半导体行业观察·2026-01-25 03:52Core Insights - The cost of 10GbE (10 Gigabit Ethernet) has significantly decreased, and integration has become much easier, indicating that the industry is on the verge of a breakthrough [1] Group 1: 10GbE Controller Market - A notable change in 2026 is the rising demand for 10Gbase-T controllers, which face challenges due to higher link noise requiring more signal processing capabilities [2] - Realtek's RTL8127 is a new low-cost 10Gbase-T controller with a single-chip cost slightly above $10, targeting high-performance products rather than low-end options [3] - The RTL8127 can connect using PCIe Gen4 x1 channels, allowing efficient integration into low-cost platforms, enabling 10GbE speeds at a minimal additional cost [5][7] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Marvell's AQC113/AQC113C, acquired from Aquantia, is a long-standing choice for low-cost 10Gbase-T adapters, supporting multiple speeds and providing affordable 10GbE network solutions [8][10] - Intel's E610, released in 2025, is positioned as a server-grade adapter, but its higher cost and initial bugs have led some manufacturers to opt for Realtek solutions instead [11][13][15] - Intel's X710-T4L and X710-T2L series support multi-gig speeds, making them a reliable choice for users needing versatile network cards [16][18] Group 3: 10GbE Switches and Gateways - The introduction of low-cost 10GbE switches and gateways is a significant trend in 2026, with prices dropping to less than a third of previous models [19][20] - There is an increasing presence of 10GbE gateways in the market, despite the dominance of lower-end 1GbE options [21] - Major manufacturers are updating their product lines to include SFP+ and 10Gbase-T versions, reflecting the growing adoption of 10GbE technology [26][28] Group 4: Challenges in 10GbE Adoption - One of the main challenges for 10GbE in 2026 is the efficient use of PCIe channels, especially as the industry transitions to PCIe Gen5, which can support higher bandwidths [29][31] - The competition for silicon supply between low-cost 10GbE devices and higher-end data center chips poses a significant challenge for manufacturers [36] Group 5: Testing and Measurement - The industry is evolving its testing methodologies for 10GbE devices, with advancements in hardware and testing capabilities allowing for more accurate assessments [37][40] - The ability to generate high traffic volumes and conduct detailed latency tests is improving, which is crucial for evaluating the performance of new 10GbE products [54][55] Conclusion - The ecosystem for 10GbE is finally catching up to its initial promises, with a wave of new products entering the market and a series of tests planned for 2026 to further explore 10GbE and beyond [56][58]