PowerEdge System Components

Intel NICs

Intel Pro 100 Based Network Controllers

The most common network interface controllers currently used in PowerEdge servers are based on some version of the Intel Pro 100 chipset. Here is an overview of the different versions:

• Pro 100+ Server Adapter -- Most PowerEdge servers feature at least one embedded Pro 100+ network controller. The PowerEdge 1550 has two on the system board, and the PowerEdge 2550 combines an integrated Pro 100+ with an integrated Broadcom Gigabit adapter. The chipset supports Wake on LAN and boot to LAN. There is a PCI card version of the controller available that will function in either 3.3v or 5v 32-bit PCI slots.

• Pro 100 S Server Adapter -- This version of the Pro 100 incorporates an additional processor chip that offloads encryption tasks from the server's processor. Available as a 32-bit PCI card supporting both 3.3v and 5v slots.

• Pro 100+ Dual Port Server Adapter -- This PCI card contains two RJ45 ports and two controller chips. The two controllers are connected to the system by a PCI bridge chip that will be detected by the Windows 2000 Device Manager. This expansion card will function in a 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot at either 33 MHz or 66 MHz as supported by the slot.

Intel Gigabit Network Controllers

PowerEdge servers are also available with the following Intel Gigabit Adapters:

• Pro 1000F Gigabit Server Adapter (SC-Fiber) -- A 1000Mbps adapter for use with fiber optic gigabit connections. This PCI card will function in 64-bit or 32-bit slots at 33 or 66 MHz. Notice the fiber connection on this card:
  

• Pro 1000T Gigabit Server Adapter -- A 10/100/1000 adapter that uses an RJ45 connector and will support 1000Mbps connections through copper Category 5 cabling. Also capable of functioning in 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slots at speeds of 33 MHz or 66 MHz.

Configuration and teaming of Intel Network cards is done using the Intel ProSet Utility, which will come on a CD with the PowerEdge server. The latest version of the utility may also be downloaded from Intel's Web site at support.intel.com.