Intel
®
Ethernet Adapters and Devices
User Guide
Release 25.1
April 12, 2020
2
Overview
Welcome to the User Guide for Intel® Ethernet Adapters and devices. This guide covers hardware and software
installation, setup procedures, and troubleshooting tips for Intel network adapters, connections, and other devices.
Installing the Network Adapter
If you are installing a network adapter, follow this procedure from step 1.
If you are upgrading the driver software, start with step 5 .
NOTE: If you update the firmware, you must update the driver software to the same family version.
1. Make sure that you are installing the latest driver software for your adapter. Visit Intel's support website to
download the latest drivers.
2. Review system requirements.
3. Insert the adapter(s) in the computer.
4. Attach the copper or fiber network cable(s).
5. Install the driver.
6. For Windows systems, install the Intel® PROSet software.
If you have any problems with basic installation, see Troubleshooting.
You can now set up advanced features, if necessary. The available features and the configuration process varies with
the adapter and your operating system.
Intended Audience
This document is intended for information technology professionals with a high level of knowledge, experience, and
competency in Ethernet networking technology.
Related Documentation
Document Description Location
readme.txt Release-specific information, important notes, and known issues. Root folder of software
download package
license.pdf Licenses pertaining to this software release. Root folder of software
download package
Autorun.exe Executable that launches the software package installer, which also
provides links to the user guide and release notes.
Root folder of software
download package
Overview
3
Before You Begin
Supported Devices
For help identifying your network device and finding supported devices, click the link below:
http://www.intel.com/support
Compatibility Notes
Devices based on the Intel Ethernet Controller XL710 (4x10 GbE, 1x40 GbE, 2x40 GbE) have an expected total
throughput for the entire device of 40 Gb/s in each direction.
The first port of Intel® Ethernet Controller 700 Series based adapters will display the correct branding string. All other
ports on the same device will display a generic branding string.
In order for an Intel® Ethernet Controller 700 Series based adapter to reach its full potential, you must install it in a
PCIe Gen3 x8 slot. Installing it in a shorter slot, or a Gen2 or Gen1 slot, will limit the throughput of the adapter.
Some older Intel® Ethernet Adapters do not have full software support for the most recent versions of Microsoft
Windows*. Many older Intel Ethernet Adapters have base drivers supplied by Microsoft Windows. Lists of supported
devices per OS are available at http://www.intel.com/support/go/network/adapter/nicoscomp.htm
Supported Operating Systems
Some older Intel® Ethernet Adapters do not have full software support for the most recent versions of Microsoft
Windows*. Many older Intel Ethernet Adapters have base drivers supplied by Microsoft Windows. Lists of supported
devices per OS are available at http://www.intel.com/support/go/network/adapter/nicoscomp.htm
Supported 32-bit Operating Systems
NOTES:
l Microsoft* Windows* 32-bit operating systems are only supported on Intel 1GbE Ethernet Adapters.
All adapters support 32-bit versions of Linux* and FreeBSD*.
l Release 25.0 is the last release that supports Microsoft* Windows* 7 and Microsoft* Windows
Server* 2008 R2.
Basic software and drivers are supported on the following operating systems:
l SunSoft* Solaris* (drivers and support are provided by the operating system vendor)
Advanced software and drivers are supported on the following operating systems:
l Microsoft* Windows* 10, Version 1903
l Microsoft Windows 10, Version 1809
l Microsoft Windows 10
l Microsoft Windows 8.1
l Linux*, v2.4 kernel or higher
l FreeBSD*
Overview
4
Supported Intel® 64 Architecture Operating Systems
l Microsoft* Windows* 10, Version 1903
l Microsoft Windows 10, Version 1809
l Microsoft Windows 10
l Microsoft Windows 8.1
l Microsoft* Windows Server* 2019, Version 1903
l Microsoft Windows Server 2019
l Microsoft Windows Server 2016
l Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2
l Microsoft Windows Server 2012
l VMWare* ESXi* 7.0
l VMWare* ESXi* 6.7
l VMWare* ESXi* 6.5 U1
l VMWare ESXi 6.0
l Ubuntu* 16.04 LTS
l Red Hat* Linux*
l Novell* SUSE* Linux
l FreeBSD*
Hardware Compatibility
Before installing the adapter, check your system for the following:
l The latest BIOS for your system
l One open PCI Express slot
NOTE: The Intel® 10 Gigabit AT Server Adapter will only fit into x8 or larger PCI Express slots. Some
systems have physical x8 PCI Express slots that actually support lower speeds. Please check your system
manual to identify the slot.
Cabling Requirements
RJ-45 Connector Cables
The following table shows the maximum lengths for each cable type at a given transmission speed.
Category 5 Category 6 Category 6a Category 7
1 Gbps 100m 100m 100m 100m
10 Gbps NA 55m 100m 100m
25 Gbps NA NA NA 50m
40 Gbps NA NA NA 50m
Overview
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NOTE: To insure compliance with CISPR 24 and the EU’s EN55024, devices based on the 82576 controller
should be used only with CAT 5E shielded cables that are properly terminated according to the recom-
mendations in EN50174-2.
SFP+ Module and Direct Attach Cables
Consult your module specifications.
Fiber Optic Cables (LC and SCconnector types)
Intel Ethernet LR Server Adapters
Laser wavelength: 1310 nanometer (not visible)
Connector type: LC
Cable type: Single-mode fiber with 9.0µm core diameter
l Maximum cable length: 10 kilometers
Intel Ethernet 10 Gigabit SR Server Adapters
Laser wavelength: 850 nanometer (not visible)
Connector type: LC or SC
Cable type: Multi-mode fiber with 62.5µm core diameter
l Maximum cable length: 33 meters
Cable type: Multi-mode fiber with 50µm core diameter
l Maximum cable length: 300 meters
Intel Ethernet Gigabit SR Server Adapters
Laser wavelength: 850 nanometer (not visible)
Connector type: LC or SC
Cable type: Multi-mode fiber with 62.5µm core diameter
l Maximum cable length: 275 meters
Cable type: Multi-mode fiber with 50µm core diameter
l Maximum cable length: 550 meters
Installation Overview
Installing the Adapter
1. Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Remove the computer cover and the adapter slot cover from the slot that matches your adapter.
3. Insert the adapter edge connector into the slot and secure the bracket to the chassis.
4. Replace the computer cover, then plug in the power cord.