Intel® Ethernet Adapters and Devices User Guide
Connect Network Cables
Connect the appropriate network cable, as described in the following sections.
Connect Supported SFP+, SFP28, QSFP+, and QSFP28 Modules
See the Feature Support Matrix for your device family for more information on supported media types.
Connect the Direct Attach Cable
Insert the Direct Attach Cable as shown:
The following table shows the types of direct attached cabling you can use.
Speed | Cable Type | Max Cable Length |
|---|---|---|
100Gbps | QSFP28 Direct Attach Cable | 5 meters |
40Gbps | SFP+ Direct Attach Cable (Twinaxial) | 7 meters |
25Gbps | SFP28 Direct Attach Cable (Twinaxial) | 5 meters |
10Gbps | SFP+ Direct Attach Cable (Twinaxial) | 7 meters |
For optimal performance with 25Gbps SFP28 cables, you must use CA-25G-L with RS-FEC and 25GBASE-C.
Connect the RJ-45 Network Cable
Connect the RJ-45 network cable as shown:
The following table shows the maximum lengths for each cable type at a given transmission speed.
Speed | Category 5 | Category 6 | Category 6a | Category 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1Gbps | 100m | 100m | 100m | 100m |
10Gbps | NA | 55m | 100m | 100m |
25Gbps | NA | NA | NA | 50m |
40Gbps | NA | NA | NA | 50m |
If using less than 4-pair cabling, you must manually configure the speed and duplex setting of the adapter and the link partner. In addition, with 2- and 3-pair cabling, the adapter can only achieve speeds of up to 100Mbps.
For the Intel® 10 Gigabit AT Server Adapter, to ensure compliance with CISPR 24 and the EU’s EN55024, this product should be used only with Category 6a shielded cables that are properly terminated according to the recommendations in EN50174-2.
In all cases:
The adapter must be connected to a compatible link partner, preferably set to auto-negotiate speed and duplex for Intel gigabit adapters.
Intel Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Server Adapters using copper connections automatically accommodate either MDI or MDI-X connections. The auto-MDI-X feature of Intel gigabit copper adapters allows you to directly connect two adapters without using a cross-over cable.
Connect the Fiber Optic Network Cable
The fiber optic ports contain a Class 1 laser device. When the ports are disconnected, always cover them with the provided plug. If an abnormal fault occurs, skin or eye damage may result if in close proximity to the exposed ports.
Remove and save the fiber optic connector cover. Insert a fiber optic cable into the ports on the network adapter bracket as shown:
Most connectors and ports are keyed for proper orientation. If the cable you are using is not keyed, check to be sure the connector is oriented properly (transmit port connected to receive port on the link partner, and vice versa).
The adapter must be connected to a compatible link partner operating at the same laser wavelength as the adapter.
Conversion cables to other connector types (such as SC-to-LC) may be used if the cabling matches the optical specifications of the adapter, including length limitations.
The following table shows the connection requirements for fiber optic cables.
Device | Laser Wavelength | Connector Type | Cable Type | Max Cable Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Intel Ethernet LR Server Adapters | 1310 nanometer (not visible) | LC | Single-mode fiber with 9.0µm core diameter | 10 km |
Intel Ethernet 10 Gigabit SR Server Adapters | 850 nanometer (not visible) | LC or SC |
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Intel Ethernet Gigabit SR Server Adapters | 850 nanometer (not visible) | LC or SC |
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