Description
Product Overview for the Broadcom LSI00346 4-Ports PCI-E Adapter
The LSI00346 Broadcom 12GB 4-Ports PCI-E SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) 12GBPS SATA (Serial ATA) 6GBPS Host Bus Adapter (HBA) is a crucial component in modern computer systems. Designed to enhance data transfer speeds and improve storage connectivity, this HBA plays a vital role in ensuring efficient communication between the server and attached storage devices. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key features, functionalities, and benefits of the LSI00346 Broadcom HBA, shedding light on its significance in the ever-evolving landscape of data storage and retrieval.
Understanding the Basics
LSI00346 Broadcom Overview: The LSI00346 Broadcom HBA is a high-performance interface card that facilitates the connection between a server and storage devices. It is specifically engineered to support the latest advancements in storage technologies, offering four ports for optimal connectivity.
PCI-E Interface: The HBA utilizes the PCI Express (PCI-E) interface, a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard. This interface ensures a seamless and fast connection between the HBA and the server, allowing for efficient data transfer.
SAS and SATA Support: The HBA supports both SAS and SATA technologies, providing flexibility in connecting various storage devices. SAS is commonly used for enterprise-level storage, while SATA is suitable for a broader range of applications, including consumer-grade storage.
Key Features
- High Data Transfer Rates: One of the standout features of the LSI00346 Broadcom HBA is its support for high data transfer rates. With a 12GBPS SAS interface and 6GBPS SATA interface, this HBA enables swift and reliable data exchange between the server and connected storage devices. This high-speed capability is particularly crucial in data-intensive applications and scenarios where low latency is paramount.
- Four Ports for Increased Connectivity: The HBA boasts four ports, allowing for the simultaneous connection of multiple storage devices. This multi-port configuration enhances the overall storage capacity and provides a more efficient way to manage and organize data. It is especially beneficial in server environments that demand a high level of scalability and redundancy.
- RAID Support: The LSI00346 Broadcom HBA comes equipped with RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) support. RAID configurations enhance data protection, performance, or a combination of both, depending on the specific RAID level implemented. This feature is crucial in enterprise settings where data integrity and availability are top priorities.
- Compatibility with Various Operating Systems: The HBA is designed to be compatible with a wide range of operating systems, ensuring seamless integration into diverse IT environments. Whether the server runs on Windows, Linux, or other supported operating systems, the LSI00346 Broadcom HBA offers the versatility needed for widespread adoption.
- Scalability and Future-Proofing: As technology advances, storage needs grow, and data demands increase. The LSI00346 Broadcom HBA is built with scalability in mind, allowing organizations to expand their storage infrastructure without the need for a complete overhaul. This future-proofing feature is essential for businesses looking to adapt to evolving storage requirements.
Benefits of Using the LSI00346 Broadcom HBA
- Improved Performance: By supporting high data transfer rates and utilizing the latest PCI-E interface, the LSI00346 Broadcom HBA significantly enhances the overall performance of a server’s storage subsystem. This results in faster data access, reduced latency, and improved system responsiveness, contributing to a more efficient computing environment.
- Enhanced Storage Flexibility: With support for both SAS and SATA technologies, the HBA offers enhanced storage flexibility. This flexibility allows organizations to choose the most suitable storage devices for their specific needs, whether it’s high-performance SAS drives for critical applications or cost-effective SATA drives for general-purpose storage.
- Optimal Connectivity for Diverse Environments: The inclusion of four ports on the HBA ensures optimal connectivity in diverse environments. This is particularly advantageous in scenarios where a high volume of storage devices needs to be connected to a single server. The four-port configuration supports efficient data management and facilitates the organization of storage resources.
- Data Protection and Redundancy: The RAID support feature of the LSI00346 Broadcom HBA provides an additional layer of data protection. By implementing RAID configurations, organizations can safeguard against data loss due to drive failures. This is crucial for mission-critical applications and environments where uninterrupted access to data is imperative.
- Seamless Integration with Various Operating Systems: The HBA’s compatibility with a wide range of operating systems simplifies the integration process. Whether an organization relies on Windows, Linux, or another supported operating system, the LSI00346 Broadcom HBA ensures a smooth and hassle-free integration into the existing IT infrastructure.
Compatibility and Interoperability for 4-Port Adapter
The LSI00346 Broadcom 12GB 4-Ports PCI-E SAS 12GBPS SATA 6GBPS Host Bus Adapter is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and VMware. It is also compatible with a variety of server platforms, including Dell, HP, and IBM.
In terms of interoperability, the LSI00346 host bus adapter supports both SAS and SATA hard drives and solid-state drives. It also supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, and it can be used in conjunction with other RAID controllers and storage devices. It also supports the use of LSI MegaRAID software, which allows for easy monitoring and management of the RAID array.
It is important to note that the LSI00346 host bus adapter requires a PCI-E 3.0 slot with at least 8 lanes (x8) to function properly, so it may not be compatible with older server platforms that only have PCI-E 2.0 slots. Additionally, the host bus adapter has a maximum data transfer rate of 12 Gbps, so it may not be suitable for storage solutions that require higher data transfer rates.
Performance and Scalability
The LSI00346 Broadcom 12GB 4-Ports PCI-E SAS 12GBPS SATA 6GBPS Host Bus Adapter is designed to provide high performance and scalability for enterprise storage solutions.
In terms of performance, the host bus adapter supports data transfer rates of up to 12 Gbps SAS and 6 Gbps SATA, allowing for faster data access and transfer. It also features a low-profile design, which minimizes the space required in the server and allows for more efficient use of available resources.
In terms of scalability, the host bus adapter supports up to 4 SAS and SATA devices, allowing for increased storage capacity and flexibility. Additionally, it supports various RAID levels, including 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, which enables data protection and improves performance.
It’s worth noting that the LSI00346 host bus adapter requires a PCI-E 3.0 slot to function properly, so it may not be compatible with older server platforms that only have PCI-E 2.0 slots. Additionally, it supports both SAS and SATA hard drives and solid-state drives, so it’s important to ensure that the storage devices being used are compatible with the host bus adapter.
General Information about this Broadcom LSI00346
- Manufacturer: Broadcom
- Part Number or SKU# LSI00346
- Product Name: Controller
- Sub-Type: SAS-SATA
Technical Information LSI00346
- Host Bus Type: X8 Lane PCI-Express 3.0
- Devices Supported: 1024 Non-Raid SAS/SATA Devices
- Internal Connectors: 1 Mini-SAS HD SFF8643
- Internal Ports: 4
- Operating Temperature: 0°C TO 55°C
- Operating Voltage: +12V +/-8%, 3.3V +/-9%
In short, the LSI00346 Broadcom 12GB 4-Ports PCI-E SAS 12GBPS SATA 6GBPS Host Bus Adapter is a powerful and versatile component that significantly enhances storage capabilities in server environments. Its high data transfer rates, RAID support, and compatibility with various operating systems make it a valuable asset for organizations with diverse storage needs. The four-port configuration and scalability ensure that it can meet the demands of both current and future storage requirements.
As technology continues to advance, the importance of efficient and reliable storage solutions becomes increasingly critical. The LSI00346 Broadcom HBA stands at the forefront of these solutions, providing a robust and feature-rich interface between servers and storage devices. Whether in enterprise settings with demanding workloads or smaller businesses with evolving storage needs, the LSI00346 Broadcom HBA offers a reliable and scalable solution for optimizing data transfer and storage management.