Lenovo ThinkSystem QLogic QML2692 Mezz 16Gb 2-Port Fibre Channel Adapter

The Lenovo ThinkSystem QLogic QML2692 Mezzanine 16Gb Fibre Channel Adapter is a high-performance, dual-port FC solution designed for ThinkSystem blade servers. Built on Enhanced Generation 5 (Gen 5) technology, this 16Gbps Fibre Channel mezzanine card delivers native FC throughput with exceptionally low CPU usage thanks to comprehensive hardware offloads. Engineered with Cavium technology, it provides robust storage connectivity for mission-critical workloads, delivering predictable latency, high IOPS, and scalable SAN performance. The QML2692 is optimized for dense data centers where blade density, reliability, and efficient data path processing matter most, making it an ideal choice for databases, virtualization, backup, and large-scale enterprise deployments. Its compact mezzanine form factor integrates seamlessly into ThinkSystem blades, reducing cable clutter while expanding SAN connectivity across your Lenovo infrastructure. With Lenovo’s proven management ecosystem, including XClarity and ThinkSystem firmware and driver updates, the QML2692 offers an enterprise-grade solution that blends performance, reliability, and ease of management for modern data centers.

• Gen 5 16Gb Fibre Channel performance: Two high-speed FC ports deliver up to 16Gbps per port with line-rate efficiency, enabling fast storage access and low-latency I/O for demanding applications.
• Low CPU usage via hardware offloads: Native Fibre Channel offloads reduce host CPU utilization, preserving server processing power for critical workloads while maintaining excellent SAN throughput and responsiveness.
• Seamless ThinkSystem blade integration: Specifically designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem blade servers, the QML2692 fits standard mezzanine slots, simplifying deployment, blade density, and SAN expansion within Lenovo infrastructures.
• Robust reliability and scalability: Built with enterprise-grade components, fast error detection, ECC protection, and support for multi-path I/O (MPIO) configurations to ensure high availability and scalable storage connectivity.
• Wide compatibility and management: Supports common operating systems with standard drivers and Lenovo management tools, enabling straightforward firmware updates, monitoring, and integration with the Lenovo SAN ecosystem for streamlined data-center operations.

Technical Details of Lenovo ThinkSystem QLogic QML2692 Mezz 16Gb 2-Port Fibre Channel Adapter

• Specifications: Not available for this SKU in the current data source.

How to install Lenovo ThinkSystem QLogic QML2692 Mezz 16Gb 2-Port Fibre Channel Adapter

• Power down the blade server and disconnect any connected power sources. Ground yourself to prevent electrostatic discharge and handle the hardware with care.
• Open the blade enclosure access panel in accordance with your data-center procedures and locate the appropriate ThinkSystem mezzanine slot designated for Fibre Channel adapters.
• Align the QML2692 mezzanine card with the slot and firmly seat it into place. Ensure the connector engages fully and secure the card using the slot’s retention mechanism or screws as required by your chassis.
• Reinstall the enclosure cover, reconnect power, and power on the blade server. Enter the system BIOS/UEFI or firmware management console to confirm the card is detected.
• Update the adapter firmware to the latest Gen 5 release using Lenovo XClarity Administrator or your preferred management tool to guarantee optimal performance and compatibility with your SAN fabric.
• Install or update the operating system drivers if an OS is installed. Verify that the Fibre Channel interfaces appear as available devices in the OS and storage subsystem.
• Connect Fibre Channel cables from the new QML2692 ports to your SAN switch fabric. Adhere to best practices for SAN zoning, fabric assignment, and path management to ensure redundant, load-balanced I/O paths.
• Configure multipath I/O (MPIO) or native path management in your storage environment to optimize failover, load distribution, and throughput alignment with storage arrays.
• Perform a basic I/O test to confirm stable link status, proper MTU negotiation, and expected transfer rates. Monitor event logs, error counters, and link health through Lenovo management tools or the operating system’s storage monitoring utilities.
• Document the installation, including slot number, firmware versions, and SAN zoning details, to support ongoing maintenance and future upgrades within your data center.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the Lenovo ThinkSystem QLogic QML2692 Mezz 16Gb 2-Port Fibre Channel Adapter?
  A: It is a Gen 5 (Enhanced Generation 5) two-port Fibre Channel mezzanine adapter designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem blade servers. Built on Cavium technology, the card provides high-speed 16Gbps FC connectivity with hardware offloads to minimize CPU usage, delivering strong SAN performance for enterprise workloads.
• Q: What kind of workloads benefit most from this adapter?
  A: Workloads that demand fast and reliable storage access, such as large databases, virtualization clusters, high-transaction systems, backups, and data-intensive applications, benefit from Gen 5 16Gb Fibre Channel connectivity, low CPU overhead, and deterministic latency offered by the QML2692.
• Q: Is the QML2692 compatible with all ThinkSystem blade models?
  A: The QML2692 is designed for ThinkSystem blade servers and is intended to fit the standard mezzanine slots used in Lenovo blade chassis. Compatibility should be confirmed for specific blade models in Lenovo’s product matrix, and firmware updates should be applied to ensure optimal integration.
• Q: Do I need to install special drivers or management software?
  A: Yes. Standard operating system drivers and Lenovo management tools (such as XClarity Administrator) are used to manage firmware, monitor health, and configure storage paths. Firmware updates are recommended to maintain compatibility with SAN switches and storage arrays.
• Q: How do I optimize performance and reliability with this adapter?
  A: Use multipath I/O configurations to provide redundant paths to storage arrays, keep firmware up to date, monitor link status and error counters via Lenovo management tools, and ensure SAN switch fabrics are configured with proper zoning and port security to minimize contention and improve resilience.
• Q: Is Technical Specifications information available for this SKU?
  A: Technical specifications such as exact processor revisions, memory cache details, and feature flags may not be published in the provided data source. For precise technical data, consult Lenovo product documentation or the official vendor portal for this SKU and verify with your regional Lenovo representative.