Cisco Qlogic QLE2672-CSC: 16Gb Fibre Channel HBA with SR Optics

Experience enterprise-grade storage connectivity with the Cisco Qlogic QLE2672-CSC, a 16Gb Fibre Channel host bus adapter (HBA) engineered for high-demand data centers. This PCI Express card delivers blazing-fast 16 Gbit/s Fibre Channel per port, paired with short-reach optics (SR Optics) for streamlined cabling and robust SAN performance. Built to empower dynamic provisioning, exceptional security, and quality of service (QoS), the QLE2672-CSC is a trusted solution for workloads that require dependable, low-latency access to shared storage. Whether you are expanding a SAN, consolidating storage, or upgrading an aging fabric, this dual-port HBA offers the reliability and scalability that modern data centers demand. The plug-in card design makes it simple to install in most servers, while the SR optics included help reduce cabling complexity and ensure compatibility with multi-mode fiber infrastructures.

• Dual-port 16Gb Fibre Channel per port: Each port operates at 16 Gbit/s, delivering sustained throughput for high-traffic SAN environments and enabling parallel I/O paths that minimize bottlenecks in virtualized and physical workloads.
• PCI Express form factor: The QLE2672-CSC plugs into standard PCIe slots, offering broad compatibility with a wide range of server platforms and straightforward integration into existing infrastructure.
• SR Optics included: Short-reach optics simplify fiber deployment, improve link reliability, and reduce total cost of ownership by easing cabling and maintenance in data-center networks.
• Enhanced security and QoS: Built to support enterprise security and quality-of-service features, helping ensure predictable performance for mission-critical applications and storage services.
• Dynamic provisioning and scalable SAN connectivity: The two-port design supports growth, failover, and high-availability configurations, enabling dynamic provisioning of storage resources as demands evolve.

Technical Details of Cisco QLE2672-CSC

• Product family: Cisco QLogic Fibre Channel HBA
• Model: QLE2672-CSC
• Interface: PCI Express (PCIe) plug-in card
• Fibre Channel speed: 16 Gbit/s per port
• Ports: 2 x Fibre Channel ports
• Optics: SR (Short Reach) optics for multi-mode fiber
• Security features: Enhanced security features integrated to support enterprise environments
• Quality of Service (QoS): Built-in QoS support to prioritize critical storage traffic
• Form factor: PCIe plug-in card suitable for standard server slots
• Typical use case: Fibre Channel connectivity for storage area networks (SANs) in data centers

How to Install Cisco QLE2672-CSC

• Prepare the server: Power down the server, unplug from power, and ground yourself to prevent static discharge.
• Access the chassis: Remove the server cover or access panel to reach the PCIe expansion area.
• Select the PCIe slot: Choose an appropriate PCIe slot (verify compatibility with your server’s motherboard and available bandwidth).
• Insert the card: Carefully align the QLE2672-CSC with the slot and firmly seat the card into place until the retention mechanism clicks.
• Secure the card: Fasten the bracket with a screw to secure the HBA in the chassis and maintain stable operation.
• Connect SR optics and cables: Attach the SR optics module to the HBA if not pre-installed, then connect Fibre Channel cables to the optical ports according to your SAN layout.
• Power on and install drivers: Reconnect power and boot the server. Install or update the appropriate Cisco QLogic drivers and management utilities as required by your operating system.
• Configure in OS and firmware: Use the operating system’s storage management tools or vendor-provided utilities to configure the HBA, create zones or masks, and set performance QoS policies as needed.
• Validate connectivity: Verify link status, port speed, and fabric login to ensure that both ports are operational and that the SAN fabric recognizes the HBA.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Cisco QLE2672-CSC? It is a 16Gb Fibre Channel HBA with SR optics, designed as a PCIe plug-in card to provide high-speed SAN connectivity with dual ports for redundancy and scalability.
• How fast are the ports? Each port operates at 16 Gbit/s, delivering high-throughput performance for demanding storage workloads.
• How many ports does it have? The card provides two Fibre Channel ports, enabling dual-path connectivity and improved failover capabilities.
• What optics are included? Short-reach (SR) optics are included to simplify cabling and improve compatibility with multi-mode fiber networks commonly used in data centers.
• Is this card suitable for virtualization and storage area networks? Yes. Its high-speed FC connectivity, QoS features, and dynamic provisioning capabilities make it well-suited for SAN environments, virtualization hosts, and storage-centric infrastructures.