Intel® IXF1104 4-Port Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controller

Figure 33. SPI3 Interface Loopback Path

 

SPI3 Internal Loopback

 

 

TX FIFO

 

TX

 

 

SPI3 Interface

MAC

Line Side

Block

Interface

 

RX

RX FIFO

 

 

 

 

 

B3229-01

Note: There is a restriction when using this loopback mode. At least one clock cycle is required between a TEOP assertion and a TSOP assertion. This is required when the pre-pend feature of the receive FIFO is enabled to allow the addition of the extra two bytes to the data sent on the transmit interface. Where the pre-pend feature has not been enabled, data can be sent back-to-back on the transmit SPI3 interface with TSOP following TEOP on the next cycle.

To configure the IXF1104 MAC to use the SPI3 loopback mode, the “RX FIFO SPI3 Loopback Enable for Ports 0 - 3 ($0x5B2)" must be configured. Each IXF1104 MAC port has a unique bit in this register designated to control loopback. It is possible to have individual ports in a loopback mode while other ports continue to operate in a normal mode.

5.11.2Line Side Interface Loopback

To provide a diagnostic loopback feature on the line-side interfaces, the IXF1104 MAC can be configured to loop back any data received by the IXF1104 MAC through one of the line interfaces back to the corresponding transmit line interface. This is done by using the data path shown in Figure 34. The line-side interface can be either SerDes, RGMII or GMII. Please note that it is not possible to loop one line-side interface back to a different one (for example, Rx SerDes looped back to transmit RGMII).

Datasheet

126

Document Number: 278757

Revision Number: 009

Revision Date: 27-Oct-2005

Page 126
Image 126
Intel IXF1104 manual Line Side Interface Loopback, SPI3 Interface Loopback Path

IXF1104 specifications

The Intel IXF1104 is a cutting-edge Network Interface Controller (NIC) designed to meet the needs of high-speed communication in modern networking environments. As the demand for bandwidth-intensive applications continues to grow, Intel's IXF1104 is engineered to deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and scalability, making it an ideal choice for data centers and enterprise networks.

One of the main features of the IXF1104 is its support for high-speed Ethernet connectivity, providing up to 100 Gbps throughput. This capability allows organizations to handle large amounts of data traffic efficiently, accommodating everything from cloud computing to big data analytics. The NIC utilizes advanced packet processing technology which ensures minimal latency, enhancing the overall user experience.

The IXF1104 is built on a robust architecture that integrates Intel's latest processing technologies. It incorporates a multi-core processing engine that allows for parallel processing of network packets, improving the handling of simultaneous network requests. This architecture also supports offloading features, freeing up CPU resources for other critical tasks, which optimizes system performance.

In terms of technologies, the IXF1104 supports a variety of standards including Ethernet and Fiber Channel, making it versatile across different networking environments. Its compatibility with industry-standard networking protocols ensures that it can easily integrate into existing frameworks, facilitating seamless upgrades and expansions.

Another significant characteristic of the IXF1104 is its energy efficiency. With Intel’s focus on sustainability, this NIC is designed to consume less power relative to its performance output, thereby reducing overall operational costs for organizations. It employs dynamic power management features that adjust power usage based on demand, which is especially beneficial in large-scale deployments.

Additionally, security features are woven into the IXF1104 design, protecting sensitive data from potential threats. Hardware-based security functions, including encryption capabilities and secure boot processes, ensure that the NIC can safeguard data integrity against unauthorized access.

Overall, the Intel IXF1104 stands out in the crowded NIC market by offering high-performance capabilities, energy efficiency, and robust security features. Its combination of advanced technologies and characteristics positions it as a strategic asset for modern networks, empowering organizations to achieve their connectivity and performance goals in an increasingly data-driven world.