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We're currently using Dell OptiPlex workstations with the Intel vPro feature. A remote location is requiring their computers be connected via fibre for security reasons. This will require us to install third-party FO NICs in the workstations. My question is: will vPro OOB management (which we rely on) still work via this NIC?

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  • if you get the intel nics with fc transievers yes
    – tony roth
    Commented Jul 11, 2011 at 19:11
  • The intel NICs that come with the machines are LOM 1000BASE-TX. This is the only option that Dell offers on these machines. We are planning on purchasing Allied Telesis AT-2931SX/LC FO NICs to install on the PCI-x slot.
    – newmanth
    Commented Jul 11, 2011 at 19:14
  • i'd say don't get the intel 1gb with sfp ports, then I think vpro applies still
    – tony roth
    Commented Jul 11, 2011 at 19:16
  • please note that I don't know anything about vpro oob!
    – tony roth
    Commented Jul 11, 2011 at 19:20
  • Thanks Tony. What I'd really like to know is if an Intel NIC is REQUIRED, or will any NIC do? Looking for someone with firsthand experience...
    – newmanth
    Commented Jul 11, 2011 at 21:04

1 Answer 1

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vPro utilizes the integrated network adapter. Currently add-in cards (fiber or otherwise) are not supported. However if they are willing to use multiple adapters they could user a fiber add-in card for high-bandwidth traffic, and a second wired connection for manageability.

Source: http://community.spiceworks.com/topic/116384-intel-vpro-and-fiber-networks

I would try using a media converter from ethernet to fiber instead of another card if you want to connect via fiber and use vPro.

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  • Correct. The vPro firmware needs to be able to communicate directly with the NIC, otherwise it wouldn't work when the machine wasn't fully booted into its OS.
    – Mark Henderson
    Commented Jul 11, 2011 at 21:36
  • +1 for doing the research.
    – womble ♦
    Commented Jul 11, 2011 at 23:40
  • Awesome, that was exactly the information I was looking for. Many thanks!
    – newmanth
    Commented Jul 12, 2011 at 15:14
  • Does that mean that security vulnerabilities related to vPro are not exploitable on third party NICs?
    – user413426
    Commented May 2, 2017 at 17:19

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