Description
Product Overview for the Qlogic QLE2560-CK Fibre Channel Adapter
The QLE2560-CK Qlogic 8GB Single Channel PCI-E Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (HBA) with Standard Bracket is a cutting-edge connectivity solution designed to enhance data transfer speeds and reliability in enterprise-level storage networks. In this detailed review, we will delve into the key features, performance metrics, installation process, and overall usability of this HBA.
Key Features
- High-Speed Data Transfer: The QLE2560-CK boasts an impressive 8GB data transfer rate, making it ideal for demanding applications that require quick access to large volumes of data. This high-speed capability is crucial in today’s data-intensive environments.
- Single Channel Configuration: This HBA is configured with a single channel, which is suitable for specific use cases where a dedicated connection is preferred. The single-channel setup can simplify management and optimize performance for certain applications.
- PCI Express Interface: With a PCI Express interface, this HBA ensures a reliable and efficient connection to the server. The PCI-E interface is known for its high bandwidth and low latency, contributing to the overall responsiveness of the storage network.
- Fibre Channel Technology: The use of Fibre Channel technology ensures robust and secure data transmission. Fibre Channel is renowned for its reliability, low latency, and ability to handle large amounts of data traffic efficiently.
- Standard Bracket Inclusion: The inclusion of a standard bracket makes the QLE2560-CK compatible with a wide range of server configurations. The standard bracket design simplifies the installation process and ensures compatibility with various server chassis.
Performance Metrics
- Throughput and Bandwidth: The QLE2560-CK demonstrates exceptional throughput, achieving high data transfer rates in real-world scenarios. The 8GB bandwidth allows for the swift movement of data, reducing latency and improving overall system performance.
- Latency and Responsiveness: Low latency is a critical factor in storage networks, and the QLE2560-CK excels in this regard. The HBA’s efficient data handling minimizes latency, ensuring that applications access the required data promptly.
- Reliability and Error Handling: Qlogic has a reputation for producing reliable hardware, and the QLE2560-CK is no exception. The HBA incorporates advanced error-handling mechanisms, contributing to the overall stability of the storage network.
Benefits of QLE2560-CK Qlogic 8GB Single Channel PCI-E Fibre Channel HBA
- Enhanced Performance: The 8GB data transfer speed of the QLE2560-CK ensures enhanced performance, making it well-suited for applications that demand quick data access and transfer. This is especially beneficial in scenarios where time-sensitive data processing is critical.
- Reliability in Single-Channel Setup: The single-channel configuration provides a simplified and reliable communication path. In environments where a single, robust channel is sufficient, this configuration can offer advantages in terms of simplicity and ease of management.
- Versatility with PCI-E Interface: The PCI-E interface ensures compatibility and versatility. The QLE2560-CK can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of computer systems, allowing for flexibility in deployment.
- Ease of Installation with Standard Bracket: The inclusion of a standard bracket makes the installation process user-friendly. This feature is particularly valuable for IT professionals who need a straightforward and efficient installation experience.
Use Cases and Applications
- Enterprise Data Centers: The QLE2560-CK is well-suited for enterprise data centres where high-speed data transfer and reliable connectivity are paramount. Its 8GB data transfer speed ensures efficient data storage and retrieval in large-scale storage environments.
- High-Performance Computing: In applications that require intense computational power, such as scientific research or financial modelling, the QLE2560-CK’s 8GB data transfer speed can significantly contribute to overall system performance.
- Virtualized Environments: Virtualized environments, where multiple virtual machines share physical resources, can benefit from the QLE2560-CK’s reliable and high-speed connectivity. The HBA ensures smooth communication between virtualized systems and storage resources.
- Media and Entertainment: The media and entertainment industry, which often deals with large file sizes and real-time rendering, can leverage the QLE2560-CK for its quick data transfer capabilities. This is essential for video editing, rendering, and other content creation tasks.
High-Speed Fibre Channel for PCI-E System
The QLE2560-CK is a High-Speed Fibre Channel host bus adapter (HBA) for PCI Express (PCIe) systems. It is designed to provide high-performance connectivity between a server and a Fibre Channel storage area network (SAN). The QLE2560-CK supports 8, 16, and 32 Gbps Fibre Channel speeds, as well as FC-NVMe, making it suitable for use in high-performance computing, data analytics, and other demanding storage applications. It also supports advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS) and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) for increased flexibility and efficiency.
The QLE2560-CK is a host bus adapter (HBA) that allows a computer or server to connect to a Fibre Channel storage area network (SAN). It is designed to work with the PCI Express (PCIe) interface, which is a high-speed expansion bus commonly found in servers and other high-performance computers.
Fibre Channel is a data transfer protocol that is commonly used to connect servers to storage devices in a SAN. The QLE2560-CK supports multiple speeds of Fibre Channel including 8, 16, and 32 Gbps, which allows for fast data transfer between the server and storage devices. Additionally, it supports FC-NVMe which is a standard for using non-volatile memory express (NVMe) over Fibre Channel, which provides even higher data transfer rates and lower latency.
The QLE2560-CK also supports advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS) which allows for the prioritization of different types of data transfer and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) which allows for Fibre Channel traffic to be carried over Ethernet networks.
Maximize Storage Bandwidth
There are several ways to maximize the storage bandwidth of the QLE2560-CK:
- Use the highest supported speed: The QLE2560-CK supports 8, 16, and 32 Gbps Fibre Channel speeds. By using the highest supported speed, you can achieve the fastest data transfer rates between the server and the storage devices.
- Use FC-NVMe: The QLE2560-CK supports FC-NVMe, which allows for using non-volatile memory express (NVMe) over Fibre Channel. NVMe is a faster and more efficient storage interface that can provide lower latency and higher data transfer rates compared to traditional storage interfaces.
- Use Quality of Service (QoS): The QLE2560-CK supports QoS, which allows you to prioritize different types of data transfer. By prioritizing critical data transfers, you can ensure that they are completed quickly and efficiently.
- Use multiple paths: The QLE2560-CK supports multiple paths to the storage devices, which allows for load balancing and failover. By using multiple paths, you can increase the overall bandwidth and ensure that there is always a path available for data transfer.
- Use Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE): The QLE2560-CK supports FCoE, which allows for Fibre Channel traffic to be carried over Ethernet networks. This can help to reduce the number of cables and switches required for the SAN and improve the scalability and flexibility of the network.
General Information about this Qlogic QLE2560-CK
- Manufacturer: Qlogic
- Model Number or SKU# QLE2560-CK
- Product Name: Controller
- Product Type: Fibre Channel
Technical Information
- Interface (BUS) Type: PCI Express 2.0 X8
- Form Factor: Low-Profile PCI Express Card
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Data Link Protocol: 8GB Fibre Channel
- Fibre Channel: FC-AL, FC-AL-2, FC-SP, FCP-2, FCP-3
- Data Transfer Rate: 8GBPS
- Features: Auto-Negotiation, Quality Of Service (QOS)
- Expansion Slots Total (Free): 1 (0) X SFP+
- Interfaces: 1 X Network – 8GB Fibre Channel LC Multi-Mode X 2
- Compatible Slots: 1 X PCI Express 2.0 X8
In short, the QLE2560-CK Qlogic 8GB Single Channel PCI-E Fibre Channel HBA With Standard Bracket is a commendable solution for organizations seeking to enhance the performance and reliability of their storage networks. With its high-speed data transfer, PCI Express interface, and Fibre Channel technology, this HBA is well-suited for data-intensive applications in enterprise environments. The standard bracket design, user-friendly management tools, and overall ease of integration further contribute to its appeal. While the single-channel configuration may limit scalability in certain scenarios, the QLE2560-CK remains a reliable and efficient choice for specific use cases in the realm of storage connectivity.