL710-BM1
• Cable compatibility: SFP+ Direct Attached Twin Axial cables up to 10 meters
• Bracket: Full-height preinstalled

Connectivity and compatibility

This adapter fits seamlessly into servers with available PCIe 3.0 slots and supports standard SFP+ Direct Attached Twin Axial cables, which are common in data center environments. Its full-height bracket ensures compatibility with most rack-mount servers, making it straightforward to upgrade existing infrastructure. The support for Intel Virtualization Technology means it integrates well with virtualized platforms, providing enhanced network performance for virtual machines.

Performance and reliability

Designed to handle demanding workloads, the adapter’s Intel Ethernet Controller XL710-BM1 optimizes packet processing to reduce CPU usage, which is critical for maintaining server performance under heavy network traffic. Features like Virtual Machine Device Queues and Flexible Port Partitioning provide fine-grained control over network resources, ensuring that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need. The built-in Quality of Service and traffic management maintain smooth operation even when multiple workloads share the same physical links.

Ideal uses and environments

This network adapter is well suited to enterprise data centers, private cloud expansions, and software-defined storage clusters where high throughput and low latency are essential. It supports consolidating multiple virtual machines on fewer hosts by providing the necessary bandwidth and traffic shaping tools. IT administrators managing virtualized environments or storage networks will find this adapter a reliable component for maintaining predictable network performance and user satisfaction.