Why Portwell’s PNC Series Stands Out in the OCP NIC 3.0 Landscape: Choosing the Right Network Card for Modern Deployments

08/08/2025, by American Portwell Editorial Team

As data centers evolve to meet the demands of AI, edge computing, and high-throughput networking, the role of the network interface card (NIC) has become more critical than ever. The Open Compute Project (OCP) NIC 3.0 specification has emerged as a modern standard, offering a modular, scalable, and interoperable approach to network connectivity.

But within this open standard, not all NICs are created equal.

Understanding OCP NIC 3.0: A Quick Primer

OCP NIC 3.0 defines a standardized form factor and interface for network cards, enabling interoperability across vendors and platforms. It’s designed to support:

• High-speed networking (up to 400GbE)
• Efficient power delivery
• Streamlined integration with modern server architectures

This open approach allows vendors to innovate on top of a shared foundation—bringing unique features to market while maintaining compatibility.

Where Portwell’s PNC Series Fits In

Portwell’s PNC Series OCP NIC 3.0 cards exemplify how a vendor can stand out within an open ecosystem. While many vendors prioritize raw throughput or target hyperscale deployments, Portwell has established a clear differentiator by addressing specialized needs in network appliances and edge computing across industries. This focus not only sets the PNC Series apart but also highlights its relevance for modern, real-world deployments.

Key Features of the PNC Series:

• Support for LAN Bypass: A rare feature in the OCP NIC 3.0 space, LAN bypass ensures uninterrupted traffic flow during system failures or reboots—critical for firewalls, IDS/IPS, and other high-availability systems.
• Flexible Port Configurations: Options include 1GbE, 2.5GbE, 10GbE, and 25GbE, through RJ45, SFP/SFP+, and SFP28 interfaces.
• Intel-Based Controllers: Leveraging proven chipsets like the Intel® X710 and E810 for performance and compatibility.
• Extended Form Factors: Some models offer extended PCB designs to support additional features or thermal requirements.

OCP NIC 3.0 vs. Traditional PCIe NICs with Bypass

To better understand how Portwell’s OCP NICs compare to traditional solutions, here’s a side-by-side look:

Summary: Choosing the Right NIC for Your Infrastructure

• OCP NICs with bypass are ideal for modern, scalable, and modular deployments—especially where density, remote management, and failover are critical.
• Standard (non-bypass) OCP NICs are well-suited for data center, cloud, and high-throughput networking applications.
• Traditional PCIe NICs with bypass remain valuable in legacy systems, industrial environments, and cost-sensitive deployments where OCP infrastructure isn’t available.
• Portwell’s strategy reflects a focused approach to specialized applications—leveraging open standards while innovating for focused use cases like network appliances and edge systems.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Network?

Whether you're building next-gen network appliances, deploying edge systems, or modernizing your data center, Portwell’s PNC Series OCP NIC 3.0 cards offer the flexibility, reliability, and innovation you need.

• Explore Portwell’s PNC series OCP NIC 3.0 network cards
• Request a demo or evaluation unit: info@portwell.com
• Talk to our solution experts: 1-877-278-8899

Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation. OCP, Open Compute Project and OCP INSPIRED are trademarks of Open Compute Project Foundation. All other products and company names referred to herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.