Does the Integrated Non-Volatile Memory (iNVM) Inside of Intel® Ethernet Server Adapter i210 Work without External Flash?

Does the Integrated Non-Volatile Memory (iNVM) has default value that can initiate the I210 properly so that the Intel EFI driver will function correctly without external flash?

The Intel® Ethernet Server Adapter i210 is designed to use an external flash memory, but can be used without one with very limited features. For example, no management interface or autonomous external PHY control via MDIO or I2C is available without flash memory.

Below are the PCI Device IDs for the i210 that work in iNVM-less mode:

• i210-IS/AS – 0x157C using iNVM (no flash memory)
• i210-AT – 0x157B using iNVM (no flash memory)

For additional information, access: Frequently Asked Questions

For specific Technical details about the i210 Controller, access the Intel® Ethernet Controller I210 Datasheet