Intel WG82574IT Gigabit Ethernet Controller: A Technical Deep Dive
The Intel 82574IT, part of the Intel 82574L family, is a highly integrated Gigabit Ethernet controller designed for embedded systems, servers, and network infrastructure. This single-port controller, often implemented as a PCI Express (PCIe) network interface card (NIC), represents a mature yet robust solution for reliable gigabit-speed connectivity. Its enduring presence in the market is a testament to its proven stability and low-latency performance.
Architecturally, the 82574IT is built around a highly efficient PCIe bus interface, leveraging the bandwidth of a PCI Express x1 lane to deliver full line-rate gigabit throughput without becoming a system bottleneck. A key to its performance is the integration of a powerful and dedicated control unit that handles many networking tasks independently, offloading the host CPU. This is achieved through features like TCP/UDP/IP checksum offloading and TCP Segmentation Offloading (TSO), also known as Large Send Offload (LSO). By processing these computationally intensive tasks on the controller itself, the 82574IT significantly reduces CPU utilization, freeing up resources for critical application workloads.
The controller excels in its advanced interrupt handling mechanisms. It supports MSI (Message Signaled Interrupts) and MSI-X, which are superior to traditional line-based interrupts. MSI-X, in particular, allows for multiple interrupt vectors, reducing contention and drastically lowering latency. This makes the controller well-suited for real-time applications and environments where minimizing I/O latency is paramount.
Power management is another critical area of its design. The 82574IT incorporates sophisticated power-saving states like ASPM (Active State Power Management) compliant with the PCIe specification. It can dynamically transition between power states based on link activity, reducing energy consumption in idle periods—a crucial feature for modern, eco-conscious data centers and embedded devices.
From a driver and software perspective, the 82574IT is supported by a mature, optimized driver stack within most major operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and VMware ESXi. This widespread support ensures seamless integration and reliable operation across diverse IT environments. Its reliability is further enhanced by features like jumbo frame support (packets larger than the standard 1500-byte MTU) and advanced filtering capabilities.
In summary, the Intel WG82574IT is far more than a simple connectivity chip. It is a sophisticated controller engineered for efficiency, reliability, and performance. Its intelligent offloading capabilities, advanced interrupt handling, and effective power management make it a cornerstone for dependable network connectivity in demanding applications.
ICGOODFIND: The Intel WG82574IT stands out as a benchmark for reliable, low-overhead gigabit Ethernet, offering a perfect blend of mature software support and hardware-accelerated features ideal for embedded and enterprise systems.
Keywords: Gigabit Ethernet Controller, PCI Express (PCIe), TCP Segmentation Offloading (TSO), MSI-X (Message Signaled Interrupts), Active State Power Management (ASPM)
