Lenovo QLogic QLE2562 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter

The Lenovo QLogic QLE2562 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter is a high-performance, enterprise-grade PCI Express dual-port adapter engineered to meet the demanding I/O needs of modern data centers. Designed to deliver scalable SAN connectivity, the QLE2562 leverages 8Gb Fibre Channel technology to provide fast, reliable access to storage networks, enabling rapid data movement, efficient virtualization, and unwavering uptime in mission-critical environments. This HBA is ideal for servers running virtualized workloads, large-scale databases, and enterprise applications that require consistent low latency, high bandwidth, and robust fault tolerance. With a focus on reliability, manageability, and flexibility, the QLE2562 is built to mesh seamlessly with the QLE2500 family and a wide range of SAN architectures, helping you maximize storage performance while simplifying deployment and maintenance.

• Dual-port 8Gb Fibre Channel connectivity for high-bandwidth SAN I/O and redundant paths. Each port delivers dedicated 8Gbps throughput, enabling parallel data streams and improved aggregate performance for large-scale workloads, backups, and storage-intensive applications.
• PCI Express architecture delivers fast, low-latency data paths between the host server and your Fibre Channel fabric. The QLE2562 is designed to fit standard PCIe slots in enterprise servers, offering reliable performance with minimal CPU overhead and efficient I/O processing for demanding enterprise workloads.
• Enterprise-grade reliability and availability with support for multipath I/O (MPIO), SAN boot capabilities, and robust error handling. This adapter is built to maintain steady throughput under concurrent I/O loads, reduce bottlenecks, and provide consistent access to mission-critical storage across virtualized and non-virtualized environments.
• Broad OS and virtualization platform compatibility supports a wide array of operating systems and hypervisors commonly deployed in enterprise data centers, including Windows Server, Linux distributions, and virtualization platforms such as VMware ESXi. This broad support simplifies integration and reduces the time to production when connecting to heterogeneous storage networks.
• Flexible form factor and deployment options designed to fit diverse server configurations. The QLE2562 is part of Lenovo’s QLE2500 family, offering versatile deployment in standard or dense data-center cabinets, with considerations for slot type and cabling that help you maximize space and simplify cable management while maintaining robust SAN connectivity.

Technical Details of Lenovo QLogic QLE2562 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter

• 2 x 8Gb Fibre Channel ports delivering full 8Gbps per port for high-bandwidth SAN connectivity
• PCI Express (PCIe) host interface designed for enterprise server environments
• Part of the Lenovo QLE2500 family of HBAs, offering proven reliability and enterprise-class features
• Standard PCIe add-in card form factor with support for common server chassis configurations (brackets and slot compatibility vary by model)
• Supports multipath I/O (MPIO), SAN boot, and broad operating system compatibility for data-center workloads

How to install Lenovo QLogic QLE2562 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter

• Power down the server, unplug from power, and ground yourself to avoid static discharge. Open the chassis and locate an available PCI Express slot.
• Insert the QLE2562 into the PCIe slot and secure the bracket with a mounting screw. Ensure the card is firmly seated and not contacting other components.
• Attach appropriate 8Gb Fibre Channel SFP+ transceivers and connect Fibre Channel cables from the SAN switch or storage array to each FC port on the adapter. Verify transceiver compatibility and cable integrity.
• Power on the server and install the latest firmware and driver packages recommended by Lenovo/QLogic. This may involve updating the driver package from the vendor’s support portal or through system management software.
• Enter your operating system’s storage management or SAN management tools to configure boot options, zoning, and multipath I/O settings. Validate connectivity by presenting a LUN to the host, performing a disk rescan, and confirming data path status across both ports.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Lenovo QLogic QLE2562? A dual-port Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (HBA) for PCIe that provides high-speed SAN connectivity with 8Gbps per port, designed for enterprise data centers and virtualization environments.
• What environments and workloads is it best suited for? Aimed at enterprise workloads such as databases, virtual desktop infrastructure, and virtualized servers, the QLE2562 delivers reliable, scalable SAN I/O for large-scale storage arrays and mission-critical applications.
• Which operating systems does it support? The QLE2562 supports a broad range of operating systems and virtualization platforms, including Windows Server, Linux distributions, and VMware ESXi, with drivers and firmware updates available from Lenovo/QLogic for compatibility and performance optimizations.
• Does it support SAN boot and multipath I/O? Yes. The adapter is designed to support SAN boot operations and multipath I/O, helping to improve resilience and performance by providing multiple I/O paths to storage targets.
• How do I ensure optimal performance? Install the latest firmware and drivers, use compatible 8Gb FC transceivers, optimize zoning and path management, and monitor path utilization to balance loads across both ports. Regularly review firmware updates and consult compatibility guides for your storage array and SAN switch.