In a bid to streamline its Ethernet controller lineup, simplify production, and improve supply, Intel initiated products discontinuance plans for dozens of its server-grade Ethernet controllers and adapters last week. The chips and cards are not going to disappear overnight, but a year from now Intel’s Ethernet family will be significantly narrower.
"Intel is accelerating the End of Life (EOL) plans for some controller products in order to consolidate and maintain supply for high-volume products," a statement by Intel reads. "Some Ethernet adapter products are also affected by the controller EOL plans."
Late last week Intel published more than 30 product discontinuance notifications for multiple Ethernet products, including popular Intel GbE I211-AT and 10GbE X550-AT controllers that are widely used both in datacenters as well as in desktops and workstations, reports CRN. Depending on the exact SKU, Intel’s customers will have to make their final orders for the controllers and adapters by January 22 or April 22, 2022. Intel will ship the final units in late April or late October, 2022. Some of the EOLed Ethernet products will still be shipped throughout 2023.
"Global demand increases, shortages of wafers from external manufacturing capacity, and industry wide substrate shortages have significantly impacted the supply of Intel Ethernet controllers," Intel explained. "This has limited Intel’s ability to meet the unprecedented demand of Ethernet controllers."
