Lenovo ThinkSystem Emulex LPe36002 64Gb 2-Port PCIe Fibre Channel Adapter

The Lenovo ThinkSystem Emulex LPe36002 64Gb 2-Port PCIe Fibre Channel Adapter is crafted for high-demand data centers that demand uncompromising storage performance. Designed to accelerate virtualization, robust backups, and mission-critical workloads, this dual-port Fibre Channel HBA delivers the speed, reliability, and manageability you need to keep your business running smoothly. With 64 Gb/s data transfer per port, this adapter opens the door to larger, more responsive storage fabrics, enabling faster access to databases, analytics, and large-scale virtual machine environments. Built to integrate seamlessly with ThinkSystem servers, the LPe36002 combines enterprise-grade reliability with streamlined deployment, making it a versatile backbone for modern storage infrastructures.

• The LPe36002 delivers 64 Gb/s Fibre Channel performance per port, providing exceptional I/O throughput and low latency for storage fabrics. In multi-port configurations, aggregate bandwidth supports intensive workloads such as large-scale databases, virtualized desktops, and high-transaction environments, ensuring storage resources keep pace with demanding applications.
• Dual-port design with a PCIe 3.0 x8 interface offers substantial headroom for high-speed storage connectivity while maintaining broad compatibility with Lenovo ThinkSystem servers. The PCIe 3.0 pathway minimizes CPU overhead and supports rapid data movement, enabling efficient fabric access even under peak loads.
• Virtualization-ready with NPIV (N_Port ID Virtualization) support enables multiple virtual machines to access shared Fibre Channel storage seamlessly. This makes the LPe36002 ideal for VMware, Hyper-V, and KVM environments, delivering scalable, flexible storage access without sacrificing performance or security.
• Enterprise-grade reliability features include robust error detection and correction, streamlined firmware upgrade paths, and compatibility with Emulex management tools. This ensures stable operation in dense data-center deployments, with straightforward monitoring and proactive maintenance through familiar administration workflows.
• Optimized for ThinkSystem deployments, the adapter ships with Lenovo-validated drivers and firmware, ensuring smooth integration with Lenovo XClarity management, SAN fabrics, and storage arrays. The combination of Lenovo hardware support and Emulex technology delivers a cohesive, reliable path to high-performance storage connectivity and simplified day-to-day management.

Technical Details of Lenovo ThinkSystem Emulex LPe36002

• Model: LPe36002
• Ports: 2 x Fibre Channel ports
• Speed: 64 Gb/s per port (128 Gb/s total potential across both ports)
• Interface: PCIe 3.0 x8 host bus adapter
• Form factor: PCIe adapter designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem servers (fits standard server slots with broad chassis compatibility)
• Supported protocols: Fibre Channel, with NPIV support for virtualization environments
• Driver and management: Emulex/Broadcom drivers with OneCommand Manager and Lenovo validation for ThinkSystem integration
• Operating system compatibility: Broad support across major Windows and Linux distributions (driver availability through Emulex/Broadcom and Lenovo)
• Fabric integration: Compatible with standard Fibre Channel switches and storage arrays; optimized for Lenovo ThinkSystem SAN ecosystems

how to install Lenovo ThinkSystem Emulex LPe36002

• Power down the Lenovo ThinkSystem server and disconnect all power sources. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge before handling the server components.
• Open the server chassis and locate an appropriate PCIe slot (preferably an available PCIe 3.0 x8 slot) that aligns with the LPe36002’s form factor for optimal performance.
• Insert the LPe36002 into the PCIe slot until it is securely seated. Ensure the retention mechanism locks the card in place and that any necessary riser or bracket is installed according to your chassis type.
• Connect your Fibre Channel cables from the LPe36002 ports to your Fibre Channel switch or storage array. Use appropriate SFPs and fiber optic cables rated for 64 Gb/s operation, and verify cable quality and proper LC connectors.
• Power up the server and boot into the operating system. Install the Emulex/Broadcom drivers and management utilities from the official Emulex/Broadcom or Lenovo support portals. If a firmware update is recommended, apply it through the provided management tools to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
• Configure Fibre Channel settings as needed for your environment. Enable NPIV if virtualization is in use, set up zoning and LUN masking on your storage fabric, and verify that the host bus adapters recognize the storage targets.
• Optionally integrate with Lenovo XClarity for centralized management and monitoring. Validate performance with a storage workload and adjust queue depths or multi-path policies as required for your applications.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Lenovo ThinkSystem Emulex LPe36002? The LPe36002 is a 64 Gb/s dual-port Fibre Channel host bus adapter designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem servers. It provides high-speed storage connectivity, virtualization readiness through NPIV, and enterprise-grade reliability for data-center workloads.
• What workloads is it best suited for? It excels in virtualized environments, large-scale databases, backup and recovery, and mission-critical applications that require fast, reliable access to Fibre Channel storage fabrics.
• Does it support virtualization features? Yes. The adapter supports NPIV to enable multiple virtual machines to access shared FC storage, simplifying storage provisioning in hypervisor environments.
• Which operating systems are supported? The LPe36002 is supported by major Windows and Linux distributions through Emulex/Broadcom drivers and Lenovo validation. Always check the latest driver and firmware compatibility for your exact OS version.
• What additional tools are recommended for management? Emulex OneCommand Manager provides comprehensive management and monitoring for Fibre Channel HBAs. Lenovo XClarity can also be used to streamline server management and interoperability within ThinkSystem environments.
• What should I consider when deploying in a data center? Ensure you have a compatible Fibre Channel switch fabric, proper zoning and LUN masking strategies, and an adequately provisioned storage array to match the 64 Gb/s per-port performance. Plan for firmware and driver updates as part of your standard maintenance window.