Intel PCIe 4.0 x16 - QSFP28 x 1 Ethernet Network Adapter

Overview

The Intel E810CQDA1BLK is a high-speed Ethernet network adapter designed for servers with PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, delivering 100-gigabit connectivity through a single QSFP28 port. It leverages the Intel E810 controller to efficiently handle packet processing, ensuring smooth performance even during traffic spikes or shifting workloads. This adapter is ideal for environments that demand low latency and consistent throughput, such as distributed storage systems, AI training clusters, and real-time analytics platforms.

Key features

• Supports 100GbE speeds to meet the demands of high-performance networking and data center fabrics.
• Single QSFP28 port enables flexible connections to 100GbE switches and breakout cables for aggregation or spine links.
• PCIe 4.0 x16 interface provides ample bandwidth to prevent host-side bottlenecks and maintain steady data flow.
• Intel E810 controller optimizes packet processing for efficient handling of network traffic.
• RDMA support with iWARP and RoCEv2 protocols reduces latency for east-west traffic in clustered and hyper-converged environments.
• Virtualization features including SR-IOV, Virtual Machine Device Queues (VMDq), and Flexible Port Partitioning allow precise bandwidth allocation and consistent performance across virtual machines and containers.
• Dynamic Device Personalization (DDP) enhances packet classification to improve network efficiency and security.
• Compatible with both low-profile and full-height brackets, offering installation flexibility in various server chassis.
• Native support for iSCSI and NFS storage protocols enables consolidation of storage and network traffic on a single high-speed link.

Key specs

• Network speed: 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GbE)
• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x16
• Port type: Single QSFP28
• Controller: Intel E810
• Virtualization support: SR-IOV, VMDq, Flexible Port Partitioning
• RDMA protocols: iWARP, RoCEv2
• Storage protocols: iSCSI, NFS over Ethernet
• Bracket compatibility: Low-profile and full-height

Connectivity and compatibility

This adapter connects directly to 100GbE switches and supports breakout cables, making it a versatile choice for modern data center topologies. Its PCIe 4.0 x16 interface ensures compatibility with the latest server platforms that provide this slot type, enabling high throughput without bottlenecks. The support for virtualization and RDMA protocols makes it well suited for cloud environments and enterprise networks that rely on virtual machines and containerized workloads.

Ideal uses and environments

The Intel E810CQDA1BLK fits well in data centers, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise networks where high-speed, low-latency connectivity is critical. It is a strong choice for IT professionals upgrading server racks, expanding edge computing nodes for 5G deployments, or implementing network function virtualization (NFV) services. Its ability to consolidate storage and network traffic simplifies infrastructure and reduces costs, making it practical for hybrid cloud and demanding enterprise workloads.