Lenovo ThinkSystem DM Series 10Gb 4-Port Ethernet Card

The Lenovo ThinkSystem DM Series 10Gb 4-Port Ethernet Card is a high-performance PCIe plug-in networking solution designed to accelerate data center connectivity. Built for reliability in demanding server, workstation, and client environments, this 4-port 10Gb Ethernet adapter leverages SFP+ optical fiber to deliver fast, scalable, and low-latency networking. Ideal for enterprises that require dense, high-throughput links with long-reach fiber capabilities, this card supports optical fiber cabling to span substantial distances while maintaining excellent signal integrity and throughput. In short, it’s a robust upgrade for ThinkSystem DM Series deployments that demand deterministic performance, flexible fiber options, and straightforward expansion of network bandwidth.

• Ultra-fast 10Gb Ethernet performance — Each of the four ports delivers up to 10Gbps line rate, enabling substantial aggregate throughput for multiple virtual machines, storage traffic, and high-bandwidth applications without compromising latency or packet integrity.
• SFP+ optical fiber support — The card uses SFP+ connectors to enable fiber-optic links, which offer long-distance reach, higher immunity to electromagnetic interference, and scalable bandwidth for data center backbones, clustered compute nodes, and storage networks.
• 4-port density for data center efficiency — Four independent 10GbE ports on a single PCIe plug-in card maximize port density in a compact footprint, reducing space, cabling complexity, and overall server I/O costs while increasing available bandwidth for critical workloads.
• Designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem DM Series — Built to integrate seamlessly with ThinkSystem DM Series servers, this card delivers optimized power delivery, compatibility, and management parity with Lenovo’s data center ecosystem, ensuring straightforward deployment and reliable operation.
• Wide compatibility and versatile deployment — The card is suitable for a variety of environments, including bare-metal servers, virtualization platforms, and cloud-ready infrastructures, with broad operating system support and robust driver availability to ensure quick, hassle-free integration.

Technical Details

• Form factor — Plug-in PCIe network adapter designed for server expansion in the ThinkSystem DM Series ecosystem.
• Interface — 10 Gigabit Ethernet per port for high-speed, low-latency data transfer across demanding workloads.
• Ports — 4 x SFP+ optical fiber ports for flexible long-reach connectivity and fiber-based networking options.
• Distance and cabling — Optical fiber cabling enables longer link distances with superior resistance to EMI, suitable for data centers, campus networks, and storage fabrics.
• Compatibility — Optimized for Lenovo ThinkSystem DM Series servers and compatible with common enterprise operating systems and virtualization platforms through available drivers and firmware updates.

How to install Lenovo ThinkSystem DM Series 10Gb 4-Port Ethernet Card

• Power down the server and disconnect all power sources to prevent damage during installation.
• Open the server chassis and locate an available PCIe slot that matches the card’s form factor and clearance requirements.
• Insert the PCIe card firmly into the slot until it is seated and secure it with the appropriate screw or latch to ensure a stable connection.
• Attach SFP+ transceivers as needed and connect fiber optic cables to each of the four ports, ensuring proper alignment and secure fiber terminations for optimal signal integrity.
• Power the system back on and install or update drivers and firmware as recommended by Lenovo, followed by a quick post-installation check to confirm link status on all ports.
• Once installed, configure your network interfaces in your operating system or hypervisor, assign appropriate VLANs, QoS settings, and any required bonding or trunking to maximize throughput and reliability.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the data capacity of the Lenovo ThinkSystem DM Series 10Gb 4-Port Ethernet Card?
  A: Each of the four ports supports up to 10Gbps, providing a total potential aggregate throughput of up to 40Gbps across all ports in high-load scenarios, subject to system limitations and network configuration.
• Q: What type of cabling does this card use?
  A: The card uses SFP+ optical fiber connections, enabling fiber-optic links for longer distances and improved resistance to electromagnetic interference, ideal for data centers and long-haul deployments.
• Q: Is this card compatible with virtualization environments?
  A: Yes. The Lenovo ThinkSystem DM Series 10Gb 4-Port Ethernet Card is designed for broad OS support and virtualization platforms, with drivers and firmware updates available to ensure stable operation in VMs and containerized workloads.
• Q: Do I need to install drivers manually?
  A: In many environments, the operating system may include basic drivers, but for optimal performance and features, install Lenovo-provided drivers and firmware updates as recommended by Lenovo or your chosen OS vendor.
• Q: Can this card be used in a mixed hardware environment outside of ThinkSystem DM Series?
  A: While optimized for Lenovo ThinkSystem DM Series servers, many enterprise environments can use the card in compatible PCIe-based systems depending on firmware and driver support. Always verify compatibility with your chassis, motherboard, and OS before purchase.