Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 UCS Virtual Interface Card Network Adapter

Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 UCS Virtual Interface Card Overview

The Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 UCS Virtual Interface Card (VIC) 1225 Network Adapter is a high-performance solution designed to integrate into Cisco's Unified Computing System (UCS) platform. This PCIe 2.0 x16 adapter delivers up to 10Gb Ethernet (10 GigE) and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) connectivity, making it ideal for environments that demand high bandwidth, low latency, and versatility. The card provides two ports, each supporting both Ethernet and FCoE protocols, offering a flexible, unified approach to networking and storage virtualization.

Key Features of Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC 1225 Network Adapter

• Dual Port 10Gb Ethernet and FCoE support for streamlined network and storage traffic management.
• PCIe 2.0 x16 interface ensures high-speed data transfer and efficient system integration.
• Scalable and adaptable for Cisco UCS environments, providing enhanced virtualization capabilities.
• Built-in support for Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) and Ethernet traffic consolidation, simplifying cabling and reducing data center complexity.
• Optimized for low-latency performance, ideal for applications requiring real-time data processing.

Understanding Cisco UCS Virtual Interface Cards

The UCS Virtual Interface Card (VIC) family is specifically designed for Cisco’s UCS servers, providing versatile network connectivity and storage options for modern data centers. With the ability to function as both a network and storage controller, VIC cards eliminate the need for separate network and storage adapters, simplifying hardware management while enhancing performance. By consolidating network traffic, these cards help optimize the data center’s bandwidth and reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO).

What Makes the UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC 1225 Different?

The Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC 1225 distinguishes itself from traditional network adapters by combining 10Gb Ethernet and FCoE functionality in one card. This provides users with a powerful tool for converged network architectures. Whether you are dealing with high-throughput data or mission-critical applications, this card delivers the necessary performance to meet demanding enterprise requirements.

Ethernet and FCoE Integration

One of the standout features of the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC is its ability to support both Ethernet and FCoE protocols. This integration allows for data center simplification by consolidating both network and storage traffic over a single cable. As businesses adopt virtualized infrastructures and converged networking environments, the need for such hybrid solutions grows, making this card an essential component of modern network designs.

Key Benefits of Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC 1225 Network Adapter

Improved Network and Storage Efficiency

By combining network and storage traffic into a single interface, the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC 1225 reduces the amount of physical cabling required in a data center. Fewer cables lead to a more organized, manageable environment, improving overall infrastructure efficiency. This streamlined connectivity is particularly useful in large-scale virtualization and cloud environments, where managing multiple devices can become complex.

Enhanced Virtualization Support

The Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 is designed to support advanced virtualization technologies, providing significant advantages in virtualized server environments. It supports Virtual Machine (VM) mobility, allowing data to be shared efficiently between virtualized instances. This is particularly beneficial in scenarios where workloads are dynamically allocated and require real-time performance.

Future-Proof Design

The UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC 1225 is built with future-proofing in mind. Its support for PCIe 2.0 x16 ensures that it will remain relevant as newer server generations are released. This forward compatibility allows businesses to continue to leverage the card without having to worry about upgrading their infrastructure every few years.

Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC Compatibility and Integration

The Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC 1225 is compatible with a wide array of Cisco UCS servers, providing flexibility in system design. Whether you are deploying blade servers, rack-mounted servers, or standalone systems, this adapter integrates seamlessly into your existing infrastructure. Its compatibility with various UCS chassis and servers ensures that your network connectivity is optimized for both performance and cost-efficiency.

Integration with Cisco UCS Manager

One of the key advantages of using Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC 1225 is its integration with Cisco UCS Manager. This management platform allows you to control the entire UCS infrastructure from a single interface, simplifying the configuration and monitoring of VIC cards across multiple servers. With UCS Manager, administrators can quickly provision and allocate network and storage resources, improving deployment speed and operational efficiency.

Optimal for Data Center Virtualization

Virtualization has become a cornerstone of modern data center architecture, and the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC 1225 is built to fully support virtualized environments. With its ability to consolidate network and storage traffic, it helps eliminate bottlenecks often encountered in heavily virtualized data centers. Whether running VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V, or other virtualization platforms, this card provides the performance and reliability needed for smooth operations.

Technical Specifications

• Model: Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02
• Port Count: 2 x 10Gb Ethernet / FCoE ports
• Interface: PCIe 2.0 x16
• Protocol Support: Ethernet, Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE)
• Data Transfer Rate: 10Gb/s per port
• Compatibility: Cisco UCS C-Series and B-Series Servers
• Form Factor: Full-height adapter card
• Power Consumption: Typically 25W per card
• Supported Operating Systems: Cisco UCS Manager, VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V, Linux, Windows Server

Applications of Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC 1225 Network Adapter

Converged Infrastructure

As businesses move toward converged infrastructure, which combines computing, networking, and storage into a unified system, the need for solutions like the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC 1225 becomes more apparent. Its ability to handle both Ethernet and FCoE protocols makes it an ideal choice for data centers where simplified cabling and efficient resource management are critical to reducing operational complexity.

High-Performance Computing Environments

For applications that require significant processing power and data throughput, the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC 1225 offers the necessary performance. Whether used in high-performance computing (HPC) environments or big data analytics, this card’s dual 10Gb Ethernet and FCoE connectivity can handle the massive data flows typical in these settings.

Cloud and Virtualized Environments

Cloud computing and virtualization require reliable, high-bandwidth networking components, and the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC 1225 fits the bill. By supporting both Ethernet and FCoE traffic, it helps cloud providers and enterprises consolidate their network and storage into a single, more efficient system. This can lead to reduced costs, improved scalability, and better performance in cloud-based applications.

Why Choose Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC 1225 for Your Network Needs?

Cost-Effective Performance

One of the most compelling reasons to choose the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC 1225 is its cost-effectiveness. By integrating Ethernet and FCoE into a single adapter, businesses can reduce the need for separate storage and network hardware, leading to a decrease in equipment costs and energy consumption. Furthermore, its efficient design minimizes the need for ongoing maintenance, improving the long-term value of your investment.

Improved Network Management

With advanced features like virtual port channels (vPC) and centralized management via Cisco UCS Manager, the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC 1225 simplifies network management tasks. Administrators can easily provision resources, manage traffic, and monitor performance from a unified interface, resulting in better control over the entire data center infrastructure.

Robust Security Features

Security is paramount in today’s networked world, and the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 VIC 1225 delivers on this front as well. With features such as secure boot, encryption, and advanced access controls, the card helps safeguard your data and network traffic from unauthorized access and potential threats. This makes it a reliable choice for businesses that handle sensitive or mission-critical data.

Conclusion

In today’s highly interconnected and data-driven world, the Cisco UCSC-PCIE-CSC02 UCS Virtual Interface Card 1225 Network Adapter stands out as a key component for optimizing data center networks. Its ability to support both Ethernet and FCoE traffic on a single adapter simplifies infrastructure, reduces costs, and increases efficiency. With its high-performance capabilities, advanced management features, and scalability, this card is an ideal choice for enterprises looking to modernize their IT infrastructure and streamline network and storage operations.