Intel Does the Gigabit Go-Go at N+I

LAS VEGAS — Hoping to propel greater adoption of Gigabit Ethernet across the enterprise, Intel Corp. at Networld+Interop on Tuesday announced a new desktop adapter and five server adapters at prices rivaling that of their 10/100 counterparts.

“We think the industry needs to go the next step,” said Sean Maloney, executive vice president and general manager of Intels communications group. “Gigabit Ethernet is going to be the next big thing on the desktop and its coming much faster than people realize.”

Maloney said that the PC processor speeds have outpaced network bandwidth in recent years and created a pent-up demand for the Gigabit push all the way to the desktop. Now with pricing matching that of 10/1000—the new Intel PRO/1000 MT Desktop Adapter runs as low as $59 each when bought in groups of 20—enterprises can gain 10 times greater performance without paying more.

Intel also announced that Dell Computer Corp. plans to incorporate its Gigabit Ethernet controller as a standard network connection on the motherboard of future OptiPlex desktop PCs.

The six Gigabit Ethernet adapters were unveiled as Intel also detailed its plans for pushing into the next network bandwidth leap with 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Intel has begun sampling a 10 Gigabit Ethernet adapter, the Intel PRO/10GbE LR Server Adapter, with OEM partners and is demonstrating it in servers at the 10 Gigabit Ethernet Alliance interoperability area at N+I. The adapter operates over single mode fiber and fits in a standard PCI-X slot. The adapter should be in production in the third quarter, said Tim Dunn, general manager of Intels LAN access division.

Intel isnt alone is pushing 10 Gigabit Ethernet. 3Com Corp. at N+I announced that it plans to begin offering a 10-gigabit LAN switch with multiple ports in 2003.

As far as the Gigabit adapters, Intel plans to ship them within 30 days, officials said. Along with the Intel PRO/1000 MT Desktop Adapter, other adapters include the PRO/1000 MT Dual Port Server Adapter ($229), the PRO/1000 MT Single Port Server Adapter ($169), the PRO/1000 MF Server Adapter ($695), the PRO/1000 MF Dual Port Server Adapter ($995) and the PRO/1000 MF Server Adapter LX ($995).