Intel enhances Ethernet possibilities

Intel has strengthened its networking capabilities by agreeing to buy up NetEffect, which specialises in Ethernet technology, for $8 million (4.6 million).

The acquisition allows Intel to improve its 10 Gigabit Ethernet needs for its customers, which includes server virtualisation, convergence of network and storage traffic, and server compute clusters.

Neteffect's products include 1 Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) adapters for servers and blade configurations as well as 10 GbE Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). It also deals with iWARP Ethernet technology, an alternative to Infiniband.

Intel currently has 10GbE server adapters designed for multi-core processor-based servers and optimised for virtualisation. NetEffect will provide High Performance Interface Cards (NIC) to compliment them.

"NetEffect's role as a data communications solution provider and the company's technology will enhance Intel's current Ethernet efforts," said Tom Swinford, general manager at Intel LAN Access Division in a statement.