Intel X550-T2 Dual-Port Ethernet Converged Network Adapter

Overview

The Intel X550T2 is a dual-port Ethernet converged network adapter designed to deliver 10 Gigabit Ethernet performance using existing copper cabling. It features two 10 GbE RJ45 ports and a PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, enabling servers and workstations to achieve high throughput and low latency without the need for costly network rewiring. Supporting both 1 GbE and 10 GbE speeds through auto negotiation, this adapter fits well in data centers, virtualized environments, and high-bandwidth storage or media streaming setups.

Key features

• Two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports that use standard RJ45 copper connections for easy integration with existing infrastructure
• Supports CAT 6 and CAT 6a cabling up to 100 meters, allowing you to keep current network wiring without upgrades
• Auto negotiation enables seamless switching between 1 GbE and 10 GbE speeds, facilitating gradual network upgrades
• PCIe 3.0 x4 interface provides high data throughput and reduces latency for demanding workloads
• Compatible with a wide range of operating systems including Windows, Linux, VMware, and FreeBSD, offering flexibility in mixed environments
• Includes both low-profile and full-height brackets, making installation possible in compact 1U servers as well as full-size tower cases
• Optimized for virtualized servers and cloud deployments, supporting multiple virtual machines with consistent network performance

Key specs

• Ports: 2 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet RJ45
• Supported cabling: CAT 6 and CAT 6a copper cables
• Maximum cable length: up to 100 meters
• Host interface: PCIe 3.0 x4
• Speed support: Auto negotiation between 1 GbE and 10 GbE
• Operating system support: Windows, Linux, VMware, FreeBSD
• Form factor: Includes low-profile and full-height brackets

Connectivity and compatibility

This adapter integrates smoothly into existing network setups by using familiar RJ45 ports and copper cabling, avoiding the need for fiber optics or specialized connectors. Its auto negotiation feature ensures compatibility with legacy switches and segmented networks, allowing you to upgrade network speed incrementally. The broad driver support across major operating systems makes it a versatile choice for diverse IT environments.

Installation and setup

Installation is straightforward with included brackets that fit both low-profile and full-height slots, accommodating a variety of server chassis sizes. The PCIe 3.0 x4 interface ensures a simple plug-and-play experience with minimal configuration required. Driver availability for multiple platforms helps IT teams deploy the adapter quickly across different systems without compatibility concerns.

Ideal uses and environments

The Intel X550T2 is well suited to data centers and enterprise environments where upgrading to 10 GbE speeds is needed without replacing existing copper cabling. It supports virtualized servers running multiple VMs, cloud infrastructure nodes, and high-speed IP storage arrays. Media servers streaming large volumes of data also benefit from its consistent throughput and low latency. This adapter is a practical choice for IT professionals looking to enhance network performance while managing costs and minimizing downtime.