How To Enable Support For Third-Party Modules On Intel NIC

By default, Intel network interface cards (NICs) perform authentication on connected optical modules.

If a non-Intel genuine module is detected, the NIC may disable the port or trigger an alarm.

Intel provides a way to disable this authentication to support third-party optical modules.

Taking the Intel X710-DA4 NIC as an example, this article explains how to enable third-party module support on Intel NICs.

I. Intel NIC Module Authentication Mechanism

When a third-party optical module is inserted into an Intel NIC:

• The module fails to bring up the link

• The port LED does not light up

• The port is disabled

• An alarm message is generated

II. Methods To Enable/Disable Intel NIC Module Authentication

According to the Intel® Ethernet Controller X710/XXV710/XL710 Datasheet,

bit 11 of a control register in the NIC controller determines whether module authentication is enabled:

• Value 1Bh: module authentication enabled (default)

• Value 0Bh: module authentication disabled

Figure 1 Module Authentication Byte Description

We use the open‑source script xl710-unlocker-master (available at https://github.com/bibigon812/xl710-unlocker/tree/master) to modify the EEPROM register controlling module authentication.

The detailed steps are as follows:

1. Extract the compressed package, open a terminal in the script directory, and compile the tool:

make

This generates the executable file xl710_unlock.

2. Check the NIC port address and name:

./dpdk_setup_ports.py -s

3. Verify the NIC device ID to ensure consistency with the script:

lspci -nn | grep [port address]

4. Modify the module authentication status:

./xl710_unlock -n [port name]

• The output shows the current register state:

• locked: module authentication is enabled

• unlocked: module authentication is disabled

• Enter y to confirm the change.

• Reboot the server for the configuration to take effect.

III. Effect Of Disabling Intel NIC Module Authentication

After disabling module authentication and allowing third-party modules:

• The optical module can link up normally

• The switch can correctly identify optical module information

• No port disabling or alarm occurs

For commands related to Arista switches, please refer to: How To Enable Support For Third-Party Modules On Arista Switches

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For further inquiries about the above content, please contact us at: sales@moduletek.com

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