WT48R Dell 1 Port 32GFC SFP+ Fibre Channel HBA

Dell WT48R 1 Port 32GFC Short Wave Optical–LC SFP+ Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter Overview

Core Features of the Dell WT48R Host Bus Adapter

• Manufacturer: Dell
• SKU/Part Number: WT48R
• Product Category: Host Bus Adapter (HBA)
• Subtype: Fibre Channel (FC)

Advanced Emulex Gen 6 Technology Integration

The Dell WT48R incorporates the Emulex Gen 6 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter technology, developed by Broadcom, engineered specifically for the rigorous demands of modern enterprise storage networks. It supports both 16Gbps and 32Gbps Fibre Channel speeds, delivering exceptional throughput and reliability.

Performance and Efficiency

Designed for high-performance and low-latency environments, this adapter optimizes data traffic for solid-state drives (SSDs) and traditional hard disk drive (HDD) arrays. The Emulex Dynamic Multi-core Architecture ensures superior resource allocation, enabling any port to leverage ASIC power dynamically, improving port utilization and overall throughput.

Unmatched Bandwidth and IOPS

• Delivers double the bandwidth compared to previous generations, up to 12,800 MBps full duplex.
• Latency is reduced by over 50%, improving responsiveness significantly.
• Supports up to 1.6 million IOPS per adapter, with the quad-port model reaching up to 3.2 million IOPS.

NVMe Over Fabrics Support

Equipped with NVMe over Fabrics capabilities, the WT48R decreases latency by an additional 55% compared to traditional SCSI protocols. It offers simultaneous support for NVMe and SCSI, providing versatility and future-proofing for storage networks.

Modular Optics and Form Factor Options

Emulex LPE31000-series HBAs, including the WT48R, offer flexible optics configurations:

• Available with single, dual, or quad 16GFC optics, upgradeable to 32GFC optics to maximize Gen 6 performance.
• Low-profile designs available for higher port density in compact server environments (note: optics in low-profile models are not upgradeable).

Technical Specifications

Physical and Interface Details

• Compact low-profile PCIe card dimensions: 167.64mm x 68.91mm (6.60” x 2.71”).
• PCIe Gen3 x8 host bus interface for high-speed connectivity.
• Single port with Short Wave Laser optics using LC type connectors.

Optical and Cable Compatibility

• Supports 100 meters at 32Gbps over OM4 multimode fiber (50/125 μm).
• Supports 70 meters at 32Gbps over OM3 multimode fiber (50/125 μm).
• Supports 20 meters at 32Gbps over OM2 multimode fiber (50/125 μm).
• Optical data rates are auto-detected: 28.05 Gb/s, 14.025 Gb/s, and 8.5 Gb/s.

Hardware Compatibility and Environmental Specifications

• Compatible with multiple processor architectures: PowerPC, SPARC, x86, x64, and Intel Itanium 64-bit.
• Operating humidity tolerance ranges from 5% to 95% (non-condensing).
• Storage temperature range: -20°C to 85°C (-4°F to 185°F).

Supported Operating Systems and OEM Partnerships

• Enhanced support available through OEMs and industry partners.
• Compatible with Oracle Solaris, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, VMware vSphere, and more.

Industry Standards Compliance

Current Standards Supported

• ANSI/IETF Fibre Channel standards including FC-PI-4, FC-DA, FC-DA-2, FC-FS, FC-GS-6, FC-LS-2, FC-PH-2, FC-PH-3, FC-PI, FC-PI-2, FC-PI-5, FCP-4, and Fibre Channel Class 3.

Legacy and Additional Protocols

• Legacy ANSI/IETF standards such as FC-PH, PCIe Base Specification 3.0, PCIe Card Electromechanical Specification 3.0.
• Hot plug and hot swap support via PHP protocols.
• SCSI Block Commands (SBC-3), SCSI Primary Commands (SPC-4), and SCSI Stream Commands (SSC-4).

Why Choose the Dell WT48R Fibre Channel HBA?

Optimized for Enterprise Storage Networks

The Dell WT48R is engineered to meet the exacting needs of enterprise-level storage infrastructure, cloud data centers, and high-demand virtualization environments. Its cutting-edge technology ensures minimal latency, high bandwidth, and robust fault tolerance.

Key Advantages Include:

• Exceptional throughput for intensive storage applications.
• Dynamic ASIC resource management for optimized port performance.
• Flexible upgrade paths with 16GFC to 32GFC optics.
• Industry-leading IOPS and NVMe over Fabrics support.
• Wide compatibility with diverse hardware and OS environments.

Ideal Use Cases

• Cloud storage providers requiring scalable, reliable connections.
• Data centers implementing high-speed SANs (Storage Area Networks).
• Enterprises leveraging SSD arrays for accelerated database performance.
• Virtualization environments demanding consistent low-latency access.

Summary of Benefits

• Enhanced storage connectivity with reduced bottlenecks.
• Future-ready infrastructure supporting emerging NVMe technologies.
• Compact form factor suitable for dense server racks.
• Comprehensive standards compliance ensures broad interoperability.

Dell WT48R 1 Port 32GFC Short Wave Optical–LC SFP+ Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter Overview

The Dell WT48R 1 Port 32GFC Short Wave Optical–LC SFP+ Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (HBA) is a high-performance storage connectivity solution designed for enterprise data centers and high-demand computing environments. This specialized adapter provides a reliable and scalable interface between servers and storage area networks (SANs), supporting 32 Gigabit Fibre Channel (32GFC) speeds over short wave optical connections. Its compact SFP+ form factor combined with advanced Dell technology enables efficient data transmission, low latency, and optimized bandwidth utilization.

Key Features and Benefits of Dell WT48R 32GFC Fibre Channel HBA

• High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports 32Gbit/s Fibre Channel, providing ultra-fast data throughput for demanding storage workloads.
• Short Wave Optical Connectivity: Utilizes short wave optical signals through LC connector SFP+ modules for robust and low-latency SAN connections.
• Single Port Configuration: Equipped with a single port, this HBA offers simplicity in deployment while maintaining high performance.
• Compatibility: Designed to seamlessly integrate with Dell PowerEdge servers and other major enterprise hardware platforms supporting Fibre Channel.
• Advanced Data Protection: Features built-in error correction and flow control mechanisms to ensure data integrity during transmission.
• Energy Efficient: Low power consumption design helps reduce operational costs in large-scale data centers.

Technical Specifications

Physical and Interface Details

• Form Factor: SFP+ (Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus) Fibre Channel adapter
• Connector Type: LC duplex optical connector
• Number of Ports: 1 port
• Transmission Speed: 32 Gigabit per second (32GFC)
• Signal Type: Short wave optical
• Interface Type: PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) Gen3 x8

Performance and Compatibility

• Supports Fibre Channel protocol compliant with ANSI INCITS 378-2006 standards
• Compatible with Dell PowerEdge server families and other SAN-enabled devices
• Latency optimized for high-throughput environments
• Supports multiple SAN topologies including point-to-point, arbitrated loop, and switched fabric

Use Cases for Dell WT48R 1 Port 32GFC HBA

This adapter is particularly suited for environments that demand fast, reliable storage access with minimal downtime. Some common use cases include:

Enterprise Storage Networks

Integrate this HBA into SAN architectures to facilitate high-speed data exchange between servers and storage arrays. It supports critical applications such as database management, virtualization platforms, and real-time analytics.

Virtualization and Cloud Infrastructure

Optimizes Fibre Channel connectivity in virtualized data centers by providing consistent performance for virtual machines (VMs) accessing shared storage. Ensures low latency and high bandwidth necessary for cloud-native workloads.

Backup and Disaster Recovery Solutions

Facilitates fast and secure backup data transfer to SAN-attached storage devices, supporting rapid recovery scenarios and data protection strategies in enterprise IT environments.

Advantages of Short Wave Optical Technology in Fibre Channel Adapters

Enhanced Signal Integrity

Short wave optical transmission minimizes signal attenuation and interference, delivering clearer data signals over fiber optic cables compared to copper alternatives. This results in improved reliability and fewer transmission errors.

Extended Reach within Data Centers

While optimized for short-range communication, the short wave optical signals can span distances typically up to 100 meters on OM3 or OM4 multimode fiber, enabling flexible cabling architectures within modern data centers.

Improved Heat Dissipation and Energy Efficiency

Optical components tend to generate less heat compared to traditional electrical interfaces, contributing to better thermal management in densely packed server racks.

Installation and Configuration Guidelines

Physical Installation

• Power down the server and insert the Dell WT48R HBA into an available PCIe Gen3 x8 slot.
• Secure the card with the appropriate retention mechanism to prevent dislodgement during operation.
• Connect LC fiber optic cables from the HBA port to the Fibre Channel switch or storage device.

Driver and Firmware Setup

• Install the latest Dell-certified drivers and management utilities compatible with the server’s operating system.
• Verify firmware version to ensure optimal performance and compatibility; update if necessary through Dell support channels.

Configuration Best Practices

• Configure zoning on the Fibre Channel switches to isolate traffic and enhance security.
• Set up multipathing for redundancy if deploying multiple HBAs or ports in the system.
• Monitor HBA health status using Dell management software to proactively detect issues.

Comparing Dell WT48R to Other Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapters

Performance Metrics

The Dell WT48R’s 32GFC throughput is a significant improvement over legacy 16GFC adapters, delivering double the bandwidth and reducing bottlenecks in data-intensive applications.

Port Density and Expansion

Although this model features a single port, it can be combined with additional HBAs for increased connectivity options. Compared to multi-port HBAs, the WT48R offers a streamlined, cost-effective solution for environments with moderate SAN connection requirements.

Form Factor and Compatibility

Its SFP+ modular interface ensures easy replacement or upgrade of optical transceivers, supporting evolving fiber optic standards without requiring full adapter replacement.

Maintenance and Support

Proactive Monitoring

Utilize Dell’s integrated monitoring tools to track adapter performance, temperature, and link status, enabling early detection of hardware faults.

Firmware Updates

Regularly update the adapter’s firmware to benefit from performance improvements, security patches, and new feature support provided by Dell.

Warranty and Service

Dell offers warranty coverage and technical support for the WT48R adapter, including troubleshooting assistance and hardware replacement services, ensuring minimal downtime for enterprise users.

Related Products and Accessories

Dell Compatible Optical Transceivers

To maximize performance and ensure compatibility, use Dell-certified LC SFP+ short wave optical transceivers designed specifically for the WT48R HBA.

Fibre Channel Switches and SAN Infrastructure

Complement the adapter with Dell EMC or other industry-leading Fibre Channel switches to build robust SAN networks optimized for 32GFC speeds.

Backup Power and Cooling Solutions

Integrate the adapter within server setups supported by uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and efficient cooling systems to enhance reliability.

Optimizing Network Architecture with Dell WT48R

Scalability Considerations

Plan SAN expansion by leveraging the WT48R’s modularity and Dell’s ecosystem of compatible devices, allowing for seamless growth of storage networks as enterprise needs evolve.

Redundancy and Failover

In mission-critical environments, pair multiple HBAs to establish failover paths, ensuring continuous data access even during hardware failures or maintenance activities.

Performance Tuning

Utilize Dell’s management software to adjust queue depths, interrupt coalescing, and other parameters for optimal throughput based on workload characteristics.

Industry Standards and Compliance

Fibre Channel Protocol Compliance

The WT48R adheres to the latest ANSI and INCITS Fibre Channel standards, ensuring interoperability across a broad range of storage and networking equipment.

Data Security Features

Supports zoning and security mechanisms aligned with enterprise SAN security policies to protect sensitive data during transmission.

Environmental and Safety Certifications

Meets regulatory requirements such as RoHS and WEEE, reflecting Dell’s commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing and disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dell WT48R 32GFC Fibre Channel HBA

What type of servers is the Dell WT48R compatible with?

The adapter is optimized for Dell PowerEdge servers but is also compatible with other servers that support PCIe Gen3 x8 slots and Fibre Channel SANs.

Can I use the WT48R with existing 16G or 8G Fibre Channel infrastructure?

Yes, the adapter is backward compatible with slower Fibre Channel speeds, allowing gradual upgrades to 32GFC networks without requiring full infrastructure replacement.

What kind of optical transceivers are required?

Short wave LC SFP+ optical transceivers designed for 32GFC operation are recommended. Dell offers compatible transceiver modules certified for this adapter.

Is the Dell WT48R suitable for virtualization workloads?

Absolutely. Its high throughput and low latency make it ideal for virtualized environments where multiple virtual machines require concurrent access to shared storage.

How does the WT48R improve SAN reliability?

With advanced error detection, flow control, and compatibility with SAN zoning and multipathing, the adapter enhances data integrity and fault tolerance within storage networks.

Conclusion

The Dell WT48R 1 Port 32GFC Short Wave Optical–LC SFP+ Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter is a vital component for enterprises seeking to maximize their storage network efficiency. Its combination of cutting-edge 32GFC speeds, reliable short wave optical connectivity, and robust Dell engineering ensures that data centers remain agile, scalable, and resilient in the face of growing data demands.