Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X550-T2 – 10GbE PCIe Card with Virtualization Support

The Intel® Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X550-T2 is a versatile and cost-effective solution designed to bring 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity to your data center infrastructure. Leveraging PCIe 3.0 technology with up to 8.0GT/s, this plug-in card offers high-speed network performance suitable for demanding server environments. Its single-chip design integrates MAC and PHY components, reducing power consumption and simplifying deployment, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking efficient and reliable network upgrades.

Supporting backward compatibility with 1000BASE-T networks and standard CAT6a cabling with RJ45 connectors, the X550-T2 allows seamless integration into existing network architectures. Its flexibility extends to cabling reach, supporting distances from 1 meter up to 100 meters over copper cabling, accommodating various data center layouts such as Top of Rack, Middle of Row, and End of Row configurations. This adaptability ensures a straightforward transition to 10GbE while minimizing infrastructure changes and costs.

The adapter's advanced virtualization features include Intel® VT-c technology, which enhances server resource management by providing I/O virtualization, Quality of Service (QoS), and virtual bridging support. It enables efficient VM traffic handling through VMDq and SR-IOV, reducing I/O bottlenecks and delivering near-native performance. Additionally, the adapter supports multiple virtual port partitions—up to 64—facilitating flexible network segmentation and management for virtualized environments. The inclusion of VxLAN and NVGRE offloads further optimizes overlay network performance, ensuring high throughput for virtualized applications.

Designed for both physical and virtual server deployments, the Intel® Ethernet Adapter X550-T2 combines low cost and power efficiency with enterprise-grade features. Its full-height and low-profile form factors ensure compatibility with a wide range of server chassis. Packaged with a low-profile bracket, this adapter is ready for various installation requirements. With its robust feature set, the X550-T2 delivers reliable, scalable, and high-performance connectivity, making it a critical component for modern data centers aiming to adopt virtualization, network virtualization, and high-speed Ethernet technologies.

Features:

• PCIe 3.0 with up to 8.0GT/s for high-speed data transfer

• Single-chip solution with integrated MAC and PHY for reduced power consumption

• Supports up to 64 virtual ports for flexible I/O virtualization and QoS

• Provides 10GbE performance over standard CAT6a cabling with RJ45 connectors

• Backward compatible with existing 1000BASE-T networks for seamless integration

• Supports NBASE-T technology (2.5 and 5GbE over CAT5e) for extended reach

• Advanced virtualization features including VMDq and SR-IOV for optimized VM I/O handling

• Supports network virtualization protocols such as VxLAN and NVGRE for overlay networks

• Designed for server environments with full-height and low-profile form factors

• Environmentally friendly with low power consumption