Cisco UCS VIC 15230 2x100G mLOM for Cisco UCS X-Series M6/M7 Compute Nodes

The Cisco UCS VIC 15230 2x100G mLOM for Cisco UCS X-Series M6/M7 Compute Nodes is an advanced, high-performance modular LAN on motherboard adapter designed to accelerate modern data centers. Built to meet the demands of virtualization, cloud-native workloads, and data-intensive applications, this two-port 100G mLOM integrates seamlessly with Cisco UCS X-Series servers to deliver scalable networking, simplified manageability, and exceptional efficiency. From dense virtual environments to large-scale databases and AI workloads, the VIC 15230 is engineered to maximize throughput while minimizing latency and cabling complexity.

• High-bandwidth dual 100G connectivity: The VIC 15230 provides two 100G Ethernet ports via QSFP28 interfaces, delivering up to 200 Gbps of aggregate bandwidth. This enables rapid data movement between compute and storage, supports high-velocity VM migration, and reduces network bottlenecks for demanding applications.
• Modular LAN on Motherboard (mLOM) design for UCS X-Series: As an mLOM adapter, it plugs directly into Cisco UCS X-Series M6/M7 compute nodes, offering streamlined cabling, enhanced density, and easier lifecycle management within the UCS fabric. The compact form factor helps maximize rack space while preserving ample PCIe bandwidth for other components.
• Virtualization-ready with hardware offloads: The VIC 15230 is optimized for virtualized workloads, supporting hardware offloads and features that boost VM density and performance. With SR-IOV and related virtualization capabilities, it enables near-native networking performance for virtual machines and containers while maintaining security and isolation.
• Integrated with Cisco UCS Manager for policy-based automation: Managed through Cisco UCS Manager, the VIC 15230 benefits from policy-driven configuration, consistent provisioning, and centralized firmware updates. This simplifies operations, ensures uniform security policies, and accelerates deployment of complex multi-VM environments.
• Designed for data-center scalability and future-proofing: The VIC 15230 is built to grow with your workload requirements, supporting scalable fabric interconnects and seamless integration with UCS X-Series fabric policies. It’s engineered to adapt to evolving workloads, from traditional databases to next-generation workloads like AI/ML and high-performance computing.

Technical Details of Cisco UCS VIC 15230 2x100G mLOM

• Ports and interfaces: 2 x 100 GbE Ethernet ports via QSFP28 interfaces, designed for high-throughput server-to-network connectivity.
• Form factor: Modular LAN on motherboard (mLOM) adapter intended for Cisco UCS X-Series M6/M7 compute nodes, enabling compact, scalable network integration.
• Virtualization support: Optimized for virtualized environments with hardware offloads and support for SR-IOV; enhances VM performance and network efficiency in dense deployments.
• Management and automation: Full integration with Cisco UCS Manager for policy-based automation, centralized firmware management, and simplified lifecycle operations across multiple UCS nodes.
• Fabric compatibility: Engineered to work in harmony with Cisco UCS fabric interconnects and the UCS X-Series architecture to deliver low-latency, consistent networking across the data center.

how to install Cisco UCS VIC 15230 2x100G mLOM

• Power down the Cisco UCS X-Series server and disconnect power sources to ensure safe installation of the mLOM adapter.
• Locate the appropriate PCIe/connector slot on the X-Series motherboard designed for mLOM modules, following the server’s hardware installation guide.
• Insert the VIC 15230 securely into the dedicated mLOM slot, ensuring a firm connection and proper alignment with the mounting mechanism.
• Reconnect power and boot the server. Access Cisco UCS Manager to recognize the new adapter and begin initial configuration.
• Apply the latest firmware and drivers provided by Cisco to ensure optimal performance, security, and compatibility with UCS Manager policies.
• Define vNIC/vHBAs as required by your workloads, and attach them to the appropriate UCS policies (profiles, pools, and firmware policies) to enforce consistent networking behavior across the rack.
• Configure QoS, traffic classes, and any virtualization-specific settings (SR-IOV, VM-FEX equivalents) within UCS Manager for predictable performance under mixed workloads.
• Validate connectivity with ping, iperf, or your standard network test suite, and monitor performance through UCS Manager and fabric interconnect dashboards to ensure stability and throughput meets expectations.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Cisco UCS VIC 15230? The VIC 15230 is a two-port 100G mLOM adapter designed for Cisco UCS X-Series M6/M7 compute nodes, delivering high-bandwidth networking with virtualization-friendly features and seamless integration with Cisco's UCS management ecosystem.
• What does mLOM mean for UCS X-Series? mLOM stands for modular LAN on motherboard. It is a network adapter integrated into the motherboard or modular slot of the server, providing network connectivity without requiring a separate PCIe card in a standard PCIe slot. This design improves density and simplifies cabling within UCS chassis.
• Which workloads benefit most from the VIC 15230? Workloads that require high-throughput and low latency, such as virtualized data centers, large-scale databases, in-memory analytics, AI/ML inference, and high-performance computing environments, benefit from the VIC 15230’s dual 100G ports and virtualization-friendly features.
• Is the VIC 15230 compatible with Cisco UCS Manager? Yes. The VIC 15230 is designed to work with Cisco UCS Manager, enabling policy-based automation, consistent firmware management, and streamlined provisioning across UCS clusters.
• How do I ensure optimal performance with UCS Fabric Interconnects? Ensure you are running compatible firmware versions, apply the recommended UCS policies for vNICs and vHBAs, and keep firmware and drivers updated across all UCS components. Monitor bandwidth, latency, and queue depths to tune QoS and traffic classes for your specific workloads.