Abstract: A network interface card including a first printed circuit board is provided. First and second connectors may be coupled with the first printed circuit board, and a plurality of ethernet communications links may form at least a portion of a coupling between the first and second connectors. The first connector may be configured to receive a third connector associated with a midplane. A chip may be coupled with the first printed circuit board wherein the plurality of ethernet communications links couple the first connector with the chip. A second communication link may also be provided which couples the chip and the second connector. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the chip consolidates data received through the first connector for distribution of the data to the second connector. A single board computer may be coupled with the first printed circuit board, and a third communication link may couple the chip with the single board computer.