Dell D7N7W Intel X520-DA2 Ethernet Converged Network Adapter.

Overview of the Dell D7N7W Intel X520-DA2 Network Adapter

The Dell D7N7W Intel X520-DA2 is a high-performance, dual-port SFP+ network adapter designed to enhance server connectivity. Built on Intel's X520 Ethernet controller technology, this PCI Express 2.0 x8 card delivers reliable 10Gbps Ethernet performance, making it an ideal choice for enterprise servers, data centers, and virtualized environments. Its robust design and advanced features ensure efficient data transfer, reduced latency, and optimized performance for demanding applications.

Key Features and Benefits

This network adapter is engineered with features that cater to businesses requiring fast and reliable networking capabilities. Here are some key aspects:

Dual SFP+ Ports

Equipped with two SFP+ ports, the Dell D7N7W supports high-speed 10Gbps Ethernet connections. These ports allow for versatile configurations, including load balancing and failover, ensuring minimal downtime and improved reliability. The dual-port design is perfect for environments with high bandwidth demands, such as virtualization and big data analytics.

PCI Express 2.0 x8 Interface

The PCIe 2.0 x8 interface ensures seamless integration with compatible servers. It provides the necessary bandwidth to support 10Gbps connections without bottlenecks, maximizing the adapter's potential. This interface is backward compatible with PCIe 1.0, enhancing its versatility across various server architectures.

Intel Virtualization Technology for Connectivity (VT-c)

Intel VT-c enhances virtualization efficiency by offloading network-related tasks from the server CPU. This feature allows for improved throughput, reduced CPU utilization, and better support for virtual machines. The Dell D7N7W is an excellent choice for businesses embracing virtualized infrastructure.

Advanced Networking Features

Additional networking capabilities include VLAN tagging, jumbo frames, and network teaming. These features enhance flexibility, improve data transmission efficiency, and enable seamless integration into existing network infrastructures.

Applications and Use Cases

The Dell D7N7W Intel X520-DA2 is versatile, catering to various industries and applications that demand high-speed connectivity. Here are some common use cases:

Data Centers

Data centers require robust and high-performance networking solutions to handle massive data traffic. The Dell D7N7W's dual-port 10Gbps capability ensures reliable and fast data transfer, meeting the needs of modern data center environments.

Cloud Computing

With the growing adoption of cloud-based services, network adapters like the Dell D7N7W play a crucial role. Its ability to handle high-bandwidth tasks makes it suitable for private and hybrid cloud infrastructures, ensuring seamless connectivity and scalability.

Enterprise Virtualization

Virtualized environments demand networking hardware that can efficiently manage multiple virtual machines. The Dell D7N7W's virtualization-friendly features, such as SR-IOV and Intel VT-c, optimize virtual network performance, enabling better resource allocation and reduced latency.

Big Data and High-Performance Computing (HPC)

Organizations leveraging big data or HPC require uninterrupted and fast data exchange. The 10Gbps speed of the Dell D7N7W ensures quick data access, making it a valuable asset for such demanding applications.

Technical Specifications

A detailed breakdown of the Dell D7N7W Intel X520-DA2's technical specifications highlights its capabilities and compatibility with various systems:

Hardware Specifications

• Controller: Intel X520
• Ports: 2 x SFP+
• Interface: PCIe 2.0 x8
• Speed: 10Gbps per port
• Compatibility: Supports standard and low-profile brackets

Supported Operating Systems

The adapter is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, ensuring flexibility and ease of deployment:

• Windows Server
• Linux Distributions
• VMware ESXi
• FreeBSD

Driver Support

Drivers for the Dell D7N7W are readily available, simplifying installation and configuration. Intel's robust driver ecosystem ensures regular updates and compatibility with the latest server platforms.

Performance and Efficiency

The Dell D7N7W is designed for maximum performance and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for businesses prioritizing high-speed networking. Here are some performance-focused highlights:

Low Latency

With support for advanced networking protocols and offloading capabilities, the adapter minimizes latency, delivering faster data access and better overall performance.

Power Efficiency

The Dell D7N7W is engineered with power efficiency in mind. Its energy-saving features reduce operational costs without compromising performance, making it an eco-friendly option for modern enterprises.

Advanced Error Handling

Features like link aggregation and failover support enhance reliability and error handling, ensuring uninterrupted network operations even in challenging conditions.

Installation and Compatibility

The Dell D7N7W Intel X520-DA2 is user-friendly and compatible with various server configurations:

Easy Installation

The adapter includes both standard and low-profile brackets, ensuring compatibility with different server chassis sizes. The PCIe interface allows for straightforward installation and integration.

Broad Compatibility

Designed to work seamlessly with a wide range of servers and network switches, the Dell D7N7W adapts to diverse enterprise networking environments. Its support for multiple OS platforms further enhances its versatility.

Integration with Existing Networks

The adapter supports standard networking protocols, making it easy to integrate into existing IT infrastructures without requiring significant modifications.

Maintenance and Support

The Dell D7N7W comes with excellent maintenance and support options, ensuring long-term reliability:

Warranty Coverage

Most units come with a warranty, providing peace of mind and support in case of hardware issues.

Firmware and Driver Updates

Regular updates from Intel and Dell ensure the adapter remains compatible with the latest server environments and applications.

Technical Support

Businesses can rely on Dell’s extensive support network for troubleshooting and assistance, ensuring minimal downtime.