Cisco Intel E810XXVDA4L 4x25/10 GbE SFP28 PCIe NIC

Engineered for modern data centers and demanding server workloads, the Cisco Intel E810XXVDA4L is a high-performance four-port NIC that delivers reliable 25GbE fiber connectivity through SFP28 interfaces. Built on Intel's E810 series and optimized for PCIe-based servers and workstations, this plug-in card makes it possible to scale bandwidth, reduce latency, and improve overall network efficiency. Whether you're architecting a virtualization-heavy cloud environment, a high-throughput storage cluster, or a clustered compute node, this NIC is designed to help you maximize throughput while minimizing CPU overhead. With robust optical fiber support and a compact, flexible form factor, it fits a wide range of chassis and networking scenarios, from rack-scale deployments to edge workloads.

• Four SFP28 25GBASE-X ports deliver scalable per-port performance up to 25 Gbps, enabling dense topologies and future-proof growth for data-intensive workloads such as virtualization, high-speed storage fabrics, and clustered compute.
• PCI Express interface enables direct, low-latency integration with modern servers and workstations, reducing CPU overhead for networking tasks and improving overall application performance in demanding environments.
• Optical fiber connectivity through SFP28 transceivers provides long-reach, EMI-resilient links ideal for data centers, campus networks, storage fabrics, and inter-rack connections, ensuring reliable, high-quality transmissions.
• Flexible form factor with Full-Height, Half-Length Bracket Height supports deployment in a wide range of chassis, including compact 1U and larger 2U servers, minimizing compatibility concerns during upgrades or migrations.
• Plug-in card design with standard driver support ensures straightforward installation, broad OS compatibility, and dependable performance across virtualization platforms, containers, and traditional workloads, backed by Intel-driven firmware and Cisco-validation approaches.

Technical Details of Cisco Intel E810XXVDA4L 4x25/10 GbE SFP28 PCIe NIC

• Product type: Plug-in PCIe NIC for servers and workstations
• Ports: 4 x SFP28 (25GBASE-X)
• Network speeds: 25GbE per port via SFP28 transceivers; high-density 100GbE/25GbE fabric options through switch configurations
• Media: Optical Fiber (requires compatible SFP28 transceivers and fiber cables)
• Form factor: Full-Height, Half-Length Bracket Height for broad chassis compatibility
• Interface: PCIe-based NIC designed to integrate with standard server PCIe slots
• Driver and firmware: Intel E810 family drivers and Cisco validation provide OS support across major platforms and virtualization environments
• Power and efficiency: Designed to balance performance with energy efficiency, helping keep data-center power budgets in check while delivering peak throughput

How to install Cisco Intel E810XXVDA4L 4x25/10 GbE SFP28 PCIe NIC

• Power down the server and unplug power cables; remove the chassis cover if needed and ground yourself to avoid static discharge before handling components.
• Identify an appropriate PCIe slot (preferably x8 or x16) and carefully insert the NIC into the slot, ensuring the card seats firmly and the bracket aligns with the chassis opening.
• Secure the card with a mounting screw and attach the full-height, half-length bracket if your chassis requires it for proper clearance and airflow.
• Install compatible SFP28 optical transceivers into each of the four ports and connect fiber cables to the transceivers, routing them to your network fabric, switch, or storage network as designed.
• Power the system back on and install or update the Intel E810 driver package in your operating system; verify NIC detection in the OS network settings and perform a basic link test.
• Configure NIC features as needed for your environment (bonding, VLANs, NIC teaming, offloads, virtualization adapters) to align with your architecture, performance goals, and security policies.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What speeds does the Cisco E810XXVDA4L support?

  A: Each port provides 25GbE connectivity via SFP28 transceivers, enabling high-throughput networking for data-center workflows and latency-sensitive applications. Depending on your switch fabric and configuration, you can aggregate bandwidth to meet specific capacity requirements.

• Q: Do I need special drivers for the E810 NIC?

  A: Yes. Install the Intel E810 family drivers compatible with your operating system (Windows, Linux, VMware/Hyper-V, etc.) to enable full functionality, including offloads and management features. Keeping firmware and drivers up to date helps ensure optimal performance and reliability.

• Q: Is this NIC suitable for virtualization platforms?

  A: The E810 series is designed for modern data centers with virtualization in mind, offering features that support virtual machines, containers, and cloud-ready workloads. Verify driver and firmware compatibility with your hypervisor to enable features like NIC teaming and virtual function (VF) support.

• Q: What transceivers and cables do I need?

  A: Each port uses an SFP28 25GBASE-X transceiver; select certified SFP28 transceivers appropriate for your distance and fiber type (single-mode or multimode) and pair them with the correct fiber optic cables to meet your network design.

• Q: Can I install this NIC in 1U servers?

  A: The E810XXVDA4L uses a full-height, half-length bracket, which is compatible with many 1U and 2U chassis configurations when properly mounted. Always verify clearance for the PCIe slot, cooling, and cabling in your specific chassis model.