Cisco UCSC-OCP-QD10GC: QLogic FastLinQ QL41132H Dual Port 10GbE Adapter

The Cisco UCSC-OCP-QD10GC is a high-performance, dual-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet adapter designed for the demanding workloads that power modern data centers. Built around the QLogic FastLinQ QL41132H chipset, this card delivers reliable, scalable networking for Cisco UCS servers while maximizing throughput and minimizing latency. Engineered for open Compute Project (OCP) NIC 2.0 compatibility, the UCSC-OCP-QD10GC plugs seamlessly into Cisco UCS environments, enabling robust uplink connectivity, virtualized networking, and simplified management. It’s the ideal solution for data-intensive applications, virtualization platforms, and cloud-native workloads that require steady, low-latency network access and efficient CPU utilization. With two 10GbE ports, administrators gain flexible network topologies, improved resilience through link aggregation, and the ability to scale bandwidth as workloads grow—all while maintaining the reliability Cisco customers expect from UCS platforms.

• Dual-port 10GbE performance: Two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports provide high aggregate bandwidth, enabling fast data transfers for storage, backups, virtual machines, and high-velocity workloads without saturating the server’s CPU resources.
• OCP NIC 2.0 form factor for Cisco UCS: Designed for easy integration into Cisco UCS servers, the OCP NIC 2.0 standard simplifies deployment, reduces cabling complexity, and supports dense, multi-port server configurations in modern data centers.
• Optimized for virtualization and cloud workloads: Built to handle virtual machines, containers, and multi-tenant environments with efficient offloads and streamlined traffic management to lower CPU overhead and improve VM networking performance.
• Extensive compatibility and ecosystem support: Works across leading operating systems and hypervisors, including Windows, Linux distributions, VMware ESXi, and Microsoft Hyper-V, with Cisco UCS Manager for centralized control and policy-driven provisioning.
• Resilience, manageability, and scalability: Features reliable traffic steering, link aggregation options, and straightforward scalability to match growing data center needs while maintaining stability and uptime.

Technical Details of Cisco UCSC-OCP-QD10GC

• Product family: Cisco UCSC-OCP-QD10GC (QL41132H) dual-port 10GbE adapter
• Ports: 2 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• Form factor: Open Compute Project (OCP) NIC 2.0 mezzanine card for Cisco UCS servers
• Host interface: PCIe-based connection compatible with standard server PCIe slots
• Networking features: Supports industry-standard capabilities such as link aggregation (e.g., 802.3ad/LACP), VLAN tagging, and network offloads to optimize performance
• Virtualization support: Optimized for virtualization environments to improve VM networking efficiency and reduce host CPU load
• Operating system compatibility: Broad support across Windows, Linux, VMware, and Hyper-V platforms
• Management integration: Designed to integrate with Cisco UCS Manager for policy-based provisioning and centralized management

how to install Cisco UCSC-OCP-QD10GC

Installing the Cisco UCSC-OCP-QD10GC in a Cisco UCS server is a straightforward process designed to minimize downtime and align with standard data-center deployment practices. Follow these steps to ensure a clean, reliable installation and optimal performance:

• Prepare the UCS environment: Verify that your Cisco UCS chassis, server model, and firmware levels support the OCP NIC 2.0 adapter. Ensure you have the latest firmware and driver packages from Cisco or QLogic for the QL41132H-based card.
• Power down the server if required: For non-hot-swappable configurations, shut down the host and disconnect power as needed according to your data-center safety guidelines.
• Insert the NIC into the appropriate slot: Locate the designated OCP NIC slot on the Cisco UCS server’s motherboard or mezzanine area and firmly insert the UCSC-OCP-QD10GC until it seats securely.
• Connect to the network: Attach the 10GbE cables to your switch fabric or appliance, ensuring correct uplink zoning and redundancy if you are configuring NIC teaming or link aggregation.
• Power on and install drivers: Turn the server back on and install the appropriate drivers and firmware for the QL41132H-based adapter. Use Cisco UCS Manager or the vendor-provided tools to verify the device is recognized and healthy.
• Configure networking in UCS Manager: Create or update network policies, VLANs, and port-channel configurations. Apply these policies to the NIC to ensure consistent boot-time networking and guest VM connectivity.
• Validate connectivity and performance: Test basic network reachability, measure latency, and run throughput tests to confirm the adapter delivers expected performance under your workloads.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Cisco UCSC-OCP-QD10GC used for? It’s a dual-port 10GbE network adapter designed for Cisco UCS servers, delivering high-speed Ethernet connectivity, virtualization-friendly features, and streamlined management within UCS environments.
• Which operating systems are supported? The adapter is supported across major operating systems and hypervisors, including Windows, Linux distributions, VMware ESXi, and Microsoft Hyper-V, with Cisco UCS Manager integration for centralized control.
• Does this card support virtualization offloads? Yes, it is built to enhance virtualization performance by reducing CPU overhead and enabling efficient traffic handling for virtual machines and containers.
• How many ports and what speed does it provide? It provides two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, offering high aggregate bandwidth for data-intensive workloads and flexible uplink configurations.
• Is installation supported in Cisco UCS environments? Yes. The UCSC-OCP-QD10GC is specifically designed for Cisco UCS servers with the OCP NIC 2.0 form factor, ensuring compatibility and ease of deployment within UCS Manager workflows.