Description
Understanding the Name of Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C100-04 UCS Virtual Interface Card
The name of this network adapter, “Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C100-04 UCS Virtual Interface Card,” may seem quite daunting, but it contains essential information about the product. Let’s break it down step by step:
- UCSC: This stands for “Unified Computing System Chassis.” Cisco’s Unified Computing System is a data center platform designed to simplify and streamline data center operations.
- PCIE: This acronym refers to Peripheral Component Interconnect Express, a high-speed interface standard for connecting various hardware components to the motherboard of a computer. In this context, it indicates that the card uses a PCIe interface for connection.
- C100: The “C100” part of the name likely represents a product series or model within Cisco’s Unified Computing System.
- 04: The “04” may signify a version number or revision of this specific Virtual Interface Card.
Overview of the Cisco 100GBPS Converged Network Adapter
In the world of networking and data centers, the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C100-04 UCS Virtual Interface Card is a remarkable piece of hardware. With its long and complex name, this network adapter serves a vital role in enabling high-speed data transfer and network connectivity within servers and switches. Now that we’ve decoded the name, let’s delve deeper into the features and capabilities of the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C100-04 UCS 2 Ports Virtual Interface Card:
Dual-Ports Converged Network Adapter
The Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C100-04 is a dual-ports converged network adapter. What this means is that it has two network ports built into a single card. Converged network adapters are designed to handle various types of network traffic, such as data, storage, and management, over a single network connection. This convergence simplifies network infrastructure and reduces the number of network cards required in a server or switch.
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI-E) 3.0 X16
The network adapter utilizes the PCI-E 3.0 X16 interface. Let’s break down what this means:
- Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI-E): PCI-E is a high-speed interface that allows various hardware components, such as graphics cards, storage controllers, and network adapters, to connect to a computer’s motherboard. The “Express” in PCI-E signifies its improved speed and performance compared to older PCI standards.
- 3.0: This version number represents the PCI-E specification. PCI-E 3.0 is an older standard but still widely used, offering significant bandwidth and performance improvements over its predecessors.
- X16: The “X16” denotes the physical size and shape of the PCI-E slot. X16 slots are common in servers and high-performance computers. They provide ample bandwidth for data-intensive tasks.
100 Gigabytes Per Second (Gbps)
One of the most impressive features of the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C100-04 is its data transfer speed of 100 Gigabytes per second (Gbps). This blazing-fast speed is crucial for data-intensive applications, high-speed networking, and data centers handling massive amounts of information.
Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable (QSFP)28
The Cisco UCS Virtual Interface Card is equipped with Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable (QSFP)28 ports. Let’s understand the significance of this feature:
- QSFP: QSFP is a compact, high-density, hot-pluggable transceiver module used in data centers and high-speed networking equipment. These modules support various network standards, including Ethernet and InfiniBand, and are known for their high data rates.
- 28: The “28” in QSFP28 refers to the number of gigabits each port can handle. QSFP28 modules can support data rates of up to 100 Gbps, making them suitable for high-speed network connections.
Plug-in Card for Server/Switch
The Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C100-04 is a plug-in card designed for servers and switches. This means it can be inserted into the appropriate slots on a server or switch’s motherboard to provide high-speed network connectivity. Let’s explore why this is essential:
- Server: In a server, this card can enable rapid data transfer, which is crucial for hosting websites, running applications, and processing user requests.
- Switch: In a network switch, this card can enhance the switch’s performance and capacity to handle a large number of network connections and data traffic.
Features and Benefits of Dual-Ports 100GBPS Network Adapter
Now that we’ve broken down the name and explored the key components of the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C100-04 UCS Virtual Interface Card, let’s discuss its features and benefits in more detail:
- High-Speed Data Transfer: One of the standout features of this network adapter is its capability to achieve data transfer speeds of up to 100 Gbps. This level of performance is essential for data centers and network environments where rapid data transfer is a top priority. It ensures that large files, high-definition multimedia, and real-time data can flow seamlessly through the network, reducing latency and improving user experience.
- Dual-Port Design: The dual-port design of the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C100-04 is a valuable feature for redundancy and load balancing. In case one port experiences an issue, the other port can continue to handle network traffic. Furthermore, administrators can use both ports simultaneously to distribute network load, resulting in improved performance and reliability.
- Converged Network Adapter: Convergence in networking simplifies infrastructure and reduces the number of network adapters required in a system. With the ability to handle various types of network traffic (data, storage, and management) over a single network connection, the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C100-04 aids in streamlining network architecture, saving space, and reducing costs.
- Compatibility: Cisco is a well-established brand in the networking industry, and its products are often designed to work seamlessly with other Cisco equipment. The Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C100-04 is no exception. It’s designed to integrate effortlessly into Cisco’s Unified Computing System and other Cisco networking solutions, ensuring compatibility and ease of deployment.
- Data Center Efficiency: Data centers are the backbone of modern computing, housing and processing vast amounts of information. The high-speed, dual-port design of this network adapter enhances data center efficiency by providing rapid connectivity and redundancy, which is crucial for maintaining the availability of critical services and applications.
- QSFP28 Ports: The inclusion of Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable (QSFP)28 ports is a key feature of this network adapter. QSFP28 modules are widely used for high-speed networking, making the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C100-04 suitable for connecting to high-speed networks, switches, and other equipment in data centers and enterprise environments.
Use Cases of PCI-E Dual-Ports 100GBPS Converged Network Adapter
The Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C100-04 UCS Virtual Interface Card has a wide range of potential use cases, thanks to its high-speed, dual-port, and converged network adapter capabilities. Here are some scenarios where this network card can be highly beneficial:
Data Centers
Data centers are at the heart of the digital age, providing storage, processing, and network services for countless applications and services. In data centers, high-speed network connectivity is critical. The Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C100-04 can be used to enhance data center performance, ensuring the rapid transfer of data and reliable network connections.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing relies on fast and reliable network connections to deliver services to users around the world. This network adapter can be used in cloud servers and infrastructure to ensure that cloud services are responsive and data transfer is efficient.
High-Performance Computing
Scientific research, simulations, and other high-performance computing tasks demand powerful hardware and fast network connections. This network adapter can be used in high-performance computing clusters to enable high-speed data transfers and network connectivity for complex calculations and simulations.
Virtualization
Virtualization technology allows multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server. The Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C100-04 is well-suited for virtualized environments, where it can provide fast and reliable network connections to virtual machines, ensuring optimal performance and resource allocation.
Enterprise Networking
In large organizations and enterprises, a reliable and high-speed network is essential for day-to-day operations. This network adapter can be integrated into enterprise servers and switches to improve network performance and handle the high data loads generated by modern businesses.
Compatibility and Requirements
Before purchasing and installing the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C100-04 UCS Virtual Interface Card, it’s essential to consider its compatibility with your existing hardware and software environment. Here are some compatibility factors to keep in mind:
- Server and Switch Compatibility: Ensure that your server or switch has available PCI-E X16 slots and is compatible with the physical and electrical specifications of the card. Refer to the manufacturer’s documentation to verify compatibility.
- Operating System Compatibility: Check if the network card’s drivers and software are compatible with your server’s or switch’s operating system. Cisco typically provides drivers for popular operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and VMware.
- Network Infrastructure: Consider whether your existing network infrastructure can support the high-speed capabilities of the card. This includes the network switches, cables, and the overall network architecture.
- Power Requirements: Verify that your server or switch can provide the necessary power to the network card. High-speed network adapters often require additional power compared to standard network cards.
- Firmware and Software Updates: Stay up to date with firmware and software updates for the network card to ensure optimal performance, security, and compatibility. Cisco may release updates to address known issues and improve functionality.
General Information for Dual Port 100G QSFP28 Virtual Interface Card
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# UCSC-PCIE-C100-04
- Product Model: VIC 1495
- Product Name: UCS VIC 1495 Dual Port 100G QSFP28
- Device Type: Converged Network Adapter
Technical Information of Converged Network Adapter
- Form Factor: Plug-in Card
- Interfaces/Ports:
- Host Interface: PCI Express 3.0 x16
- Total Number of Ports: 2
- Network & Communication:
- Network Technology: 40GBASE-X, 100GBASE-X
- I/O Expansions:
- Expansion Slot Type: QSFP
Finally, the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C100-04 UCS Virtual Interface Card is a high-speed, dual-port, converged network adapter designed for servers and switches in data centers, cloud computing environments, high-performance computing clusters, and enterprise networks. Its name, though complex, holds valuable information about its manufacturer, model, and key specifications.
With its ability to achieve data transfer speeds of 100 Gbps and support for Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable (QSFP)28 modules, this network card is well-equipped to meet the demands of modern, data-intensive applications and services. Its dual-port design provides redundancy and load balancing, enhancing network reliability and performance.
Before purchasing and installing the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C100-04, it’s crucial to consider compatibility with your existing hardware and software environment. Regular maintenance and firmware updates are essential to keep the network card operating smoothly.
