Lenovo ThinkSystem DE6000 10/25Gb iSCSI 4-Port HIC

Experience enterprise-grade storage connectivity with the Lenovo ThinkSystem DE6000 10/25Gb iSCSI 4-Port HIC. This high-performance Host Interface Controller delivers blazing-fast iSCSI networking alongside robust SCSI compatibility, enabling safe, scalable storage expansion within Lenovo’s trusted ThinkSystem ecosystem. Designed for reliability, efficiency, and easy manageability, the DE6000 HIC maximizes storage throughput while minimizing latency and downtime. It’s the ideal solution for data centers seeking to consolidate storage, accelerate data access for virtualized environments, and simplify backup and disaster recovery workflows without sacrificing performance or reliability.

• Ultra-fast iSCSI connectivity: 10/25 Gb Ethernet capable ports provide high bandwidth for demanding workloads, enabling rapid data transfers and quick backups across enterprise storage networks.
• 4-port HIC design for scalable storage: Four hosted ports support multiple targets and expanded storage configurations, delivering flexible growth as your data needs evolve.
• Robust SCSI compatibility: SCSI ports and logic ensure seamless integration with existing storage subsystems, promoting safe, proven storage expansion with minimal risk.
• Enterprise-grade reliability: Built for data centers, the DE6000 HIC offers strong fault tolerance, stable firmware, and compatibility with Lenovo’s hardware and software management tools.
• Seamless ThinkSystem integration: Optimized for Lenovo ThinkSystem servers and storage ecosystems, with straightforward deployment, centralized monitoring, and easy future upgrades.

Technical Details of Lenovo ThinkSystem DE6000 10/25Gb iSCSI 4-ports HIC

• Ports: 4 x iSCSI network/SCSI ports (10/25 Gb capable) for high-throughput storage connectivity
• Controller type: Host Interface Controller (HIC) designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem
• Storage protocol: iSCSI over Ethernet with SCSI compatibility for flexible storage access
• Form factor: PCIe-based HIC card compatible with ThinkSystem servers
• Reliability: Enterprise-grade hardware designed for data center uptime and long-term support

The DE6000 10/25Gb iSCSI 4-Port HIC integrates smoothly into Lenovo’s ThinkSystem ecosystem, delivering scalable connectivity for SAN-like performance with the simplicity of IP-based storage networking. Its 10/25 Gb support ensures ample headroom for large data transfers, virtual machine workloads, and high-bandwidth applications, while the SCSI compatibility provides proven, industry-standard storage expansion capabilities. This combination makes it an excellent choice for organizations seeking to optimize storage throughput, streamline management, and future-proof their data center investments.

How to install Lenovo ThinkSystem DE6000 10/25Gb iSCSI 4-ports HIC

• Prepare your server: Verify that your ThinkSystem server is compatible with the DE6000 HIC, and ensure firmware and BIOS/UEFI are up to date. Review your storage networking plan to identify target arrays and network switches that support 10/25 Gb iSCSI.
• Power down and protect hardware: Properly shut down the server, unplug power, and discharge static electricity before handling hardware components.
• Install the HIC card: Open the server chassis and insert the DE6000 HIC into an appropriate PCIe slot. Secure the card with the retaining screw and reassemble the chassis as needed.
• Connect network and storage paths: Attach 10/25 Gb Ethernet cables from the HIC ports to your iSCSI-enabled switches or storage network. If applicable, connect any SCSI targets or auxiliary storage devices per your environment’s topology.
• Power on and configure: Boot the server and enter the system management interface (such as Lenovo XClarity or your preferred management tool). Update or confirm the HIC firmware, enable the 10/25 Gb ports, and define iSCSI targets and initiators as required.
• Validate connectivity: Verify that the HIC detects the storage targets, check link status and throughput, and perform a baseline performance test to ensure the expected data transfer rates are achieved.
• Integrate with storage management: Configure your storage arrays, multipathing, and any required LUNs or volumes. Apply best practices for zoning, masking, and path prioritization to optimize performance and reliability.
• Document and monitor: Record the configuration details, firmware versions, and network settings. Set up ongoing monitoring alerts to detect degradations in performance or connectivity and perform regular firmware updates as recommended by Lenovo.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the Lenovo ThinkSystem DE6000 10/25Gb iSCSI 4-Port HIC?
A: It is a high-performance Host Interface Controller designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem servers, enabling 10/25 Gb iSCSI networking and SCSI-compatible storage expansion with four ports. It helps organizations scale storage connectivity while maintaining reliability and simple management.

Q: What does 10/25 Gb iSCSI mean for my storage network?
A: 10/25 Gb iSCSI refers to the network speeds supported by the HIC for iSCSI storage traffic. A 10 Gb network provides solid throughput for many workloads, while 25 Gb offers significantly higher bandwidth for data-intensive environments such as virtualization, large databases, and backup/restore operations. The 4-port design allows multiple paths to storage targets, enabling load balancing and redundancy.

Q: How many ports does the HIC have and what are they used for?
A: The HIC provides four ports that support iSCSI network connectivity and SCSI-based storage expansion. These ports enable direct high-speed connections to storage targets and facilitate scalable configurations without requiring additional adapters.

Q: Is the DE6000 HIC compatible with all Lenovo ThinkSystem servers?
A: The DE6000 HIC is designed to integrate with Lenovo ThinkSystem platforms and should be deployed within supported server models and chassis configurations. Always verify compatibility with Lenovo’s official product matrix and consult Lenovo’s documentation for your specific server model, firmware requirements, and driver availability.

Q: What are the optimization tips for best performance?
A: To maximize performance, ensure firmware and drivers are current, use configured multipathing, implement appropriate network QoS settings on switches, and align storage targets with properly sized LUNs. Regularly monitor throughput and latency, update firmware, and follow Lenovo’s best-practice guides for iSCSI networking and SCSI storage expansion.