Description
More Information for the Qlogic QLE2564 8GB PCI-E Adapter
The QLE2564 Qlogic Sanblade 8GB Quad Port PCI-E 2.0 X8 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (HBA) is a high-performance connectivity solution designed to enhance data storage and transfer capabilities in enterprise environments. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key features, specifications, and applications of this HBA, shedding light on its importance in modern storage area networks (SANs).
Overview of QLE2564
The QLE2564 is a Fibre Channel HBA, a critical component in storage networks that enables high-speed data transfer between servers and storage devices. Developed by Qlogic, a leading provider of networking solutions, the QLE2564 is designed to meet the demands of enterprise-level storage applications, offering robust performance and reliability.
Key Features
- Quad Port Configuration: The QLE2564 features four Fibre Channel ports, allowing for multiple connections and increased data throughput. This quad-port configuration is particularly advantageous in environments where high availability and redundancy are crucial.
- 8GB Speed: The HBA supports an impressive 8 gigabits per second (8GB) data transfer rate. This high-speed connectivity ensures quick and efficient communication between servers and storage devices, reducing latency and enhancing overall system performance.
- PCI-E 2.0 X8 Interface: The PCI Express 2.0 X8 interface provides a high-bandwidth connection between the HBA and the server’s motherboard. This interface ensures that the HBA can effectively handle the data transfer demands of modern storage environments.
- Qlogic Sanblade Technology: The inclusion of Qlogic Sanblade technology signifies advanced features and optimizations for storage networking. This technology is geared towards improving reliability, scalability, and overall efficiency in SAN environments.
Technical Specifications
- Form Factor: The QLE2564 follows the PCI Express form factor, specifically designed for high-speed data communication. Its compact design allows for easy integration into a variety of server configurations.
- Connectivity: The HBA supports Fibre Channel connectivity, making it compatible with a wide range of storage devices and networks. The quad-port configuration enables versatile deployment options, accommodating various storage architectures.
- Data Transfer Rate: With a maximum data transfer rate of 8GB per second, the QLE2564 ensures rapid data movement between servers and storage devices, meeting the demands of modern, data-intensive applications.
- Compatibility: The HBA is engineered to be compatible with leading operating systems and storage management software, facilitating seamless integration into existing IT infrastructures.
Benefits and Use Cases
- Enhanced Performance: The quad-port configuration and 8GB data transfer rate contribute to significantly improved performance in storage networks. This is especially beneficial for applications that require quick access to large volumes of data, such as database management systems and virtualization platforms.
- High Availability: The redundancy provided by the four ports ensures high availability, minimizing the risk of data loss or downtime in the event of a port failure. This is crucial for mission-critical applications where continuous access to data is imperative.
- Scalability: The QLE2564 is designed with scalability in mind, allowing organizations to expand their storage networks seamlessly. Additional HBAs can be added to accommodate growing storage requirements, providing a flexible and scalable solution.
- Versatility in Storage Environments: The compatibility with Fibre Channel technology makes the QLE2564 suitable for a variety of storage environments, including SANs. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for organizations with diverse storage needs.
High Performance of SAN Connectivity
The QLE2564 Qlogic Sanblade 8GB Quad Port PCI-E 2.0 X8 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (HBA) is designed to provide high-performance SAN connectivity for servers and storage systems.
One way the HBA provides high-performance connectivity is through its support for data transfer rates of 8 Gbps, which is significantly faster than previous 4 Gbps Fibre Channel HBAs. This allows for fast data transfer between the server and a Fibre Channel storage area network (SAN), improving the overall performance of the SAN.
The HBA also supports hardware-based iSCSI and FCoE offload, which allows it to offload certain processing tasks from the host server’s CPU, which can help to improve the overall performance of the SAN.
Additionally, the HBA supports multiple Fibre Channel topologies, including point-to-point, arbitrated loop, and fabric, which allows for increased scalability and flexibility in configuring your SAN. This allows you to create a SAN that is optimized for your specific needs, and achieve the best performance possible.
The QLE2564 HBA also supports advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS) which allows for prioritization of data traffic, ensuring that critical data is transferred first, and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) which allows Fibre Channel traffic to be carried over Ethernet networks. This allows the HBA to provide a more efficient and cost-effective way to connect to a SAN, by eliminating the need for dedicated Fibre Channel switches and cabling.
Enhanced Scalability
The QLE2564 Qlogic Sanblade 8GB Quad Port PCI-E 2.0 X8 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (HBA) is designed to provide enhanced scalability for servers and storage systems.
One way the HBA provides scalability is through its support for multiple Fibre Channel topologies, including point-to-point, arbitrated loop, and fabric. This allows for increased scalability and flexibility in configuring your storage area network (SAN), enabling you to create a SAN that is optimized for your specific needs and easily expand your storage capacity as your needs change.
The HBA also supports advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS) which allows for prioritization of data traffic, ensuring that critical data is transferred first, and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) which allows Fibre Channel traffic to be carried over Ethernet networks. These features enable the HBA to provide a more efficient and cost-effective way to connect to a SAN, by eliminating the need for dedicated Fibre Channel switches and cabling. This allows for enhanced scalability and cost-effectiveness for your SAN.
The HBA also supports hardware-based iSCSI and FCoE offload, which allows it to offload certain processing tasks from the host server’s CPU, which can help to improve the overall performance of the SAN and allow for more efficient use of server resources.
General Information about this Qlogic QLE2564
- Manufacturer: Qlogic
- Model Number or SKU# QLE2564
- Product Name: Controller
- Product Type: Fibre Channel
Technical Information QLE2564
- Device Type: Host Bus Adapter – 4 Ports
- Form Factor: Plug-In Card
- Interface (BUS) Type: PCI Express 2.0 X8
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Data Link Protocol: 8GB Fibre Channel
- Fibre Channel: FC-AL, FC-AL-2, FCP-2, FCP-3
- Data Transfer Rate: 8.5 GBPS
- Full Duplex Capability Auto-Negotiation Quality Of Service (QOS)
In short, the QLE2564 Qlogic Sanblade 8GB Quad Port PCI-E 2.0 X8 Fibre Channel HBA stands as a robust and versatile solution for organizations seeking high-performance storage connectivity. Its quad-port configuration, 8GB data transfer rate, and compatibility with Fibre Channel technology make it a valuable asset in modern storage area networks. With proper installation, configuration, and maintenance, this HBA can contribute to enhanced performance, high availability, and scalability in enterprise storage environments. As technology continues to advance, solutions like the QLE2564 play a crucial role in supporting the growing demands of data-intensive applications and ensuring the efficiency of storage networks.