Dell 100Gigabit Ethernet Card

Engineered for data centers, enterprise servers, and cloud infrastructure, the Dell 100Gigabit Ethernet Card delivers exceptional throughput, scalability, and reliability. This PCI Express NIC is built around the Intel E810 controller and features two QSFP28 ports that support 100GBase-X optical fiber, enabling ultra-fast, low-latency interconnects for east-west traffic, storage networking, and high-performance virtualization. Designed to maximize productivity while reducing CPU overhead, this 100G NIC is ideal for upgrade projects, server refreshes, and new deployments where consistent performance and dependable connectivity matter most. With Dell’s rigorous validation and enterprise-grade build quality, you gain a networking solution that aligns with demanding workloads, ensures solid compatibility with Dell servers, and scales to meet growing bandwidth requirements in modern data centers.

• Dual 100G QSFP28 ports provide 200 Gbps of aggregate bandwidth, enabling scalable uplinks and high-speed interconnects for dense server environments.
• Optical fiber connectivity via 100GBase-X supports long-reach links and low latency, making it ideal for data-center fabric and storage networks.
• Intel E810 controller delivers robust performance, advanced offloads, and reliable operation under heavy traffic, helping to reduce CPU utilization.
• PCI Express interface ensures fast attachment to modern servers, enabling near-line-rate data transfer and streamlined integration with existing motherboard architectures.
• Enterprise-grade design and Dell validation provide dependable operation in demanding workloads, with compatibility across enterprise deployments and Dell server ecosystems.

Technical Details of Dell 100Gigabit Ethernet Card

• Interface: PCI Express (PCIe) expansion card
• Ports: 2 x QSFP28 100GBase-X optical fiber interfaces
• Media: Optical fiber for high-speed, long-reach connectivity
• Speed: 100 Gbps per port (up to 200 Gbps aggregate across both ports)
• Chipset/Controller: Intel E810 family
• Form Factor: PCIe expansion card designed for standard server chassis
• Compliance: Supports 100GBase-X standards via QSFP28 transceivers and optics

How to install Dell 100Gigabit Ethernet Card

Before you install the Dell 100Gigabit Ethernet Card, power down and unplug the server, then discharge any residual static electricity. Remove the server’s access panel or chassis cover to access the PCIe slot area. Identify an available PCIe slot that matches the card’s interface requirements—typically a PCIe x8 or x16 slot is suitable for a dual-ported 100G NIC, ensuring adequate electrical and physical space for the QSFP28 connectors. Insert the NIC firmly into the PCIe slot until it is fully seated, then replace the slot cover bracket. Secure the card with a screw if required by the chassis. Reassemble the server, reconnect power, and boot the system. Once the operating system is running, install the appropriate driver package for the Intel E810 controller from Dell or Intel’s official repository. After driver installation, reboot if prompted, and enter the network configuration utility to assign IP addresses, configure VLANs, bonding, or NIC teaming as needed for your network design. It is recommended to verify link status immediately after boot using the OS networking tools to confirm both QSFP28 ports are active and transmitting data. For best results, pair the NIC with compatible QSFP28 transceivers and fiber cabling that match your data-rate and distance requirements, and perform a basic throughput test to confirm performance targets are met. If your deployment includes virtualization or software-defined networking, enable any necessary offload features and SR-IOV settings to ensure optimal performance in virtualized workloads.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Dell 100Gigabit Ethernet Card? It is a dual-port PCIe network interface card designed for 100 Gbps per port connectivity using QSFP28 interfaces and Intel E810 controllers, suitable for data centers, servers, and cloud infrastructures.
• How many ports does it have? The card features two QSFP28 ports for 100GBase-X optical fiber connectivity, delivering up to 200 Gbps of aggregate bandwidth.
• What type of cabling does it require? It uses QSFP28 optical transceivers and corresponding fiber cabling. Choose transceivers and fiber types (SR/LR/LR4, etc.) compatible with your distance requirements and switch fabric.
• Is it compatible with Dell servers? Yes. The card is designed to integrate with Dell servers and data-center deployments, with validation to support enterprise workloads.
• What operating systems are supported? Drivers are provided for common server operating systems (Linux, Windows Server). Install the appropriate Intel/E810 drivers from Dell or Intel to enable full card functionality.
• Can I use this card for virtualization? Yes. With dual 100G ports and advanced offloads, it is well-suited for virtualized environments, NIC teaming, and software-defined networking scenarios.