Intel X520-SR2 Server Adapter, 10GBPS Ethernet, 2 Ports, PCI Express 2.0 X8

Product Overview of the X520-SR2 Network Adapter

Device Specifications

• Part Number: X520-SR2
• Manufacturer: Intel
• Type: Network Adapter - Dual Port
• Form Factor: Low Profile Plug-in Card
• Bus Interface: PCI Express 2.0 x8

Networking Capabilities

• Connectivity: Wired
• Cabling Standard: Ethernet 10GBase-SR
• Data Link Protocols: Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• Maximum Data Transfer Rate: 10 Gbps
• Network Protocols: TCP/IP, UDP/IP, IPsec
• Remote Management: SNMP, RMON
• Status Indicators: Link Activity, Port Speed

Advanced Features

• Virtual LAN Support: VLAN Stacking
• Virtual Machine Optimization: Virtual Machine Device Queues (VMDQ)
• Compliance Standards: IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.1Q, IEEE 802.3ad (LACP)

Expansion and Connectivity

• Network Interfaces: 2 x 10GBase-SR Ethernet Ports - LC Multi-mode
• Compatible Slots: 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x8

Product Highlights

• Enhanced network performance with dual-port connectivity
• Low-profile design for compact installations
• High-speed data transfer up to 10 Gbps
• Versatile support for various networking protocols

Technical Specifications

• Data Link Protocol: Supports both Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet standards
• Advanced management features including SNMP and RMON
• Compliance with industry standards for reliable operation

Compatibility 

• Fits into PCI Express 2.0 x8 slots
• Compatible with LC Multi-mode fiber for efficient data transfer

Ports

The Intel X520-SR2 Server Adapter is equipped with two ports, making it an ideal choice for users who require multiple connections. With two ports, this adapter allows for increased flexibility and improved network performance. Whether you are running a small business or managing a large data center, having two ports can significantly enhance your network capabilities.

Increased Connectivity

Having two ports means that you can connect to multiple networks simultaneously. This is particularly useful in scenarios where you need to separate traffic or create redundant connections for failover protection. By having two independent ports, you can ensure that your network remains operational even if one port experiences a failure.

Additionally, the two ports on the Intel X520-SR2 Server Adapter allow for more efficient load balancing. You can distribute network traffic across both ports, preventing bottlenecks and ensuring optimal performance. This is especially important in high-traffic environments where a single port may become overwhelmed.

Improved Network Performance

The dual-port design of the Intel X520-SR2 Server Adapter enables link aggregation, also known as bonding or teaming. Link aggregation combines the bandwidth of both ports into a single virtual connection, effectively doubling the throughput. This results in faster data transfer speeds and improved overall network performance.

Furthermore, with two ports, you have the option to configure them for different purposes. For example, you can dedicate one port for client connections and the other for server connections. This segregation helps optimize network traffic and ensures that critical operations are not impacted by other activities on the network.

Redundancy and Failover

Redundancy is crucial in any network setup to minimize downtime and maintain uninterrupted operations. Having two ports on the Intel X520-SR2 Server Adapter allows for built-in redundancy and failover capabilities. In the event of a port failure, the traffic can automatically switch to the remaining functional port, ensuring continuous network connectivity.

This redundancy is particularly important in mission-critical environments, such as financial institutions or healthcare facilities, where any downtime can have severe consequences. By utilizing the dual-port feature of this server adapter, you can ensure that your network remains resilient and reliable.

Future-Proofing

Investing in a server adapter with two ports is a wise decision for future-proofing your network infrastructure. As technology advances and the demand for bandwidth increases, having multiple ports will allow you to accommodate higher data volumes without requiring additional hardware upgrades.

By choosing the Intel X520-SR2 Server Adapter with its dual-port capability, you are ensuring that your network is ready to handle future growth and increased data demands. This scalability is essential for businesses looking to stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Interface

The Intel X520-SR2 Server Adapter features a PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface, providing users with a high-speed and reliable connection to their servers. The interface is an integral part of the adapter and plays a crucial role in determining its performance and compatibility.

High-Speed Data Transfer

The PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface offers significant advantages in terms of data transfer speeds. With a theoretical maximum bandwidth of 5 gigabits per second per lane, this interface provides a total throughput of up to 40 gigabits per second when all eight lanes are utilized.

This high-speed interface is particularly beneficial in environments that require large data transfers or real-time streaming applications. Whether you are transferring large files or handling high-resolution media content, the Intel X520-SR2 Server Adapter's interface ensures that data moves swiftly and efficiently.

Compatibility and Scalability

The PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface is widely supported by modern server architectures, making the Intel X520-SR2 Server Adapter compatible with a wide range of server models. This compatibility ensures that you can seamlessly integrate the adapter into your existing infrastructure without any compatibility issues.

Furthermore, the PCI Express standard is highly scalable, allowing for future expansion. As newer server models with higher lane counts become available, you can easily upgrade your infrastructure without needing to replace the entire adapter. This scalability helps protect your investment and ensures that your network can adapt to changing business needs.

Low Latency and Enhanced Performance

The Intel X520-SR2 Server Adapter's PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface offers low latency, minimizing the delay in data transmission. Low latency is crucial in applications where real-time data processing is required, such as online gaming, financial trading, or scientific simulations.

Additionally, the interface provides enhanced performance by reducing CPU overhead. The direct connection between the adapter and the server's PCIe bus allows for efficient data transfer without burdening the server's processor. This results in improved overall system performance and better utilization of server resources.

Speed

The Intel X520-SR2 Server Adapter boasts a blazing-fast speed of 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) Ethernet. This high-speed capability enables users to handle bandwidth-intensive applications and ensures that their network can keep up with demanding workloads.

Rapid Data Transfer

The 10Gbps Ethernet speed offered by the Intel X520-SR2 Server Adapter allows for swift data transfer, enabling users to transmit large files or stream high-definition media with ease. Whether you are transferring terabytes of data or handling real-time video conferencing, this adapter ensures that your network can handle the bandwidth requirements without any bottlenecks.

Improved Work Efficiency

The fast speed of the Intel X520-SR2 Server Adapter enhances work efficiency by reducing data transfer times. Large files can be transferred in a fraction of the time compared to traditional Gigabit Ethernet connections. This increased efficiency translates into improved productivity, as users spend less time waiting for data transfers to complete.

Future-Proof Investment

Investing in a server adapter with 10Gbps Ethernet speed is a forward-thinking decision. As more and more applications and services require high-bandwidth connections, having a 10Gbps adapter ensures that your network is prepared for future growth.

Furthermore, with the proliferation of cloud computing and virtualization technologies, having a high-speed adapter like the Intel X520-SR2 Server Adapter is essential for maximizing the performance of virtualized environments. Virtual machines can leverage the full bandwidth offered by the adapter, resulting in faster data access and smoother overall operations.

In conclusion, the Intel X520-SR2 Server Adapter's dual-port design, PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface, and 10Gbps Ethernet speed provide users with numerous benefits and advantages. The dual ports offer increased connectivity, improved network performance, redundancy, and future-proofing capabilities. The PCI Express interface ensures high-speed data transfer, compatibility, scalability, low latency, and enhanced performance. The 10Gbps Ethernet speed enables rapid data transfer, improved work efficiency, and future-proof investment. By choosing the Intel X520-SR2 Server Adapter, users can optimize their network infrastructure and meet the demands of modern applications and workloads.