The alternative to building a TOE is to integrate hardware and software into customized silicon. This solution comes in two flavors: FPGA (field-programmable gate arrays) and ASICs. Like firmware-based solutions, FPGA solutions are flexible because software can be changed dynamically. But high cost limits FPGA solutions to initial implementations and product development. Once all the bugs are worked out and the manufacturing process is set, TOEs are implemented as ASIC solutions, which cost less in volume production.
Although the same TCP/IP off-load processes run on both implementations, the ASIC solution has processors and memory on-chip. As a result, ASIC TOEs boast better performance than that of their firmware counterparts. However, if you need a customized solution, you may want a solution that can be upgraded with firmware.
Taking it to the Streets
Last year Dell's PowerEdge 2650 server shipped with an Intel Gigabit controller as standard. This year, an Intel Pro/1000 MT Gigabit Server Adapter sold for $139.95. The dual-port version sold for $189.95, and a desktop version sold for $54.95. This autosensing 10/100/1,000-Mbps NIC gives you an example of how the cost has come down for gigabit connectivity over Category 5 cabling.
Although the PowerEdge and the 1000 MT do not have full TOEs, they provide TCP segmentation off-load in hardware. But the more off-load features provided, the greater the cost. For example, Alacritech's partial off-load solution (the 1000x1) for both TCP/IP and iSCSI using an ASIC sells for about $1,000, and Adaptec's full off-load solution (ANA-7711) will cost more when it ships later this year.
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