Intel® Ethernet Server Adapter I350-T2V2

Meet the Intel® Ethernet Server Adapter I350-T2V2, a reliable, high-performance dual-port Ethernet solution designed for servers that demand steady network throughput, robust virtualization features, and low CPU overhead. Built on Intel's proven I350 Ethernet Controller technology, this 2-port PCIe server adapter delivers consistent 1 Gbps performance per port, making it an ideal choice for data centers, small to mid-size businesses, and enterprise environments that require scalable, cost-efficient networking. Whether you’re consolidating workloads, deploying virtual machines, or enabling high-availability networks, the I350-T2V2 provides the reliability and versatility you need to keep applications responsive and services online.

• Two independent RJ-45 ports delivering up to 1 Gbps per port for fast, reliable connectivity to servers, storage networks, and switches.
• Easy integration with a PCIe interface for broad compatibility with modern servers and workstations, supporting simple plug-and-play installation and seamless driver updates.
• Advanced offloads and acceleration features, including TCP/IP checksum offload, Large Send Offload (LSO), and VLAN tagging support (802.1Q) to optimize throughput and reduce CPU utilization.
• Built-in support for NIC teaming, link aggregation (802.3ad/LACP), and virtualization technologies to maximize network bandwidth, provide redundancy, and simplify scalable deployments.
• Energy-efficient design with low idle power, compact form factor, and broad operating-system compatibility, ensuring cost-effective performance in dense server racks and data centers.

Technical Details of Intel® Ethernet Server Adapter I350-T2V2

• Product name: Intel® Ethernet Server Adapter I350-T2V2
• Ports: 2 x RJ-45 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet connectors
• Controller: Intel® I350 Ethernet Controller
• Interface: PCI Express (PCIe) - typically PCIe 2.0/1.0 compatible, slot requirements vary by system
• Speed per port: 1 Gbps (auto-negotiation with 10/100/1000 Mbps support)
• Network features: VLAN support (802.1Q), TCP/IP checksum offload, Large Send Offload (LSO), Jumbo frames (up to 9 KB to 16 KB depending on driver), MSI/MSI-X interrupt support
• Hardware offloads: Receive/Send side coalescing, TCP offload engine features to reduce CPU utilization
• Networking utilities: Compatible with standard Intel PROSet for Windows and widely supported drivers for Linux and other OSes through Intel’s software
• Warranty and support: Backed by Intel and the vendor’s support ecosystem for enterprise deployments

how to install Intel® Ethernet Server Adapter I350-T2V2

Installing the Intel® I350-T2V2 is straightforward and designed to fit into most mainstream servers. Follow these steps to ensure a clean, reliable installation and optimal performance:

1) Prepare the system

Power down the server, unplug all power sources, and open the chassis. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge, and have a clean workspace to avoid damaging the card or components.

2) Remove the existing expansion card (if applicable)

If you’re upgrading from an older NIC, carefully remove the existing PCIe card from its slot, noting how the connectors align to ensure compatibility with the I350-T2V2.

3) Insert the Intel® I350-T2V2

Insert the I350-T2V2 into an available PCIe slot (prefer PCIe x1 or larger). Ensure the card is firmly seated and the bracket aligns with the chassis opening for a secure fit.

4) Connect network cables

Attach two RJ-45 Ethernet cables to the ports. If you plan to use NIC teaming or link aggregation, connect the corresponding cables to switch ports configured for LACP or static bonding as required by your network design.

5) Power up and install drivers

Power on the server. Install the appropriate drivers for your operating system. For Windows-based servers, use Intel PROSet or the standard driver package provided by the vendor. For Linux, install the compatible kernel module or the Intel driver package from the distribution’s repositories or Intel’s website. After installation, verify the NIC appears in your network configuration utility and confirm link status on both ports.

6) Configure networking and virtualization settings

Configure NIC teaming if you require load balancing and redundancy. Set up VLANs as needed (802.1Q) and enable any desired offload features (checksum offload, LSO) in the driver or OS-level network settings. If you’re deploying virtual machines, ensure the NICs are properly exposed to hypervisors and that performance is tuned for your workload.

7) Validate performance and monitoring

Perform basic throughput testing and monitor link status, transfer rates, and CPU utilization to ensure the adapter operates as expected under workload. If any issues arise, consult the Intel driver documentation and the server manufacturer’s support resources for troubleshooting steps.

Note: Always refer to the latest Intel documentation and your vendor’s installation notes for any device-specific instructions, BIOS/UEFI settings, or firmware updates that may improve compatibility and performance.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the Intel® I350-T2V2?
  A: The I350-T2V2 is a dual-port Intel Ethernet server adapter designed to deliver reliable 1 Gbps per port connectivity, with features optimized for server workloads, virtualization, and network management. It uses the Intel® I350 Ethernet Controller and is commonly deployed in data centers and enterprise environments for scalable network performance.
• Q: How many ports does this adapter have and what speeds are supported?
  A: It has two RJ-45 ports, each supporting up to 1 Gbps. The speed is negotiated automatically with connected network gear.
• Q: Does it support NIC teaming and link aggregation?
  A: Yes. The I350-T2V2 supports NIC teaming and link aggregation (802.3ad/LACP), enabling increased bandwidth and network resilience in multi-path configurations.
• Q: What operating systems are compatible?
  A: Intel provides drivers and support for a wide range of operating systems, including Windows Server, Linux distributions, and virtualization platforms. Always verify the latest driver availability for your specific OS version.
• Q: What offload features does this adapter offer?
  A: The adapter includes TCP/IP checksum offloads, Large Send Offload (LSO), VLAN tagging (802.1Q), and support for Jumbo frames (configurable via driver), helping to reduce CPU load and improve throughput for server workloads.
• Q: Is this a PCI Express card?
  A: Yes, the Intel® I350-T2V2 is a PCIe-based dual-port network interface card designed for insertion into compatible PCIe slots in servers and high-end workstations.