Usage Models

Intelligent Adapters

Intelligent adapters are typically peripheral devices that use a local processor to offload tasks from the host. Examples of intelligent adapters include RAID controllers, modem cards, and content processing blades that perform tasks such as security and flow processing. Generally, these tasks are either computationally onerous or require significant I/O bandwidth if performed by the host. By adding a local processor to the endpoint, system designers can enjoy significant incremental performance. In the RAID market, a significant number of products utilize local intelligence for their I/O processing.

Another example of intelligent adapters is an ecommerce blade. Because general purpose host processors are not ...

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