N2GF7 Dell 25GB SFP28 iSCSI 4 Port Single Controller Module

Dell 25GB SFP28 ISCSI Controller

The Dell N2GF7 25GB SFP28 iSCSI 4-Port Single Controller is engineered for high-speed data transfer and reliable storage management. This advanced controller ensures seamless connectivity and optimized performance for enterprise-level storage solutions.

Main Information

• Brand Name: Dell
• Model Number: N2GF7
• Product Type: 4-Port Single Controller Module

Technical Specifications

Connectivity Features

• Supports 4-port 25Gb/10Gb iSCSI links
• Utilizes SFP28 interface technology

Memory and Cache

• Equipped with 16GB cache memory
• Enhanced data buffering for faster operations

Transfer Speed

• Provides 12Gb/s SAS backend connectivity
• Optimized throughput for enterprise workloads

Compatibility

Supported Systems

Dell EMC PowerVault ME5012

• 2U form factor
• 12-drive chassis design

Dell EMC PowerVault ME5024

• 2U form factor
• 24-drive chassis design

Dell EMC PowerVault ME5084

• 5U high-density form factor
• 84-drive chassis for large-scale storage

High-Performance 25GB SFP28 iSCSI Connectivity Overview

The Dell N2GF7 25GB SFP28 iSCSI 4 Port Single Controller is engineered to deliver exceptional throughput, ultra-low latency, and enterprise-grade reliability for Dell PowerVault ME5024, ME5012, and ME5084 storage arrays. Designed to meet the demands of modern data centers, this advanced controller enhances storage networking by enabling high-speed 25 Gigabit Ethernet connections optimized for iSCSI-based environments. With its scalable architecture and intelligent data handling capabilities, this controller empowers organizations to achieve faster data access, improved workload performance, and seamless integration with existing IT infrastructures.

By leveraging the power of SFP28 technology, the Dell N2GF7 controller ensures efficient data transmission across storage networks, making it ideal for virtualization, cloud deployments, big data analytics, and mission-critical applications. Its robust design supports high availability, ensuring continuous access to data while minimizing downtime. As storage workloads continue to evolve, this controller provides the performance headroom required to accommodate future growth.

Advanced iSCSI Protocol Optimization

The iSCSI protocol plays a crucial role in delivering block-level storage over Ethernet networks, and the Dell N2GF7 controller is finely tuned to maximize its efficiency. Through intelligent packet processing and optimized network throughput, the controller ensures that data transfers are both fast and reliable. This enables storage administrators to build cost-effective storage area networks without compromising on performance.

With built-in support for high-speed data queues and enhanced offloading capabilities, the controller reduces CPU overhead on host systems, allowing servers to focus on application processing rather than network management. This optimization results in improved overall system performance and lower operational costs.

Low Latency Data Transmission

Latency is a critical factor in storage performance, particularly for applications requiring real-time data processing. The Dell N2GF7 controller minimizes latency through advanced hardware acceleration and optimized data paths. By ensuring rapid response times, it supports workloads such as high-frequency trading, real-time analytics, and database-driven applications where speed is paramount.

The high-speed SFP28 interfaces further contribute to reduced latency by enabling faster data transfers compared to traditional 10Gb Ethernet connections. This ensures that storage arrays can keep pace with the increasing demands of modern applications.

Enhanced Throughput for Data-Intensive Workloads

Data-intensive workloads such as video streaming, machine learning, and large-scale backups require substantial bandwidth. The Dell N2GF7 controller delivers up to 25Gb per port, providing ample throughput to handle multiple simultaneous data streams. This ensures consistent performance even during peak usage periods.

The four-port configuration allows for load balancing and redundancy, ensuring that data flows remain uninterrupted while maximizing network utilization. This architecture is ideal for environments that demand both performance and resilience.

Seamless Integration with Dell PowerVault ME5 Storage Arrays

The Dell N2GF7 controller is specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with Dell PowerVault ME5024, ME5012, and ME5084 storage systems. This tight integration ensures optimal compatibility, simplified deployment, and consistent performance across the storage infrastructure. Organizations can easily upgrade their existing systems to leverage the benefits of high-speed iSCSI connectivity without extensive reconfiguration.

By maintaining compatibility with Dell’s management tools, administrators can monitor, configure, and optimize the controller using familiar interfaces. This reduces the learning curve and streamlines storage management processes.

Optimized Architecture for ME5024, ME5012, and ME5084

Each PowerVault ME5 series storage array has unique performance characteristics, and the Dell N2GF7 controller is optimized to complement these systems. Whether deployed in compact environments with the ME5012 or in high-capacity setups with the ME5084, the controller ensures consistent performance and efficient resource utilization.

The intelligent design enables dynamic workload balancing across storage resources, improving overall system responsiveness and reliability.

Scalability for Growing Storage Needs

As organizations expand their data storage requirements, scalability becomes a critical consideration. The Dell N2GF7 controller supports scalable networking architectures, allowing businesses to add more storage capacity and network bandwidth as needed. This future-proof design ensures that investments made today continue to deliver value in the long term.

By supporting high-speed connections and advanced network features, the controller can adapt to evolving workloads and technological advancements.

Simplified Deployment and Configuration

Deploying high-performance storage networking solutions can be complex, but the Dell N2GF7 controller simplifies this process through intuitive configuration options and comprehensive documentation. Its plug-and-play compatibility with Dell storage systems allows for rapid installation, reducing downtime and accelerating time-to-value.

Administrators can quickly configure network settings, optimize performance parameters, and integrate the controller into existing infrastructures with minimal effort.

Enterprise-Grade Reliability and High Availability

Reliability is a cornerstone of enterprise storage solutions, and the Dell N2GF7 controller is built to deliver consistent uptime and data integrity. With redundant network paths, intelligent failover mechanisms, and robust error handling, the controller ensures continuous access to critical data.

This high availability architecture minimizes the risk of data loss and service interruptions, making it suitable for mission-critical environments where downtime is not an option.

Redundant Port Configuration

The four-port design of the Dell N2GF7 controller enables redundant network connections, providing multiple data paths between storage arrays and host systems. In the event of a network failure or port issue, traffic can be automatically rerouted to maintain uninterrupted service.

This redundancy enhances system resilience and ensures that applications remain operational even under adverse conditions.

Advanced Error Detection and Recovery

To maintain data integrity, the controller incorporates advanced error detection and correction mechanisms. These features continuously monitor data transfers, identifying and resolving potential issues before they impact performance or reliability.

By proactively addressing errors, the controller helps prevent data corruption and ensures consistent storage performance.

Continuous Monitoring and Diagnostics

The Dell N2GF7 controller supports comprehensive monitoring and diagnostic capabilities, enabling administrators to track performance metrics, identify bottlenecks, and troubleshoot issues in real time. This proactive approach to system management reduces the likelihood of unexpected failures and optimizes overall storage efficiency.

Integration with Dell’s management ecosystem further enhances visibility and control over storage network operations.

Optimized for Virtualization and Cloud Environments

Modern IT environments increasingly rely on virtualization and cloud technologies to improve efficiency and scalability. The Dell N2GF7 25GB SFP28 iSCSI controller is optimized to support these environments by delivering high bandwidth, low latency, and consistent performance.

Its advanced networking capabilities ensure that virtual machines and cloud workloads can access storage resources quickly and reliably, improving application responsiveness and user experience.

Support for High-Density Virtualized Workloads

Virtualized environments often host numerous workloads on a single physical server, placing significant demands on storage networks. The Dell N2GF7 controller provides the bandwidth and performance needed to support high-density virtual machine deployments without congestion.

This ensures that each virtual machine receives consistent storage performance, even during peak usage periods.

Enhanced Data Mobility and Flexibility

Cloud and hybrid environments require seamless data mobility between on-premises and off-site resources. The high-speed connectivity offered by the Dell N2GF7 controller facilitates rapid data transfers, enabling efficient backups, replication, and disaster recovery operations.

This flexibility allows organizations to adapt to changing business requirements while maintaining data accessibility and security.

Optimized Network Efficiency for Multi-Tenant Environments

In multi-tenant environments, efficient network utilization is critical to ensure fair resource allocation and consistent performance. The Dell N2GF7 controller incorporates advanced traffic management features that prioritize critical workloads and balance network loads effectively.

This ensures that all users and applications experience reliable storage performance.

Future-Ready Design with High-Speed Networking Standards

The transition to higher-speed networking standards is essential to keep pace with growing data volumes and performance demands. The Dell N2GF7 controller embraces 25Gb SFP28 technology, providing a future-ready solution that supports next-generation storage networking requirements.

This forward-looking design ensures compatibility with modern data center infrastructures while offering a clear upgrade path for future expansions.

Support for Next-Generation Ethernet Technologies

By utilizing SFP28 interfaces, the controller supports advanced Ethernet standards that deliver higher bandwidth and improved efficiency compared to legacy technologies. This enables organizations to modernize their storage networks without overhauling existing systems.

The increased bandwidth also supports emerging technologies such as NVMe over Fabrics and high-performance computing applications.

Comprehensive Security and Data Protection Features

Security is a top priority in enterprise storage environments, and the Dell N2GF7 controller incorporates a range of features designed to protect data and network integrity. From secure data transmission to access controls, the controller helps safeguard sensitive information.

These security measures ensure compliance with industry standards and protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats.

Secure Data Transmission

The controller supports secure communication protocols that encrypt data as it travels across the network. This prevents interception and unauthorized access, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected at all times.

By maintaining data confidentiality, the controller supports regulatory compliance and organizational security policies.

Access Control and Authentication

Advanced access control mechanisms allow administrators to define user permissions and authentication requirements. This ensures that only authorized personnel can configure and manage the storage network.

These controls help prevent unauthorized changes and enhance overall system security.