IBM 42D0496 Emulex 8GB Dual Channel PCI-E X4 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter

IBM 42D0496 Emulex 8GB Dual Channel PCIe Fibre Channel HBA

Comprehensive Product Overview

• Manufacturer: IBM
• Part Number: 42D0496
• Product Type: Fibre Channel Controller
• Product Name: Emulex 8GB Dual Channel PCIe Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter

Key Technical Specifications

• Interface: PCI Express x4
• Data Transfer Rate: 8 Gbps per channel
• Port Configuration: Dual channel
• Supported Protocol: Fibre Channel

Performance and Efficiency

• Maximum Transfer Distance: Up to 100 meters at 8 Gbps
• Power Efficiency: Typical consumption of 3.7 watts; peaks at 5.7 watts
• Indicators: LED indicators for link, activity, and status on each port

Versatile Operating System Compatibility

• Compatible with Windows, Linux, and VMware ESX
• Also supports Solaris, AIX, and HP-UX platforms

Compact Design and Dimensions

• Form Factor: Low-profile PCIe card
• Dimensions: 2.5 inches (height) x 6.6 inches (length)
• Weight: Lightweight at 0.45 lbs

Ideal Applications for the IBM 42D0496

• Optimized for high-speed storage networking environments
• Perfect for enterprise-level data transfer needs
• Ensures reliable connectivity across varied operating systems

Interface: PCI-E X4

The Emulex 42D0496 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter is equipped with a cutting-edge PCI-E X4 interface, which sets it apart from other similar products in the market. The PCI-E X4 interface offers numerous benefits and plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall performance and functionality of the adapter.

Enhanced Bandwidth

The PCI-E X4 interface provides enhanced bandwidth capabilities compared to its predecessors. With four lanes dedicated to data transfer, this interface allows for faster and more efficient communication between the host system and the adapter. This increased bandwidth enables the adapter to handle large volumes of data without experiencing any bottlenecks, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operations.

Improved Data Transfer Speeds

One of the key advantages of the PCI-E X4 interface is its ability to deliver superior data transfer speeds. By utilizing four lanes, the interface can transmit data at an accelerated rate, reducing latency and maximizing throughput. This feature is particularly crucial in demanding applications that require quick access to data, such as database management systems or high-performance computing environments.

Seamless Integration

The PCI-E X4 interface provides seamless integration with modern computer systems. Most contemporary motherboards are equipped with PCI-E slots that support various lane configurations, making it easy to connect the Emulex 42D0496 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter. Users can simply plug the adapter into an available PCI-E X4 slot on their motherboard, eliminating the need for additional adapters or converters.

Future-Proof Technology

Investing in a product with a PCI-E X4 interface ensures compatibility with future advancements in technology. As technology continues to evolve, new devices and systems may require higher bandwidth and faster data transfer speeds. By choosing an adapter with a PCI-E X4 interface, users can future-proof their infrastructure and avoid the need for frequent upgrades or replacements.

Flexible Configuration Options

The Emulex 42D0496 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter offers flexible configuration options to accommodate different user requirements. With the PCI-E X4 interface, users have the freedom to install the adapter in a variety of systems, ranging from enterprise servers to workstations. This versatility allows businesses to optimize their IT infrastructure and tailor it to their specific needs.

Compatibility with Existing Systems

Another significant advantage of the PCI-E X4 interface is its backward compatibility with older systems. Even if users have older computers or servers that do not support the latest interface standards, they can still leverage the benefits of the Emulex 42D0496 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter by utilizing compatible expansion cards or adapters.

Reliability and Stability

The PCI-E X4 interface is known for its reliability and stability. The design of this interface ensures robust connectivity and minimizes the risk of signal interference or data corruption. This reliability is crucial in critical applications where any disruption or loss of data can have severe consequences, such as financial transactions or real-time data processing.

Simplified Cable Management

The use of a PCI-E X4 interface also simplifies cable management within the system. With four dedicated lanes, users can connect the adapter directly to the motherboard, eliminating the need for additional cables or adapters. This streamlined approach not only reduces clutter but also improves airflow within the system, contributing to better overall cooling and system performance.

Cost-Effective Solution

Despite its advanced features and capabilities, the Emulex 42D0496 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter with a PCI-E X4 interface offers a cost-effective solution for users. By delivering superior performance and functionality, this adapter eliminates the need for multiple adapters or expensive upgrades, resulting in significant cost savings for businesses.

Speed: 8GB

The speed of the Emulex 42D0496 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter is another standout feature that sets it apart from its competitors. With a speed of 8GB, this adapter offers numerous benefits and plays a vital role in optimizing data transfer and system performance.

Enhanced Data Transfer Rates

The 8GB speed of the Emulex 42D0496 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter ensures high-speed data transfer rates, enabling users to move large volumes of data quickly and efficiently. This is particularly crucial in data-intensive environments such as virtualized servers or multimedia production, where rapid data transfer is essential to maintain smooth operations.

Reduced Latency

The high speed of 8GB significantly reduces latency, ensuring minimal delays when accessing or transferring data. Low latency is essential in applications that require real-time data processing, such as financial trading systems or online gaming platforms. With reduced latency, users can experience improved responsiveness and enhanced user experiences.

Improved Workflows

The 8GB speed of the adapter enhances workflows by reducing the time required to complete data-intensive tasks. Whether it's transferring large files, performing backups, or running resource-intensive applications, the high-speed capabilities of the Emulex 42D0496 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter help streamline processes and increase productivity.

Compatibility with High-Speed Networks

The 8GB speed of the adapter makes it compatible with high-speed networks, such as Fibre Channel SANs or advanced storage systems. This compatibility ensures seamless integration into existing infrastructures, allowing users to leverage the benefits of the adapter without any compatibility issues.

Scalability

The 8GB speed of the adapter offers scalability for future growth and expansion. As data demands continue to increase, having an adapter with a higher speed ensures that the infrastructure can handle the growing workload without compromising performance. This scalability is crucial for businesses that anticipate expanding their operations or implementing resource-intensive applications.

Efficient Resource Utilization

The high speed of the Emulex 42D0496 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter enables efficient resource utilization within the system. By quickly transferring data between storage devices and the host system, the adapter minimizes idle time and maximizes the utilization of computing resources. This efficiency translates into improved system performance and reduced operational costs.

Reliable Data Protection

The 8GB speed of the adapter facilitates reliable data protection mechanisms such as RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks). With faster data transfer rates, RAID configurations can be implemented more effectively, ensuring data redundancy and minimizing the risk of data loss. This reliability is crucial in mission-critical environments where data integrity is of utmost importance.

Streamlined Data Backup and Recovery

The high speed of the Emulex 42D0496 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter simplifies data backup and recovery processes. With faster data transfer rates, users can perform regular backups more efficiently, reducing backup windows and minimizing the impact on system performance. Additionally, in the event of a system failure or data loss, the high-speed capabilities of the adapter enable faster data recovery, minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity.

Optimized Virtualization Performance

For virtualized environments, the 8GB speed of the adapter is particularly beneficial. Virtualization relies heavily on efficient data transfer between virtual machines and storage systems. The high-speed capabilities of the Emulex 42D0496 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter ensure smooth and responsive virtualization performance, allowing users to maximize the benefits of virtualization without compromising speed or reliability.

Channels: Dual Channel

The Emulex 42D0496 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter features a dual-channel configuration, making it a standout choice for users seeking optimal performance and reliability. The dual-channel capability offers a range of benefits that enhance the overall functionality and scalability of the adapter.

Increased Bandwidth

The dual-channel configuration provides increased bandwidth compared to single-channel adapters. With two independent channels dedicated to data transfer, the Emulex 42D0496 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter can handle higher data volumes simultaneously. This increased bandwidth ensures smooth and uninterrupted operations, making it ideal for applications that require high-speed and reliable data transfer.

Enhanced Load Balancing

The dual-channel configuration enables enhanced load balancing capabilities. By distributing traffic across two channels, the adapter can optimize resource utilization and prevent bottlenecks. This load balancing feature ensures that data transfer is evenly distributed, maximizing throughput and minimizing latency. In scenarios where one channel experiences heavy traffic or congestion, the second channel can continue to handle data transfer efficiently.

Improved Fault Tolerance

The dual-channel configuration enhances fault tolerance by providing redundancy in case of a channel failure. If one channel encounters an issue, the other channel can seamlessly take over the data transfer, ensuring uninterrupted operations. This fault tolerance is particularly crucial in mission-critical environments where any disruption or downtime can have severe consequences.

Scalability

The dual-channel configuration offers scalability for future growth and expansion. As data demands increase, additional channels can be added to the infrastructure without the need for significant changes or upgrades. This scalability allows businesses to adapt to evolving data requirements and ensure optimal performance without disrupting existing operations.

Flexible Configuration Options

The Emulex 42D0496 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter with dual-channel configuration provides flexible configuration options to accommodate different user requirements. Users can choose to utilize both channels for increased performance or configure them as separate entities for improved workload distribution. This flexibility allows businesses to optimize their infrastructure based on their specific needs and workloads.

Enhanced Performance in Clustered Environments

The dual-channel configuration is particularly beneficial in clustered environments, where multiple servers work together to handle high workloads. By utilizing multiple channels, the Emulex 42D0496 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter can efficiently distribute data between servers, improving overall cluster performance and reducing latency. This enhanced performance is crucial in applications such as database clusters or high-performance computing clusters.

Simplified Cable Management

The use of a dual-channel configuration simplifies cable management within the system. With two dedicated channels, users can connect the adapter directly to the storage system or switch, eliminating the need for additional cables or adapters. This streamlined approach not only reduces clutter but also improves airflow within the system, contributing to better overall cooling and system performance.

Optimized Storage Area Network (SAN) Performance

For users utilizing a Storage Area Network (SAN), the dual-channel configuration of the Emulex 42D0496 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter ensures optimized performance. SANs rely on efficient data transfer between servers and storage systems, and the dual-channel configuration enables simultaneous data transfer, reducing latency and maximizing throughput. This optimization is crucial in SAN environments where data access speed is critical for seamless operations.

Improved Virtualization Performance

The dual-channel configuration enhances virtualization performance by providing dedicated channels for virtual machines. Virtualization heavily relies on efficient data transfer between virtual machines and storage systems, and the dual-channel capability ensures smooth and responsive virtualization performance. With dedicated channels, each virtual machine can leverage the full bandwidth of a channel, minimizing contention and maximizing overall performance.

In summary, the Emulex 42D0496 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter stands out with its advanced features and capabilities. The PCI-E X4 interface ensures enhanced bandwidth, improved data transfer speeds, seamless integration, future-proof technology, and flexible configuration options. The 8GB speed offers enhanced data transfer rates, reduced latency, improved workflows, compatibility with high-speed networks, scalability, efficient resource utilization, and reliable data protection. The dual-channel configuration provides increased bandwidth, enhanced load balancing, improved fault tolerance, scalability, flexible configuration options, enhanced performance in clustered environments, simplified cable management, optimized SAN performance, and improved virtualization performance. This adapter is an excellent choice for users seeking a high-performance solution that can meet their demanding data transfer needs while ensuring reliability and scalability for future growth.