QLogic 8200 dual-port 10GbE SFP+VFA Adapter and 8200 FCoE/iSCSI License

The QLogic Corp.‘s Dual Port 10GBE SFP+ VFA Adapter for IBM Corp.‘s System x is based on the 8200 Series adapters and represents the third generation of QLogic CNAs, supporting simultaneous LAN (TCP/IP) and SAN FCoE, iSCSI) traffic at line-rate, 10GbE speed.

This convergence of networking traffic lowers data center costs by eliminating the need for separate LAN and SAN infrastructure. Data centers now need fewer adapters, cables, and switches, which also means reduced power and cooling costs. In addition, these adapters are compatible with existing FC and iSCSI storage, providing investment protection for existing infrastructure.

The 8200 Series adapters improve
on previous generation products with following features:

PCIe Gen2 x8 support for higher dual-port throughput
Advanced virtualization
Full hardware offload for iSCSI
Support for DAC Cables
Line rate across both ports

Features and benefits:

8200 Series: The 8200 Series of CNAs support simultaneous LAN (TCP/IP) and SAN (FCoE, iSCSI) traffic at line-rate, 10GbE Ethernet speed. These adapters interface to the host server with a PCIe Gen2 x8 bus, designed to ensure that internal performance bottlenecks do not occur.
FCoE and iSCSI hardware offload: When purchased with the optional Qlogic FCoE/iSCSI License for IBM System x (FoD) (00Y5624). The 8200 Series adapters support hardware offload for FCoE and iSCSI protocol processing. QLogic’s FlexOffload features free up the server CPU to perform other tasks. Consequently, server applications can run faster and virtualized servers can support more VMs. Very few adapters truly support full hardware offload; most rely on the server CPU for FCoE and iSCSI protocol processing.
Convergence: The 8200 Series adapters reduce data center costs by converging data and storage networking. This convergence results in buying fewer adapters, cables, and switches. In addition, convergence offers lower power consumption, reduced cooling, and easier LAN and SAN management.
Common drivers: They are compatible with the same FC and iSCSI software driver stacks that have been deployed in millions of previous installations. These drivers are common across QLogic’s lineup of FC and iSCSI adapters, simplifying revision management in heterogeneous environments.
Management: Networking, FCoE, and iSCSI management is easy with QLogic’s unified management application, QConvergeConsole (QCC). It provides single-pane-of-glass management for QLogic’s product line of storage and networking adapters. The 8200 Series also has API support so that it can be managed by other popular third-party management tools, including native OS management tools for networking.
Diskless boot: The 8200 Series adapters support booting the server from remote storage over both the LAN and SAN. Consequently, data centers can deploy thinner servers, centralize OS image management, increase system availability, and simplify image redeployment.
Enhanced Ethernet: Additions to the Ethernet standard enable it to transport lossless, converged LAN and SAN traffic. The 8200 Series adapters support all of the new Ethernet standards, including 802.1Qbb (Priority-based Flow Control) and 802.1Qaz (Enhanced Transmission).
Expertise: QLogic has a advantage in delivering this new CNA technology with years of experience providing FC and Ethernet-based products.
IBM Feature on Demand: The Qlogic FCoE/iSCSI License for IBM System x (FoD) (00Y5624), enables support for FCoE and iSCSI hardware offload through the Features on Demand (FoD) license upgrade. This support enables flexibility and investment protection by letting you buy the FCoE / iSCSI license when you need it.

Feature exchange
None

Key prerequisites
The dual port VFA II adapter can be used on supported System x servers with an available PCI Express expansion slot. IBM System x provides end-to-end testing for select iSCSI and FCoE configurations.

Planned availability date

December 17, 2012: Qlogic Dual Port 10GbE SFP+ VFA for IBM System x (90Y4600)
February 26, 2013: Qlogic VFA FCoE/iSCSI License for IBM System x (FoD) (00Y5624)