Dell QLogic 2692 Dual Port Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter - Low Profile

The Dell QLogic 2692 Dual Port Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (HBA) in a low-profile form factor delivers enterprise-grade SAN connectivity with unmatched reliability and streamlined management. Built for demanding data centers, virtualization environments, and mission-critical storage networks, this 16GFC-enabled HBA combines high-throughput performance with efficient power usage, reducing time spent on installation and ongoing administration. Whether you’re expanding a virtualized infrastructure or upgrading an existing SAN, the Dell QLogic 2692 is engineered to maximize I/O efficiency while simplifying deployment across a broad range of servers.

• Dual 16Gb Fibre Channel ports provide scalable, high-bandwidth storage networking with built-in redundancy for mission-critical workloads.
• Low-profile PCIe form factor fits half-height server slots and is compatible with a wide span of Dell and non-Dell platforms, enabling flexible data-center deployments.
• Advanced management capabilities streamline lifecycle tasks—drivers, firmware updates, and monitoring—so you can deploy, tune, and maintain the HBA with minimal downtime.
• Optimized performance per watt for data centers, delivering strong throughput per port while maintaining energy efficiency for large-scale environments.
• Broad operating system and virtualization support, backed by Dell and QLogic firmware and driver updates to ensure ongoing compatibility and security.

Technical Details of Dell QLogic 2692 Dual Port Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter - Low Profile

• Ports: 2 x 16Gb Fibre Channel (16GFC) for high-speed storage networks and rapid data transfer.
• Form factor: Low-profile, half-height PCIe HBA designed to fit in a wide range of servers and chassis models.
• Interface: PCIe host interface with a robust bandwidth path to support heavy I/O workloads typical in SAN environments.
• Speed and throughput: Dual-port architecture with 16Gbps per port, enabling dual-path redundancy and high aggregate performance for bandwidth-intensive applications.
• Management and drivers: Includes enterprise-grade drivers and management tooling to simplify installation, monitoring, and firmware updates across Windows, Linux, and VMware environments.
• Features: Supports standard Fibre Channel features for storage area networks, including NPIV, with firmware that can be upgraded to align with evolving data-center needs.
• Power and efficiency: Designed to optimize performance per watt, helping to reduce overall data-center power consumption while maintaining peak throughput.
• Compatibility: Validated across a broad ecosystem of servers and storage solutions, with ongoing firmware and driver support from Dell and QLogic to ensure reliability and security.
• Warranty and support: Backed by Dell’s enterprise-grade support ecosystem, including access to firmware updates, driver packages, and technical assistance when needed.

how to install Dell QLogic 2692 Dual Port Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter - Low Profile

Preparation and compatibility checks: Before you begin, verify that your server has an available PCIe slot compatible with the Dell QLogic 2692 HBA and that your server chassis can accommodate a low-profile card with the required half-height bracket. Confirm that your storage area network (SAN) environment is configured for 16GFC, and identify the target operating system you plan to run (Windows, Linux, or VMware) so you can download and apply the correct drivers and firmware versions from Dell’s support portal. Gather the necessary cabling: you will need two Fibre Channel cables that are compatible with your SAN switch and HBAs, as well as any zoning or boot-from-SAN requirements your environment demands. Power down the server, unplug it, and ground yourself to avoid static discharge on sensitive components.

Physical installation: Remove the server chassis cover per the vendor’s instructions and locate an available PCIe slot suitable for a low-profile card. Align the Dell QLogic 2692 with the slot, ensuring the connector engages securely. Gently press the card into the slot until seated, and fasten the rear bracket with a retention screw to secure the card firmly. If your chassis requires a separate low-profile bracket, attach it according to the system’s guidance so that the card sits flush and is mechanically stable. Reinstall the chassis cover and reconnect power and network connections as applicable.

Cable setup and path configuration: Connect Fibre Channel cables to the two ports on the HBA, routing them to compatible SAN switch ports. If you’re configuring boot-from-SAN or multipath I/O (MPIO), ensure your SAN zoning and LUN masking are prepared to recognize the new paths. Label cables for easy maintenance and verify that the path names align with your SAN management conventions. Turn on the server and monitor the POST messages to confirm the HBA is detected. If your system uses a UEFI or BIOS-based HBA boot order, place the HBA’s boot device appropriately and enable any necessary boot ROM options for SAN booting.

Driver installation and firmware update: Once the server is running, install the appropriate drivers for your operating system from Dell’s official support site. This may involve downloading a driver package or using your platform’s standard driver update utility. After driver installation, check for available firmware updates for the 2692 HBA and apply them as recommended by Dell. Firmware updates can improve performance, fix known issues, and enhance compatibility with newer storage arrays or switches. Reboot if required to complete the firmware update and confirm the driver initialization on subsequent boots.

Validation and testing: After the HBA is installed and drivers are updated, verify that both ports are online in your operating system’s storage stack. Check that the SAN fabric recognizes the adapter, and run basic I/O tests to confirm connectivity to identify any misconfigurations or cabling issues. If you rely on boot-from-SAN, perform a boot test to ensure the path is stable and reliable under real startup conditions. Finally, document the configuration, including port names, WWNs, and any zoning or aliasing details, so future maintenance or audits are straightforward.

Ongoing management and optimization: Use the recommended management tools to monitor port throughput, errors, and queue depth. Enable alerts for critical events such as link down, path failure, or firmware misalignment. Schedule regular firmware and driver checks to stay aligned with Dell’s published update cycles. By keeping the HBA firmware current and applying best practices for SAN zoning and multipathing, you can sustain high performance, reduce latency, and minimize downtime in your storage environment.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the primary benefit of the Dell QLogic 2692 Dual Port Fibre Channel HBA?
A: It delivers high-speed 16GFC connectivity with dual ports for redundancy and load balancing, enabling fast, reliable access to storage networks while reducing installation time and ongoing management tasks in data centers and virtualization environments.

Q: Is this HBA compatible with non-Dell servers?
A: Yes. The Dell QLogic 2692 is designed as a low-profile PCIe device that fits a wide range of server platforms, including many Dell and non-Dell systems. Always verify slot compatibility and confirm driver support for your operating system and hypervisor.

Q: Which operating systems are supported?
A: The 2692 supports major operating systems used in enterprise environments, including Windows Server, popular Linux distributions, and VMware ESXi. Dell provides drivers and firmware updates compatible with these platforms to ensure stability and performance.

Q: Can I boot from SAN with this adapter?
A: Yes, when configured with appropriate zoning, boot paths, and firmware support, the 2692 can be used to boot from SAN storage. Ensure your SAN fabric and BIOS/UEFI settings are configured for SAN boot scenarios before attempting a boot-from-SAN deployment.

Q: How do I keep the firmware and drivers up to date?
A: Dell provides a centralized support portal where you can download the latest 16GFC HBA firmware and driver packages. Regularly check for updates, apply recommended revisions, and monitor for any security advisories or performance improvements relevant to your storage network. Consider scheduling updates during maintenance windows to minimize impact on live workloads.