10GB ethernet - NIC recommendations

Hi All,

I am currently planning to upgrade our VMware network infrastructure from 1GB to 10GB and am after some recommendations on what NIC's to concider.

I have a few requirements;

1. Must be supported on the Vmware HCL
2. I'm after Low latency
3. Ideally from a reputable manufacturer (example, Intel)
4. The cost should be justified by the benefits

I'd appreciate any feedback from your own experiences - thanks.

Some additional information regarding the setup;

Current 1GBe config (per host);

2x Management interfaces

2x vMotion interfaces

2x IPStorage interfaces (NFS)

2x Guest Networking - general purpose servers

2x Guest Networking - IIS farm / F5 load balancers

Planned 10GBe config (per host);

Options to consider;

A) 2x dual port 10GBe - to be used for both Management Services and Guest Traffic

B) 2x single port 10GBe - to be used for Management Services only

C) 1x dual port 10GBe  - to be used for Management Services only

** With options B and C, I will need to retain some 1GB links for Guest Networking - overall cost benifit will help decide this.

** Security insists that Management Services and Gust Networking are segregated on seperate vSwitches.

Additionally, I plan to migrate to DVS (with physical load ballancing) and imlement jumbo frames as part of the overall improvement.

Look forward to any feedback or advice.

Thanks,

Jon