UCSC-PCIE-C40Q-02 Cisco VIC 40Gbps QSFP Network Adapter

Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C40Q-02 VIC 40Gbps QSFP Network Adapter

The Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C40Q-02 Virtual Interface Card (VIC) is a high-performance dual-port 40 Gigabit Ethernet network adapter designed for enterprise-grade data centers. this PCI Express plug-in module delivers ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, and scalable connectivity for Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) environments.

Product Identification

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: UCSC-PCIE-C40Q-02
• Product Type: Network Adapter
• Form Factor: PCI Express Plug-in Module

Port Configuration Advantages

• 2 x 40Gbps QSFP Ethernet interfaces
• Optimized for high-density server environments
• Reduced latency for mission-critical applications

Performance Benefits

• High-bandwidth server-to-switch connectivity
• Efficient traffic handling in virtualized environments
• Improved network consolidation and reduced hardware overhead

System Efficiency Highlights

• Direct high-speed CPU-to-network data path
• Enhanced scalability for cloud and virtualization workloads
• Optimized throughput with minimal bottlenecks

Supported Server Models

• UCS C22 M3
• UCS C24 M3
• UCS C240 M3
• UCS C240 M4
• UCS C260 M2
• UCS C460 M2
• UCS C460 M4
• Managed C240 M3
• Smart Play 8 C240

Common Application Scenarios

• Virtual machine clustering and migration
• High-speed storage area network (SAN) access
• Cloud infrastructure deployment
• Big data processing environments

Operational Benefits

• Lower infrastructure complexity
• Improved energy efficiency
• Enhanced workload balancing
• Scalable high-speed networking architecture

Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C40Q-02 VIC 40Gbps QSFP Adapter Overview

The Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C40Q-02 VIC 40Gbps QSFP Network Adapter represents a high-performance converged network interface solution engineered for enterprise-grade data centers, virtualization environments, and cloud-scale infrastructures. Designed to deliver ultra-low latency, high bandwidth throughput, and advanced virtualization capabilities, this Cisco Virtual Interface Card (VIC) is optimized for organizations that demand scalable, reliable, and flexible network connectivity within Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) deployments. It is widely adopted in mission-critical environments where network performance directly impacts application responsiveness and service availability.

As part of Cisco’s UCS ecosystem, this 40Gbps QSFP-based adapter provides a unified fabric architecture that consolidates networking and I/O operations into a single platform. This significantly reduces hardware complexity while improving operational efficiency, making it a preferred choice for modern data center architectures that rely heavily on virtualization, containerization, and software-defined networking.

High-Speed 40Gbps QSFP Connectivity Architecture

Next-Generation Bandwidth Delivery

The Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C40Q-02 adapter is built around a 40Gbps QSFP interface that enables high-speed data transmission between servers and switching infrastructure. This level of bandwidth is essential for workloads that require rapid data movement such as high-performance computing (HPC), large-scale virtualization clusters, database replication systems, and cloud service platforms. By leveraging 40Gbps throughput, the adapter ensures minimal congestion and efficient handling of heavy traffic loads.

QSFP Interface Advantages

The Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP) design allows for compact, scalable connectivity while maintaining high signal integrity. QSFP technology supports high-density deployments, enabling data centers to maximize port utilization without increasing physical rack space. This makes it especially suitable for environments where space optimization and airflow management are critical considerations.

Optimized Signal Integrity and Stability

The QSFP architecture ensures stable and consistent data transmission by minimizing signal degradation over high-speed links. This is crucial in enterprise environments where packet loss or latency spikes can lead to performance bottlenecks or service disruptions. The Cisco VIC leverages advanced hardware offloading to maintain stable throughput even under sustained workloads.

Cisco Unified Computing System Integration

Seamless UCS Fabric Connectivity

The Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C40Q-02 VIC is deeply integrated into the Cisco UCS ecosystem, enabling seamless communication between compute nodes and fabric interconnects. This integration eliminates traditional network interface complexity by consolidating multiple virtual interfaces into a single physical adapter. As a result, administrators can dynamically allocate network resources based on workload demands without requiring physical reconfiguration.

Virtual Interface Card (VIC) Technology

Cisco’s VIC technology allows the adapter to present multiple virtual network interfaces to the host system. These virtual interfaces can be assigned to different applications, virtual machines, or containers, enabling fine-grained control over network traffic distribution and isolation. This capability is essential for multi-tenant environments and cloud infrastructure deployments.

Enhanced Network Virtualization

Through advanced virtualization support, the adapter enables efficient traffic segmentation and workload isolation. This ensures that critical applications receive dedicated bandwidth while maintaining performance consistency across shared infrastructure. The VIC architecture also reduces overhead associated with traditional NIC teaming or external switching dependencies.

Performance Optimization for Data-Intensive Workloads

Low Latency Data Processing

The Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C40Q-02 is designed for ultra-low latency operations, making it ideal for environments such as financial trading systems, real-time analytics platforms, and high-frequency transaction processing systems. The adapter minimizes packet processing delays through hardware acceleration, reducing CPU overhead and improving overall system efficiency.

High Throughput for Enterprise Applications

Applications that involve large-scale data transfer, such as backup systems, storage replication, and virtualization clusters, benefit significantly from the 40Gbps throughput. The adapter ensures consistent performance even during peak traffic conditions, preventing bottlenecks that could otherwise impact application performance.

Efficient Packet Processing Engine

The built-in packet processing engine enhances data handling efficiency by offloading compute-intensive networking tasks from the host CPU. This allows server resources to focus on application workloads rather than network processing, improving overall system utilization and reducing latency.

Support for Advanced Traffic Management

Advanced traffic management capabilities ensure that bandwidth allocation is optimized based on priority rules and workload requirements. This helps maintain consistent application performance even in highly dynamic environments with fluctuating traffic patterns.

Virtualization and Cloud Infrastructure Support

SR-IOV and Virtual Machine Optimization

The Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C40Q-02 adapter supports Single Root I/O Virtualization (SR-IOV), allowing physical network resources to be partitioned into multiple virtual functions. This enhances performance for virtual machines by providing near-native network speed while maintaining isolation between workloads.

Cloud-Ready Network Acceleration

In cloud computing environments, network efficiency plays a critical role in service delivery. This VIC adapter is optimized for cloud-scale deployments where elasticity, scalability, and automation are key requirements. It supports dynamic provisioning of virtual interfaces to match rapidly changing workload demands.

Container and Microservices Compatibility

Modern containerized applications benefit from the adapter’s ability to efficiently handle microservice communication patterns. By reducing latency and improving throughput, the adapter enhances performance for distributed applications running across Kubernetes or similar orchestration platforms.

Enterprise Data Center Deployment Scenarios

Scalable Rack-Level Integration

The Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C40Q-02 is commonly deployed in rack-mounted server environments where scalability and density are critical. Its compact design and high-speed QSFP interface allow for efficient integration into high-density server racks without compromising airflow or thermal performance.

Mission-Critical Application Hosting

Enterprises running mission-critical applications such as ERP systems, CRM platforms, and large-scale databases rely on the stability and reliability of this adapter. Its robust architecture ensures continuous operation even under heavy workloads and extended uptime requirements.

Disaster Recovery and Redundancy Configurations

In disaster recovery setups, the adapter plays a vital role in maintaining synchronized data replication across geographically distributed data centers. Its high bandwidth capability ensures minimal replication lag, which is essential for maintaining data integrity and continuity.

Hardware Design and Engineering Excellence

Energy Efficient Architecture

Despite its high-performance capabilities, the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C40Q-02 is engineered for energy efficiency. It utilizes optimized power management techniques to reduce energy consumption while maintaining peak performance levels, contributing to lower operational costs in large-scale deployments.

Thermal Management and Reliability

The adapter is designed with advanced thermal control mechanisms that ensure stable performance under continuous high-load conditions. Effective heat dissipation helps maintain hardware longevity and reduces the risk of thermal throttling in dense server environments.

Enterprise-Grade Component Quality

Built with high-quality components, the adapter ensures long-term reliability and durability. This is essential for enterprise environments where hardware stability directly impacts service-level agreements and operational continuity.

Network Security and Data Protection Features

Secure Data Transmission

Security is a fundamental aspect of the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C40Q-02 design. It supports secure data transmission protocols that help protect sensitive information during network transfer. This is particularly important for industries such as finance, healthcare, and government operations.

Isolation and Traffic Segmentation

The adapter enables strong traffic segmentation between virtual interfaces, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data leakage between workloads. This isolation enhances overall network security in multi-tenant environments.

Compliance-Ready Networking

Organizations operating under strict regulatory frameworks benefit from the adapter’s ability to support secure and compliant networking configurations. This includes controlled access, monitoring capabilities, and structured traffic management.

Operational Efficiency and Manageability

Centralized UCS Management Integration

The Cisco UCSC-PCIE-C40Q-02 integrates with Cisco UCS Manager, allowing administrators to centrally configure and manage network interfaces. This reduces administrative overhead and simplifies large-scale infrastructure management.

Automated Provisioning Capabilities

Automation is a key advantage of this adapter, enabling rapid provisioning of network interfaces based on predefined policies. This supports agile IT environments where quick deployment and scaling are essential.

Reduced Infrastructure Complexity

By consolidating multiple network functions into a single adapter, organizations can significantly reduce infrastructure complexity. This leads to easier maintenance, lower operational costs, and improved system efficiency.