Connect a 10GbE Copper Network Cable

Depending on your copper adapter, the cabling type used is 10GBASE-T or CX4.

10GBASE-T

Maximum lengths for Intel® 10 Gigabit Server Adapters and Connections that use 10GBASE-T on Category 6, Category 6a, or Category 7 wiring, twisted 4-pair copper:

Intel® 10 Gigabit Server Adapters and Connections automatically accommodate either MDI or MDI-X connections. The auto-MDI-X feature of Intel copper adapters allows you to directly connect two adapters without using a cross-over cable.

To ensure compliance with CISPR 24 and the EU's EN55024, Intel® 10 Gigabit Server Adapters and Connections should be used only with CAT 6a shielded cables that are properly terminated according to the recommendations in EN50174-2.

CX4

Physical cabling characteristics for the Intel® CX4 Dual Port Server Adapter must meet IEEE Std 802.3ak, Clause 54 specifications. The required cable connector is an MDI latch-type receptacle, as defined by IEC 61076-3-113.

The IEEE standard defines a worst-case cable length of 15 meters (49 ft.), based on 100 O, twinaxial cable characteristics. However, commercial cable manufacturers may offer enhanced products that will permit successful operation over greater distances.

SFP+ Devices with Pluggable Optics

82599-Based Adapters

NOTES:
  • If your 82599-based Intel® Network Adapter came with Intel optics, or is an Intel® Ethernet Server Adapter X520-2, then it only supports Intel optics and/or the direct attach cables listed below.
  • 82599-Based adapters support all passive and active limiting direct attach cables that comply with SFF-8431 v4.1 and SFF-8472 v10.4 specifications.

Supplier Type Part Numbers
SR Modules    
Intel DUAL RATE 1G/10G SFP+ SR (bailed) AFBR-703SDZ-IN2
Intel DUAL RATE 1G/10G SFP+ SR (bailed) FTLX8571D3BCV-IT
Intel DUAL RATE 1G/10G SFP+ SR (bailed) AFBR-703SDDZ-IN1
LR Modules    
Intel  DUAL RATE 1G/10G SFP+ LR (bailed) FTLX1471D3BCV-IT    
Intel DUAL RATE 1G/10G SFP+ LR (bailed) AFCT-701SDZ-IN2
Intel  DUAL RATE 1G/10G SFP+ LR (bailed) AFCT-701SDDZ-IN1

The following is a list of 3rd party SFP+ modules that have received some testing. Not all modules are applicable to all devices.

Supplier     Type Part Numbers
Finisar SFP+ SR bailed, 10g single rate FTLX8571D3BCL
Avago SFP+ SR bailed, 10g single rate AFBR-700SDZ
Finisar SFP+ LR bailed, 10g single rate FTLX1471D3BCL
     
Finisar DUAL RATE 1G/10G SFP+ SR (No Bail)     FTLX8571D3QCV-IT   
Avago DUAL RATE 1G/10G SFP+ SR (No Bail) AFBR-703SDZ-IN1
Finisar DUAL RATE 1G/10G SFP+ LR (No Bail) FTLX1471D3QCV-IT
Avago DUAL RATE 1G/10G SFP+ LR (No Bail) AFCT-701SDZ-IN1
     
Finisar 1000BASE-T SFP FCLF8522P2BTL
Avago 1000BASE-T SFP ABCU-5710RZ

82598-Based Adapters

NOTES:
  • Intel® Network Adapters that support removable optical modules only support their original module type (i.e., the Intel® 10 Gigabit SR Dual Port Express Module only supports SR optical modules). If you plug in a different type of module, the driver will not load.
  • 82598-Based adapters support all passive direct attach cables that comply with SFF-8431 v4.1 and SFF-8472 v10.4 specifications. Active direct attach cables are not supported.
  • Hot Swapping/hot plugging optical modules is not supported.
  • Only single speed, 10 gigabit modules are supported.
  • LAN on Motherboard (LOMs) may support DA, SR, or LR modules. Other module types are not supported. Please see your system documentation for details.

The following is a list of SFP+ modules and direct attach cables that have received some testing. Not all modules are applicable to all devices.

Supplier      Type Part Numbers
Finisar SFP+ SR bailed, 10g single rate   FTLX8571D3BCL
Avago SFP+ SR bailed, 10g single rate   AFBR-700SDZ
Finisar SFP+ LR bailed, 10g single rate FTLX1471D3BCL
Molex 1m - Twin-ax cable 74752-1101
Molex 3m - Twin-ax cable 74752-2301
Molex 5m - Twin-ax cable 74752-3501
Molex 10m - Twin-ax cable  74752-9004
Tyco 1m - Twin-ax cable   2032237-2
Tyco 3m - Twin-ax cable    2032237-4
Tyco 5m - Twin-ax cable 2032237-6
Tyco 10m - Twin-ax cable   1-2032237-1

THIRD PARTY OPTIC MODULES AND CABLES REFERRED TO ABOVE ARE LISTED ONLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF HIGHLIGHTING THIRD PARTY SPECIFICATIONS AND POTENTIAL COMPATIBILITY, AND ARE NOT RECOMMENDATIONS OR ENDORSEMENT OR SPONSORSHIP OF ANY THIRD PARTY'S PRODUCT BY INTEL. INTEL IS NOT ENDORSING OR PROMOTING PRODUCTS MADE BY ANY THIRD PARTY AND THE THIRD PARTY REFERENCE IS PROVIDED ONLY TO SHARE INFORMATION REGARDING CERTAIN OPTIC MODULES AND CABLES WITH THE ABOVE SPECIFICATIONS. THERE MAY BE OTHER MANUFACTURERS OR SUPPLIERS, PRODUCING OR SUPPLYING OPTIC MODULES AND CABLES WITH SIMILAR OR MATCHING DESCRIPTIONS. CUSTOMERS MUST USE THEIR OWN DISCRETION AND DILIGENCE TO PURCHASE OPTIC MODULES AND CABLES FROM ANY THIRD PARTY OF THEIR CHOICE. CUSTOMERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSESSING THE SUITABILITY OF THE PRODUCT AND/OR DEVICES AND FOR THE SELECTION OF THE VENDOR FOR PURCHASING ANY PRODUCT. THE OPTIC MODULES AND CABLES REFERRED TO ABOVE ARE NOT WARRANTED OR SUPPORTED BY INTEL. INTEL ASSUMES NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER, AND INTEL DISCLAIMS ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY, RELATING TO SALE AND/OR USE OF SUCH THIRD PARTY PRODUCTS OR SELECTION OF VENDOR BY CUSTOMERS.

Connect a 10GbE Fiber Network Cable

CAUTION: This product uses a Class 1M laser module. Viewing the laser output with certain optical instruments designed for use at a distance (for example, telescopes and binoculars) may pose an eye hazard.

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). 

For Intel® 10GbE LR Server Adapters:
Laser wavelength: 1310 nanometer (not visible).
Cable type to use: Single-mode fiber with 9.0µm core diameter
Connector type: LC.
Maximum cable length: 10 kilometers.

For Intel® 10GbE SR Server Adapters:
Laser wavelength: 850 nanometer (not visible). 
Cable type to use: Multi-mode fiber with 62.5µm or 50µm core diameter
Connector type: LC or SC.
Maximum cable length: 300 meters.

The adapter must be connected to a compatible link partner, such as an IEEE 802.3ae-compliant 10-gigabit switch, which is 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.

Last modified on 4/08/11 11:44a Revision