The NC7131 extends Compaq’s Gigabit adapter offerings by providing a single port 1000 Mbps Ethernet connection for 32- and 64-bit PCI slots in unshielded twisted-pair environments. Additionally, this new server adapter supports both 10 and 100 Mbps Ethernet, allowing users to protect their current 10/100 Ethernet investment while simultaneously future-proofing their networks for expansion and greater bandwidth needs. Next, the NC7131 introduces 1000Mbps speed for server environments using Category 5 (or better) unshielded twisted-pair cabling. It is built around second-generation Intel 82543GC technology for superior performance as well as for 10/100/1000 Ethernet speeds. The Compaq NC7131 adapter has one auto-negotiating RJ-45 port and LED indicators showing link, activity, and port speed. The NC7131 Gigabit Server Adapter is a supported option for selected Compaq ProLiant servers.

The NC7131 offers the highest data transfer method available between a network and a server for high performance and low CPU utilization. The NC7131 operates in 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slots and uses 33 or 66MHz bus-mastering technology to maximize throughput and minimize CPU utilization. The NC7131 includes PCI Hot Plug support, which enables it to be replaced or added to a PCI Hot Plug compatible server without powering down the system. This feature provides increased system availability and non-stop serviceability in business-critical computing environments. The NC7131 also supports Interrupt Coalescence in all the major OS environments, reducing CPU utilization. The NC7131 also supports Receive and Transmit TCP Checksum Offloading, as well as Transmit IP Checksum Offloading under Windows 2000.

Transmit Load Balancing (TLB) and Switch-Assisted Load Balancing (FEC/GEC/802.3ad static-mode configuration only) are two port-bonding methods supported by the NC7131. TLB provides both failover and balancing of transmit traffic across all adapters for increased performance. For even higher performance, Switch-Assisted Load Balancing (SLB) provides port failover and balancing of both transmit and receive traffic across all adapters when connected to a switch that supports this feature.

Jumbo Frames (also known as Extended Frames) offer a 9K byte Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU), which is six times the size of traditional Ethernet frames. Like all Compaq Gigabit server adapters, the NC7131, supports jumbo frames as a way to achieve higher throughput and better CPU utilization when deploy in a network infrastructure that supports them. Jumbo frames are particularly useful for database transfers and tape backups.

The Network Fault Tolerance feature of the NC7131 ensures that the server can always keep an active link. After installing a second, compatible adapter, if the primary network connection fails, the second, backup adapter will automatically take over, retaining the network connection. The NC7131 can be configured to fail over to any NC31xx , NC61xx , or NC71xx adapter by using the latest Compaq drivers.