So far Intel is opting not to support TCP offload engines (TOEs) or remote direct memory access (RDMA) widely seen as significant parts of the future for Ethernet. However it did bake into its latest chip a feature being broadly debated in Ethernet circles, a pre-standard version of congestion management.

In terms of media support, Intel is now evaluating physical layer chips for long-reach copper connections from two startups, believed to be Solarflare and Teranetics. Intel plans to ship early next year networking cards using its latest controller for 10GBase-T networks that carry signals up to 100 meters. The cost and power consumption of the 10GBase-T physical layer chips likely will make that technology a relatively small part of the market for the next couple years, Intel said.

The 31x31 mm controller consumes 4.8W average and 6.5W peak. It is Intel's first new 10 Gbit part in four years. Intel was early to market with 10G Ethernet, but its first controller supports the aging PCI-X bus.

By: DocMemory
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