Compaq NC7770 PERFORMANCE continued, Scalability And Reliability, Network Management, QuickSpecs

QuickSpecs

Compaq NC7770 PCI-X Gigabit Server Adapter

PERFORMANCE (continued)

Jumbo Frames

Jumbo Frames (also known as Extended Frames) offer a 9K byte Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU), which is six times the size of traditional Ethernet frames. Like all Compaq Gigabit server adapters, the NC7770 supports jumbo frames as a way to achieve higher throughput and better CPU utilization when deployed in a network infrastructure that supports them. Jumbo frames are particularly useful for database transfers and tape backups.

TCP Offloads and Interrupt Coalescing

The NC7770 features TCP Checksum Offloads as well as TCP Segmentation Offloads. Both reduce the load on the CPU for overall improved system response. Interrupt Coalescence is a feature that groups multiple packets and issues a single interrupt to the host. This process optimizes host efficiency, leaving the CPU available for other duties.

SCALABILITY AND RELIABILITY

Tri-Speed Support

Because the NC7770 supports both 10Mbps Ethernet and 100Mbps Fast Ethernet in addition to Gigabit Ethernet, users are guaranteed end-to-end protocol support across their enterprise. Like all Compaq server adapters, the NC7770 adheres to open industry standards, insuring that it will work seamlessly with any network devices that also support IEEE standards.

PCI-X Support for Traditional PCI slots

PCI-X technology insures hardware investment protection by retaining backward compatibility with the standard PCI bus architecture at the device and driver level. When the NC7770 is used in a 64/100, 64/66, 64/33, or 32/33 IO slot, the performance is limited to the maximums of those conventional bus architectures.

Network Fault Tolerance (NFT)

Network Fault Tolerance, sometimes called “failover” or “NIC Redundancy,” allows for the installation of multiple NC7770 server adapters so that the active device can be backed up by a redundant adapter to improve availability. Compaq’s teaming utility also allows users to specify that when a failed adapter is fixed and replaced, the original adapter resumes its function as the primary network connection.

PCI Hot Plug

The NC7770 ships with PCI Hot Plug support, which enables it to be replaced or added to a PCI Hot Plug compatible server without powering down the system. This feature provides increased system availability and non-stop serviceability in business-critical computing environments.

NETWORK MANAGEMENT

Auto-negotiation

The NC7770 automatically senses and configures itself to the speed of the device to which it is attached. It also automatically configures for half or full duplex, depending on the duplex mode of the switch, hub, or router at the other end of the cable.

Management Support

Like all Compaq server adapters, the NC7770 ships with drivers and agents that can be managed from all versions of Compaq Insight Manager, including the new Compaq Insight Manger 7, as well as using any management application that supports SNMP.

Server Integration

Compaq’s SmartStart configuration utility includes setup support for the NC7770 so the adapter can be configured as part of the SmartStart configuration process. Compaq Insight Manager can recognize the NC7770 individually or in port-bonded teams, and can collect and report SNMP statistics on the adapter events.

Integrated Management Log (IML) support is provided by the NC7770 for critical event logging on Compaq servers.

Configuration Utilities

Each NC7770 ships with a suite of OS-tailored configuration utilities that allow the user to run initial diagnostics and configure adapter teams for Network Fault Tolerance, Transmit Load Balancing, or Switch-Assisted Load Balancing (802.3ad static-mode configuration only) in the Windows 2000 and Windows NT operating systems.

LED Indicators

Bracket LED indicators show link integrity, network activity, and network speed for easy troubleshooting.

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