Description
Dell LPE36000 Dual Port FC64 Fibre Channel HBA, PCIe Low Profile
The Dell LPE36000 Dual Port FC64 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (HBA) delivers enterprise-grade storage performance and streamlined management for data centers that demand reliable, high-speed connectivity to SAN storage. Built on Emulex technology, this dual-port 64Gbps Fibre Channel (64GFC) HBA is engineered to optimize I/O throughput, reduce latency, and scale with growing storage needs. Its low-profile PCIe form factor makes it an ideal choice for dense server environments, blade servers, and server rooms where space is at a premium yet performance cannot be compromised. With robust driver support, advanced diagnostics, and streamlined deployment capabilities, the LPE36000 is designed to shorten the time-to-value for storage networks and help IT teams meet demanding service level agreements.
- Dual-port 64Gbps Fibre Channel connectivity provides abundant bandwidth for large databases, virtualization, and demanding SAN workloads. With two independent ports, you can multipath for high availability and improved I/O efficiency, delivering sustained performance even under heavy traffic or during failover scenarios.
- Low-profile PCIe form factor fits into dense server chassis and blade servers, enabling efficient utilization of rack space while preserving full Enterprise-class functionality. This compact design is ideal for modern data centers that prioritize power efficiency and footprint reduction without sacrificing performance.
- Advanced management functionality simplifies deployment and ongoing administration. Features such as remote firmware upgrades, diagnostics, and policy-based management help administrators roll out HBAs across fleets of servers faster and with fewer manual steps, shaving days off typical installation cycles.
- Optimized IOPS per watt for contemporary storage workloads. The LPE36000 is designed to maximize efficiency, enabling higher throughput per watt while helping reduce overall energy costs in storage-centered environments. This makes it well-suited for virtualization hosts, large-scale backups, and data-intensive analytics tasks.
- Broad OS and ecosystem compatibility supports Dell PowerEdge servers and a wide range of operating systems and virtualization platforms. Whether you deploy Windows Server, various Linux distributions, or VMware vSphere, you’ll find dependable support and proven interoperability with major storage arrays and SAN fabrics.
Technical Details of Dell LPE36000 Dual Port FC64 Fibre Channel HBA, PCIe Low Profile
- Form factor: PCIe Low Profile
- Ports: 2 x Fibre Channel ports delivering up to 64Gbps each
- Technology: Emulex LPE36000 Host Bus Adapter (Dell-branded)
- Protocol: Fibre Channel SAN connectivity
- Supported environments: Enterprise server deployments with compatible Dell PowerEdge systems; supports common Windows, Linux, and virtualization platforms
- Management and diagnostics: Includes features for firmware management, remote deployment, and health monitoring to reduce administration time
how to install Dell LPE36000 Dual Port FC64 Fibre Channel HBA, PCIe Low Profile
Step 1: Power down the server and disconnect all power sources. Remove the chassis cover according to the server manufacturer's guidelines to access the PCIe slots.
Step 2: Identify an available PCIe slot that supports a low-profile card and is compatible with the HBA’s form factor. Remove the slot cover if necessary to accommodate the full card length.
Step 3: Insert the LPE36000 into the PCIe slot with even, firm pressure until it seats fully and the retention mechanism engages. Ensure there are no obstructions and the card is securely seated.
Step 4: Connect the Fibre Channel fabric cables to the two ports. Route cables to storage arrays or switches, ensuring proper fiber polarity and link integrity. Confirm that cables are latched and not under tension.
Step 5: Reassemble the server chassis, reconnect power, and boot the system. Install or update the appropriate drivers and firmware for the LPE36000 from the vendor’s support portal, following the on-screen prompts.
Step 6: In the operating system, configure Fibre Channel zoning, multipath I/O (MPIO), and storage array presentation as required. Validate device recognition, perform basic I/O tests, and monitor health and performance through the built-in management tools.
Step 7: If your environment uses a management server or automation framework, push baseline configurations to standardize HBAs across your fleet for consistent performance and reliability.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is the Dell LPE36000 Dual Port FC64 Fibre Channel HBA?
A: It is a dual-port, 64Gbps Fibre Channel host bus adapter designed for PCIe low-profile servers. Built on Emulex technology, it delivers high-speed SAN connectivity, improved I/O efficiency, and enterprise-grade manageability for data centers that rely on fast, reliable access to storage area networks.
Q: What workloads are best suited for the LPE36000?
A: The HBA excels in storage-centric workloads such as large-scale databases, virtualization hosts, business-critical applications, backup and recovery operations, and environments requiring robust SAN connectivity with high availability and multipath capabilities.
Q: Which operating systems and platforms are supported?
A: The LPE36000 offers broad compatibility with Dell PowerEdge servers and common enterprise operating systems and virtualization platforms, including Windows Server, major Linux distributions, and VMware. Always verify driver availability and support matrices for your specific OS version and firmware levels.
Q: How can I optimize performance and reliability with this HBA?
A: Ensure firmware and drivers are up to date, configure proper multipath I/O (MPIO) and zoning on your SAN, and implement consistent cabling and redundant paths. Regular health checks and firmware rollbacks (when necessary) can help maintain peak performance and high availability over time.
Q: What should I consider regarding warranty and support?
A: Warranty and support terms vary by region and vendor agreement. Check Dell's warranty policy or your authorized reseller for details on hardware warranty duration, firmware support, and service options tailored to your deployment.
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