NextIO's IO Virtualization to Support Intel 1G and 10G Ethernet Controllers

NextIO, a provider of intelligent, rack-optimized I/O virtualization solutions based on high-performance PCI Express (PCIe) switching technology, has enabled its IO virtualization solutions to support Intel’s (News - Alert) 1G and 10G Ethernet controllers.

 

The company’s ExpressConnect products enable controllers to be virtualized and shared across physical servers in a variety of form factors, including blade and rack servers. NextIO claims that by using their approach to I/O Virtualization, data center managers can achieve significant savings in hardware cost and operational efficiencies.

 

NextIO IO virtualization reduces multiple IO cards per server to single low cost PCI Express connection and six to eight cables per server are reduced to a single, high performance PCI Express cable.

 

ExpressConnect products allow administrators to dynamically and remotely map servers to any shared or non-shared IO based on their real time needs. Users are presented up to 10x the amount of I/O traditionally available to 1U servers and can make use of additional bandwidth and I/O technologies and Data Center planners have a stepping stone approach to Shared I/O enablement.

 

According to Intel, the Gigabit Ethernet Controllers are a next-generation, PCI Express 2.0 (2.5 Gbps) controller with balanced features and energy-efficient design that meets the throughput and latency requirement of bandwidth-hungry applications.

 

By enabling its virtualization solutions to support Intel Ethernet controllers NextIO hopes to lead the industry in PCIe-based IOV by demonstrating its support for numerous vendors’ Ethernet and Fiber Channel solutions. By supporting multiple controllers, such as Intel’s 1G and 10G, NextIO can address a wide range of market needs and applications.

 

Intel LAN Access Division’s Director of Marketing, Steve Schultz has commented that Intel Ethernet adapters are broadly deployed in the industry and are ideal for today’s virtualized servers and support for Intel’s 10G adapters by companies like NextIO provides customers with more high performance options for rack and blade servers.

 

Officials also say that NextIO had entered into an agreement with Avnet Technology Solutions and had adopted Denali's Verification IP for New PCI Express expansion.