10Gb CNAs for IBM System x

• 10 Gbps maximum throughput for high-bandwidth storage (SAN) and networking (LAN) traffic
• Full line speed hardware–based FCoE for Fibre Channel SAN connectivity
• Reduced hardware, cabling, power, cooling and management costs through convergence of data and storage networking
• Advanced Ethernet performance, including IPv4 and IPv6 checksum offload, Receive Side Scaling (RSS), header data split, jumbo frames, and segmentation offload
• Preservation of familiar data and storage concepts resulting in lower training and administrative costs
• Communicates via Ethernet, the most common networking technology in the world

Highlights

Converged Network Adapters (CNAs) provide an opportunity to reduce data center costs by converging data and storage networking. Standard TCP/IP and Fibre Channel (FC) traffic can both run on the same high-speed 10 Gbps Ethernet wire, resulting in cost savings through reduced adapter, switch, cabling, power, cooling and management requirements. CNAs have gained rapid market traction because they deliver excellent performance, help reduce data center TCO, and protect current data center investment. Brocade and QLogic 10Gb CNAs for IBM System x® boosts system performance with 10 Gbps speed and full hardware offload for Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) protocol processing. Cutting–edge 10 Gbps bandwidth can eliminate performance bottlenecks in the I/O path with a 10X data rate improvement versus existing 1 Gbps Ethernet solutions. Additionally, full hardware offload for FCoE protocol processing reduces system CPU utilization for I/O operations, which leads to faster application performance and higher levels of consolidation in virtualized systems.

These 10Gb CNAs combined with top–of–rack FCoE switches provide a powerful 10 Gbps solution that improves Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by consolidating Fibre Channel and Ethernet traffic through FCoE. This new technology helps organizations significantly reduce power, cooling and cabling costs through the use of a single adapter.

Through native compatibility with existing Fibre Channel and Ethernet networks, the 10Gb CNAs extend storage and networking investments, including investments made in management and training. Utilizing hardware–based capabilities for virtualization optimization, organizations can also improve performance in their growing virtual environments to increase overall ROI and improve TCO.

To help optimize technology investments, IBM offers a single point of serviceability backed by renowned education, support, and training. In addition, Brocade and QLogic 10Gb CNAs for IBM System x are part of the IBM ServerProven® program, enabling compatibility among a variety of IBM and partner products. IBM recognizes that customers deserve the most innovative solutions.