Overview
The Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X550-T2 is a dual-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet network interface card designed for servers and compatible workstations. It provides two RJ45 copper Ethernet connections through a PCI Express interface, supporting high-speed network connectivity for data centers, virtualization hosts, storage networks, and enterprise infrastructure.
Networking and Connectivity
Both ports support 10GbE, 5GbE, 2.5GbE, 1GbE, and 100Mb Ethernet speeds. The adapter uses standard RJ45 connections and supports Category 6 cabling for 10GbE connections up to 55 metres and Category 6A cabling up to 100 metres. Lower-speed Ethernet connections support compatible existing network infrastructure.
Virtualization and Storage Networking
The X550-T2 includes Intel Virtualization Technology for Connectivity, Virtual Machine Device Queues, flexible port partitioning, and SR-IOV capability. These features support network resource management in compatible virtualized environments. Intel also lists iSCSI, Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE), and NFS among the supported storage-over-Ethernet technologies.
Key Features
- Two RJ45 copper Ethernet ports with speeds up to 10Gbps per port.
- PCI Express 3.0 interface with an x4 lane configuration.
- Multi-gigabit speed support for 10GbE, 5GbE, 2.5GbE, 1GbE, and 100Mb networks.
- Virtualization capabilities including VMDq, SR-IOV, and flexible port partitioning.
- Support for iSCSI, FCoE, and NFS storage networking environments.
Applications
The adapter is suitable for server network upgrades, high-bandwidth Ethernet connections, virtualization hosts, network-attached storage infrastructure, and systems that require two copper Ethernet interfaces. It can also support migration from Gigabit Ethernet to higher-speed networking without immediately replacing compatible copper cabling infrastructure.
DC Supplies Product Note
Check the server's available PCIe connectivity, physical card clearance, operating-system support, and required bracket height before purchasing. For 10GbE operation over copper, select Category 6 cabling for runs up to 55 metres or Category 6A for runs up to 100 metres. Intel notes that NBASE-T support in Linux is operating-system dependent.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Brand | Intel |
| Part Number / MPN | X550T2 |
| Product Type | Dual-port Ethernet network adapter |
| Product Family | Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X550 |
| Controller | Intel Ethernet Controller X550 |
| Port Configuration | 2 × RJ45 copper Ethernet |
| Maximum Data Rate | 10Gbps per port |
| Supported Data Rates | 10GbE, 5GbE, 2.5GbE, 1GbE, 100Mb |
| Network Interface | 10GBASE-T |
| Host Interface | PCI Express 3.0 x4 |
| PCIe Signaling Rate | 8.0 GT/s |
| Cable Medium | Copper |
| 10GbE Cabling | Category 6 up to 55 m; Category 6A up to 100 m |
| Virtualization Support | Intel VT-c, VMDq, SR-IOV, flexible port partitioning |
| Storage Networking | iSCSI, FCoE, NFS |
| QoS and Traffic Management | On-chip support |
| Intelligent Offloads | Supported |
| Intel Data Direct I/O | Supported |
| Bracket Options | Low-profile and full-height |
| Operating System Support | Refer to Intel's current driver and operating-system compatibility documentation |
| Ordering Code | X550T2 |
| Launch Date | Q1 2016 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Ethernet ports does the X550T2 provide?
It provides two RJ45 copper Ethernet ports, each supporting speeds up to 10Gbps.
Can the adapter operate at 1Gbps or 2.5Gbps?
Yes. The supported per-port data rates include 100Mb, 1GbE, 2.5GbE, 5GbE, and 10GbE, subject to the connected network equipment and cabling.
Which PCIe slot does the card require?
The adapter uses PCI Express 3.0 with an x4 lane configuration. Check the server documentation for slot compatibility, available bandwidth, and physical clearance.
Which Ethernet cable should be used for 10GbE?
Intel specifies Category 6 cabling for 10GbE connections up to 55 metres and Category 6A up to 100 metres. Actual link performance also depends on installation quality and the connected equipment.
Is the X550T2 suitable for virtualization?
Yes. Its supported virtualization features include VMDq, SR-IOV, and flexible port partitioning. Availability of these features depends on the operating system, drivers, hypervisor, and system configuration.
