Lenovo ThinkSystem NX-E PCIe 25Gb 1-Port SFP28 Ethernet Adapter

Experience next‑level network throughput with the Lenovo ThinkSystem NX‑E Broadcom NX‑E PCIe 25Gb 1‑Port SFP28 Ethernet Adapter. Built for demanding data centers, modern servers, and high‑performance workstations, this plug‑in NIC delivers blazing 25GBASE‑X speeds over an SFP28 optical fiber interface. Designed to integrate smoothly into Lenovo ThinkSystem ecosystems, it combines enterprise‑class reliability, scalable connectivity, and straightforward deployment to meet the needs of virtualization, large‑scale storage, AI workloads, and latency‑sensitive applications. Whether you’re upgrading an aging 10Gb network, consolidating virtual machines, or building a future‑proof backbone for cloud services, this 1‑port 25Gb Ethernet adapter provides the bandwidth and reliability required for today’s most demanding workloads.

• Ultra‑fast 25Gb Ethernet performance: This single‑port SFP28 adapter delivers up to 25 gigabits per second of raw bandwidth, enabling high‑throughput workloads such as dense virtualized environments, fast data transfers, and accelerated storage networking. With 25GBASE‑X fiber compatibility, you’ll experience lower CPU overhead, reduced latency, and improved overall application responsiveness compared to traditional 10Gb networks.
• Flexible SFP28 optical connectivity: The NX‑E NIC uses an SFP28 interface, offering scalable fiber connectivity ideal for data centers, campuses, and enterprise networks. Pair it with compatible SFP28 transceivers and fiber cabling to achieve long‑distance links, or leverage DAC (direct‑attach copper) adapters where appropriate. This flexibility makes it easy to align with your existing optical backbone while preserving room for future expansion.
• Seamless PCIe plug‑in deployment: As a PCI Express plug‑in card, the NX‑E is designed for straightforward installation in Lenovo ThinkSystem servers and other compatible systems. Drop it into an available PCIe slot, secure with a single retaining screw, connect the fiber link, and you’re ready to boot. The card is engineered to fit standard server chassis in typical data‑center environments, minimizing downtime during upgrades and simplifying lifecycle management.
• Enterprise‑grade reliability within ThinkSystem ecosystems: Lenovo’s ThinkSystem line emphasizes reliability, compatibility, and long‑term support. The NX‑E is built to handle continuous operation, with firmware and driver support aligned to Lenovo’s enterprise channel. This ensures stable operation in virtualization platforms, hyper‑converged infrastructure, and multi‑host deployments, backed by Lenovo’s service and support options.
• Ideal for diverse workloads and architectures: From virtualized databases and analytics to AI inference and high‑speed storage networks, this 25Gb NIC scales with your environment. It’s suited for data center cores, edge deployments, cloud infrastructures, and workstation‑class workloads that demand consistent, predictable bandwidth and low latency for critical applications.

Technical Details of Lenovo ThinkSystem Broadcom NX-E PCIe 25Gb 1-Port SFP28 Ethernet Adapter

• Product type: PCIe Ethernet adapter (1‑port, SFP28)
• Brand / model: Lenovo ThinkSystem NX‑E
• Interface: PCI Express (standard PCIe plug‑in interface)
• Number of ports: 1
• Speed: 25 Gbps (25GBASE‑X)
• Connector / media: SFP28 optical fiber interface
• Standard: 25GBase‑X compliant
• Form factor: PCIe plug‑in card for server chassis
• Target environment: Data centers, Lenovo ThinkSystem ecosystems, enterprise servers and workstations
• Notes: Requires compatible SFP28 transceiver and fiber cabling, and appropriate drivers/firmware for your operating system and hardware platform

How to install Lenovo ThinkSystem Broadcom NX-E PCIe 25Gb 1-Port SFP28 Ethernet Adapter

• Power down the server and unplug all power sources, then open the chassis access panel per your model’s maintenance guidelines.
• Locate an available PCIe slot that meets or exceeds the card’s insertion requirements and remove the corresponding slot bracket if needed.
• Carefully insert the NX‑E PCIe 25Gb NIC into the slot until firmly seated, ensuring there is no bending of any connector pins. Re‑secure the card with the chassis screw.
• Install and connect a compatible SFP28 transceiver to the NIC’s optical interface, then attach the fiber optic cable to the transceiver. Verify that the fiber link is properly terminated and the cable is secured to prevent movement.
• Replace the chassis cover, reconnect power, and boot the system. Install or update the appropriate driver and firmware for the NIC from Lenovo’s support portal, and configure the operating system’s network interface to recognize the new 25Gb NIC. Validate connectivity and throughput with a suitable network benchmarking tool.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is 25Gb Ethernet and what workloads benefit most? A: 25Gb Ethernet provides five times the bandwidth of traditional 5Gb or 10Gb connections, enabling faster virtualized environments, high‑performance storage networking, large‑scale data transfers, and accelerated AI/ML workloads. It’s particularly beneficial for dense virtualization hosts, scale‑out storage, and latency‑sensitive applications where consistent, high throughput is critical.
• Q: What does SFP28 mean and why is it important? A: SFP28 is a small form factor pluggable optical transceiver standard designed for 25Gbps operation. It enables flexible fiber connectivity, longer link distances, and easier upgrades by letting you choose appropriate transceivers for your fiber infrastructure without replacing the NIC itself.
• Q: Can this adapter work in non‑Lenovo servers? A: Yes, it’s a standard PCIe 25GbE NIC with an SFP28 interface. Ensure your server supports PCIe plug‑in cards and that you can supply a compatible SFP28 transceiver and fiber cabling. Lenovo’s driver support and validation may be most straightforward on ThinkSystem platforms.
• Q: Do I need to purchase transceivers separately? A: Yes. An SFP28 transceiver that matches your fiber type (single‑mode or multi‑mode) and appropriate fiber cabling are required to complete the 25G link. Some environments also use DAC cables for shorter distances, depending on the switch and rack topology.
• Q: How do I ensure optimal performance and compatibility? A: Use the latest Lenovo drivers and firmware for the NX‑E NIC, verify compatibility with your operating system and hypervisor, and confirm your switch/router supports 25GBASE‑X. Proper cabling, transceiver selection, and keeping firmware up to date are key to achieving stable, high‑throughput connections.