Datasheet

QLogic 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter and CNA for IBM BladeCente
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Features
The QLogic 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapters have the following features:
10 Gb converged adapters

The QLogic 10 Gb Virtual Fabric CNAs support simultaneous LAN (TCP/IP) and SAN (FCoE, iSCSI)
traffic at line-rate, 10 Gbps Ethernet speed. These adapters interface to the host server with a PCIe
Gen2 x8 bus, designed to ensure that internal performance bottlenecks do not occur.
FCoE and iSCSI hardware offload

When operated as a CNA, the 10 Gb adapters support full hardware offload for FCoE and iSCSI
protocol processing. The QLogic FlexOffload features free up the server CPU to perform other tasks.
Consequently, server applications can run faster and virtualized servers can support more virtual
machines (VMs).
Convergence

The 10 Gb Virtual Fabric CNAs can reduce data center costs by converging data and storage
networking. This convergence can result in buying fewer adapters, cables, and switches. In addition,
convergence can offer lower power consumption, reduced cooling, and easier LAN and SAN
management.
Common drivers

The 10 Gb Virtual Fabric CNAs are compatible with the same Fibre Channel and iSCSI software
driver stacks that have been deployed in millions of previous installations. These drivers are common
across QLogic's lineup of Fibre Channel and iSCSI adapters, simplifying revision management in
heterogeneous environments.
Management

Networking, FCoE, and iSCSI management can be easy with the new unified management
application from QLogic, QConvergeConsole (QCC). QCC provides single-pane-of-glass
management for QLogic's broad product line of storage and networking adapters. The 10 Gb VFA
also has API support so that it can be managed by other popular third-party management tools,
including native OS management tools for networking.
Diskless boot

The 10 Gb Virtual Fabric CNAs support booting the server from remote storage over both the LAN
and SAN. Consequently, data centers can deploy thinner servers, centralize OS image management,
increase system availability, and simplify image redeployment.
Enhanced Ethernet

Numerous additions to the Ethernet standard enable it to transport lossless, converged LAN, and
SAN traffic. The QLogic Virtual Fabric Adapters support all of the new Ethernet standards, including
802.1Qbb (Priority-based Flow Control) and 802.1Qaz (Enhanced Transmission).
Unmatched expertise

QLogic has an unparalleled advantage in delivering this new Converged Network Adapter technology.
QLogic is one of the leaders in both Fibre Channel and iSCSI adapters, with years of experience
providing Fibre Channel and Ethernet-based products.
IBM Features on Demand

The QLogic Advanced FoD upgrade for IBM BladeCenter (00Y5622) enables support for full FCoE
and iSCSI hardware offload through the Features on Demand (FoD) license upgrade. This support
enables flexibility and investment protection by offering the FCoE/iSCSI license when you need it.