The 8100 Series QLE8152 10GbE-to-PCIe Dual Port CNA without Transceiver from Q-Logic supports simultaneous LAN (TCP/ IP) and SAN (Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) and iSCSI) traffic at 10 Gbps Ethernet speed. This convergence of networking traffic lowers data centers' costs by eliminating the need for a separate LAN and SAN infrastructure. It also reduces the cost of the number of adapters, cables and switches required. In addition, the adapters are fully compatible with existing Fibre Channel and iSCSI storage, providing investment protection for the existing infrastructure.
The 8100 Series offers better CPU utilization with its fast 10GbE Ethernet speed and numerous hardware offloads.
Ethernet Speed
The adapter supports simultaneous LAN (TCP/IP) and SAN (FCoE and iSCSI) traffic at 10 Gbps Ethernet speed.
FCoE Hardware Offload
The CNA supports full hardware offload for FCoE protocol processing. Q-Logics FlexOffload feature, frees up the server CPU to perform other tasks. Consequently, server applications run faster and virtualized servers support more virtual machines (VMs).
iSCSI
The 8100 series adapter also supports iSCSI storage protocol using iSCSI software initiators that are available with all the major operating systems.
Convergence
The adapter reduces the cost of number of adapters, cables and switches by converging the data and storage networks. The convergence also helps to lower the costs of power consumption and cooling.
Common Drivers
The 8100 series adapter is compatible with the pre existing Fiber Channel software driver stacks. The drivers are common across QLogic's lineup of Fibre Channel adapters, thus simplifying revision management in heterogeneous environments.
Management
Networking, FCoE and iSCSI management is easy with Q-Logic's new, unified management application, QConvergeConsole (QCC). The QCC provides single-pane-of-glass management for the adapter. The adapter can be managed by other third party management tools with the API support, including native OS management tools for networking.
Low Power:
The 8100 series adapter consumes minimal amount of power and generates minimal heat. This feature helps in lowering the operational expenses for electricity and cooling. The adapters can operate in low airflow conditions as they generate an insignificant amount of heat, which increases the server uptime and improves Reliability, Availability and Serviceability (RAS).
Diskless Boot:
The adapter supports remote booting of the server over both the LAN and SAN. As a result, data centers can deploy thinner servers, centralize OS image management, increase system availability and simplify image redeployment.
Enhanced Ethernet
Numerous additions to the Ethernet Standard, enables it to transport lossless and converged LAN and SAN traffic. The adapter supports the new Ethernet standards, including 802.1Qbb (Priority-based Flow Control) and 802.1Qaz (Enhanced Transmission Selection/DCBX).