Description
Product overview for the HPE P26259-B21
In the fast-paced world of information technology, network adapters play a crucial role in ensuring seamless connectivity and high-speed data transfer. The HPE P26259-B21 2-Port Network Adapter, equipped with the Broadcom BCM57412 Ethernet controller, is a powerful solution designed to meet the demanding networking needs of modern data centers and enterprise environments. This network adapter boasts 10GB SFP+ (Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus) capabilities, making it a robust choice for businesses seeking top-notch performance, scalability, and reliability. In this detailed article, we will explore the key features, benefits, and applications of the HPE P26259-B21 2-Port Network Adapter, shedding light on how it can enhance your network infrastructure. The HPE P26259-B21 2-Port Network Adapter is a network interface card (NIC) manufactured by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). HPE is a renowned global provider of cutting-edge technology solutions for businesses, offering a wide range of products and services to streamline and enhance network performance. The P26259-B21 is no exception, as it brings advanced networking capabilities to the table. This network adapter is designed to meet the demands of modern data centers, cloud environments, and enterprise networks. Its 2-port configuration allows for the connection of multiple devices or network segments, enabling efficient data transfer and network traffic management.
Broadcom BCM57412 Ethernet Controller
The heart of the HPE P26259-B21 network adapter is the Broadcom BCM57412 Ethernet controller. Broadcom is a leading manufacturer of networking solutions, and the BCM57412 is a high-performance Ethernet controller designed to deliver outstanding networking capabilities.
Key features of the Broadcom BCM57412 Ethernet controller include
- Dual 10GBASE-T Ports: The BCM57412 controller features two 10GBASE-T (10 Gigabit Ethernet over copper) ports, providing high-speed connectivity over traditional Ethernet cabling.
- Advanced Offload Capabilities: This Ethernet controller supports various offloading capabilities such as TCP/IP checksum offload, segmentation offload, and more. These offloading features reduce the CPU overhead, enhancing overall system performance.
- Virtualization Support: The Broadcom BCM57412 is virtualization-friendly, offering features like SR-IOV (Single Root I/O Virtualization) and VMDq (Virtual Machine Device Queues) for efficient network resource allocation in virtualized environments.
- Energy Efficiency: Broadcom’s advanced energy-efficient Ethernet (EEE) technology helps reduce power consumption while maintaining peak network performance.
- Robust Security Features: The controller provides hardware-based encryption and authentication to ensure data security.
- Precision Time Protocol (PTP) Support: PTP support enables accurate time synchronization for applications that require precise timing, such as financial trading systems.
10GB SFP+ Technology
The HPE P26259-B21 Network Adapter is equipped with 10GB SFP+ technology. SFP+ stands for Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus, which is an enhanced version of the SFP transceiver. This technology allows for high-speed data transmission over fiber optic or copper cabling, making it ideal for modern network infrastructures.
Key advantages of 10GB SFP+ technology include
- High Bandwidth: SFP+ modules can support data rates of 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps), making them suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications.
- Flexibility: SFP+ transceivers come in various types, including SR (Short Range), LR (Long Range), and LR Lite, allowing network administrators to choose the most appropriate transceiver for their specific needs.
- Hot-Swappable: SFP+ modules are hot-swappable, meaning they can be replaced or upgraded without disrupting network operations. This feature minimizes downtime and simplifies maintenance.
- Compact Design: SFP+ modules have a small form factor, making them ideal for devices with limited space for expansion. They are also compatible with SFP slots, providing versatility in network equipment.
- Long-Distance Connectivity: SFP+ technology supports long-distance connections, making it suitable for both local and wide-area networks (LAN and WAN).
- Cost-Efficiency: SFP+ technology allows for cost-effective network expansion and scalability since administrators can add or replace modules as needed without major infrastructure changes.
Key Features and Specifications
The HPE P26259-B21 Network Adapter offers a range of features and specifications that make it a standout choice for demanding network environments. Here are some of its key attributes:
- 10GBASE-T Support: This network adapter supports 10GBASE-T, allowing for high-speed Ethernet connectivity over copper cables.
- Dual Ports: The adapter is equipped with two ports, enabling network redundancy and load balancing.
- PCIe 3.0 Interface: It connects to the server or workstation via a PCIe 3.0 x8 interface, ensuring efficient data transfer.
- Low-Profile Form Factor: The low-profile design of the adapter is suitable for space-constrained systems.
- Jumbo Frames Support: It can handle jumbo frames, which are larger Ethernet frames that can improve network efficiency.
- Network Virtualization: The adapter supports network virtualization technologies, such as SR-IOV, to optimize resource allocation.
- Smart Offloads: Hardware-based offloading of tasks like TCP/IP checksum and segmentation offloads for improved performance.
- Comprehensive OS Support: It is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and VMware.
- Energy Efficiency: The adapter is designed with energy-efficient features to reduce power consumption.
Benefits of HPE P26259-B21 Network Adapter
The HPE P26259-B21 Network Adapter offers several benefits for organizations looking to enhance their network infrastructure:
- High Performance: The combination of 10GBASE-T technology and the Broadcom BCM57412 Ethernet controller ensures high-speed data transfer, reducing latency and improving overall network performance.
- Scalability: With dual ports and support for network virtualization, the adapter is highly scalable, making it suitable for growing network environments.
- Reliability: The adapter’s dual ports provide redundancy, ensuring network continuity in case of port or cable failures.
- Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient Ethernet technology helps reduce power consumption, making it an environmentally friendly choice while lowering operational costs.
- Compatibility: The adapter supports various operating systems and can be seamlessly integrated into existing network infrastructure.
- Flexibility: The hot-swappable SFP+ technology and support for various transceiver types offer flexibility for different network requirements.
- Reduced CPU Overhead: Offloading features in the Broadcom BCM57412 controller reduce CPU overhead, allowing the server to focus on processing critical tasks.
- Enhanced Security: Hardware-based encryption and authentication features help secure data transmissions.
Use Cases and Applications
The HPE P26259-B21 Network Adapter, with its impressive features and capabilities, can be deployed in a variety of use cases and applications:
- Data Centers: In data center environments, high-speed connectivity is essential for the efficient transfer of large datasets and virtualization. The adapter’s dual ports and support for virtualization technologies make it a valuable asset in data centers.
- Cloud Computing: Cloud service providers and enterprises offering cloud-based services can benefit from the adapter’s scalability and reliability. It enables the rapid and seamless transfer of data between cloud servers and clients.
- Enterprise Networks: Large enterprises with demanding network requirements, such as financial institutions and healthcare providers, can leverage the adapter’s high performance, security features, and scalability to meet their networking needs.
- Virtualization: The support for SR-IOV and VMDq makes the adapter suitable for virtualized environments. It enhances network resource allocation and reduces latency in virtual machines.
- Remote Office/Branch Office (ROBO): The HPE P26259-B21 adapter can be used in ROBO scenarios, connecting remote offices to the main data center with high-speed and reliable network links.
- Media and Entertainment: The adapter is ideal for media and entertainment companies that require high bandwidth for content creation, distribution, and live streaming.
- Research and Scientific Computing: Research institutions and scientific computing facilities can benefit from the adapter’s precision time synchronization for accurate data collection and analysis.
- Financial Services: In the financial sector, where low-latency network connections are critical for high-frequency trading and data processing, the adapter’s performance and security features are invaluable.
Troubleshooting and Support
While the HPE P26259-B21 Network Adapter is designed for reliability and high performance, issues may still arise. Here are some common troubleshooting steps and support options:
- Check Connections: Ensure that all cables and connections are secure and properly seated. Loose connections can lead to network disruptions.
- Driver Updates: If you encounter compatibility or performance issues, check for driver updates on HPE’s official website. Updated drivers may resolve known issues.
- Firmware Updates: Keep the adapter’s firmware up to date. Manufacturers often release firmware updates to address bugs and improve performance.
- Hardware Diagnostics: HPE may offer hardware diagnostic tools that can help identify and resolve hardware-related issues.
- Support Resources: HPE provides various support resources, including documentation, knowledge bases, and forums, where you can find solutions to common problems.
- Technical Support: If you cannot resolve an issue on your own, consider reaching out to HPE’s technical support team. They can provide guidance and assistance for more complex problems.
Main Information about HPE P26259-B21
- Manufacturer: HPE
- Part Number or SKU# P26259-B21
- Product Type: Network Adapter
Network for the 2-Port Network Adapter
- Ports: 2 x 1Gb Ethernet / 10Gb Ethernet SFP+
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Data Link Protocol: Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE v1), RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE v2)
- Data Transfer Rate: 10 Gbps
- Features: IPv6 support, IPv4 support, Receive Side Scaling (RSS), UEFI support, Single Root I/O Virtualization (SR-IOV), Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN), Network Virtualization using Generic Routing Encapsulation (NVGRE), secure boot, Network Partitioning (NPAR), VMware NetQueue and Microsoft Virtual Machine Queue (VMQ), Data Plane Development Kit (DPDK), firmware root of trust, audit logs, tunnel offload, GENEVE support, sanitization, UEFI PXE Boot, legacy BIOS PXE Boot
Processor / Memory
- Processor: 1 x Broadcom BCM57412
Expansion & Connectivity
- Interfaces: 2 x 1Gb Ethernet/10Gb Ethernet – SFP+
Power
- Power Consumption Operational: 7.90 Watts
Compatibility
HPE Nimble Storage dHCI Medium Solution with HPE ProLiant DL325 Gen10 Plus
HPE ProLiant DL Series:
- DL20 Gen10 Plus
- DL20 Gen10 Plus Base
- DL20 Gen10 Plus Entry
- DL20 Gen10 Plus High Performance
- DL20 Gen10 Plus Performance
- DL325 Gen10 Plus
- DL325 Gen10 Plus All-NVMe Flash Node for Qumulo
- DL325 Gen10 Plus All-NVMe Flash Node for Software Defined Storage
- DL325 Gen10 Plus for Weka Base Tracking
- DL325 Gen10 Plus for Weka Expansion Tracking
- DL325 Gen10 Plus V2
- DL325 Gen10 Plus V2 Base
- DL325 Gen10 Plus V2 for Weka Base Tracking
- DL325 Gen10 Plus V2 Performance
- DL345 Gen10 Plus Base
- DL360 Gen10 Plus
- DL360 Gen10 Plus All-NVMe Server for Software Defined Storage
- DL365 Gen10 Plus
- DL380 Gen10 Plus
- DL380 Gen10 Plus Network Choice
- DL385 Gen10 Plus
- DL385 Gen10 Plus Entry
HPE ProLiant ML Series
- ML30 Gen10 Plus
- ML30 Gen10 Plus Entry
- ML30 Gen10 Plus Performance
HPE ProLiant XL Series
- XL220n Gen10 Plus
- XL225n Gen10 Plus 1U Node
- XL290n Gen10 Plus
In summary, the HPE P26259-B21 2-Port Network Adapter, powered by the Broadcom BCM57412 Ethernet controller and 10GB SFP+ technology, offers a robust solution for organizations seeking high-performance, scalable, and reliable networking. Whether in data centers, cloud environments, enterprise networks, or specialized applications like high-frequency trading, this network adapter excels.
With its dual ports, support for network virtualization, and advanced offloading features, the HPE P26259-B21 can significantly improve network efficiency while reducing CPU overhead. Its compatibility with a wide range of operating systems and energy-efficient design makes it a versatile and cost-effective choice.
Before implementing the adapter, ensure compatibility with your existing hardware and follow best practices for installation and troubleshooting. With the right setup, the HPE P26259-B21 Network Adapter can empower your network infrastructure to meet the demands of today’s digital world.
