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IBM Flex System FC3172 2-port 8Gb FC Adapter 1

I B M ®

IBM Flex System FC3172 2-port 8Gb FC Adapter

IBM Redbooks Product Guide

The IBM Flex System™ FC3172 2-port 8Gb FC Adapter enables high-speed access for IBM Flex System

compute nodes to connect to a Fibre Channel storage area network (SAN). This adapter is based on the

proven QLogic 2532 8Gb ASIC design and works with the 8 Gb and 16 Gb IBM Flex System Fibre

Channel switches and pass-thru modules.

Figure 1 shows the IBM Flex System FC3172 2-port 8Gb FC Adapter.

Figure 1. IBM Flex System FC3172 2-port 8Gb FC Adapter

Did you know?

The performance bottleneck with Fibre Channel storage typically exists in the switching. By moving to 8

Gb adapters and switches, you can optimize the bottleneck to the storage controller, where it can be

managed by expanding the disks attached to storage. When compared to the previous-generation 4 Gb

adapters, the new-generation 8 Gb adapters double the throughput speeds for Fibre Channel traffic. As a

result, you can manage increased amounts of data and possibly benefit from a reduced hardware

expense.

The adapter connects to the midplane directly, without having to use cables or small form-factor

pluggable (SFP) modules. By eliminating these components for up to 14 servers, the resulting savings

alone can cover the investment in the chassis.

Summary of content (10 pages)

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I BM ® IBM Flex System FC3172 2-port 8Gb FC Adapter IBM Redbooks Product Guide The IBM Flex System™ FC3172 2-port 8Gb FC Adapter enables high-speed access for IBM Flex System compute nodes to connect to a Fibre Channel storage area network (SAN). This adapter is based on the proven QLogic 2532 8Gb ASIC design and works with the 8 Gb and 16 Gb IBM Flex System Fibre Channel switches and pass-thru modules. Figure 1 shows the IBM Flex System FC3172 2-port 8Gb FC Adapter. Figure 1.
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Part number information Table 1 shows the part number to order this card. Table 1. Part number and feature code for ordering Description Part number Feature code (x-config) Feature ocde (e-config) IBM Flex System FC3172 2-port 8Gb FC Adapter 69Y1938 A1BM 1764 * The first feature code listed is for configurations available through the System x sales channel. The second feature code listed is for configurations available through the Power Systems sales channel.
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Supported servers The following table lists the IBM Flex System compute nodes that support the FC3172 2-port 8Gb FC Adapter. Table 2. Supported servers Description Part number x220 x240 x440 p24L p260 p460 IBM Flex System FC3172 2-port 8Gb FC Adapter 69Y1938 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes See IBM ServerProven at the following web address for the latest information about the expansion cards that are supported by each blade server type: http://ibm.
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Supported I/O modules The FC3172 2-port 8Gb FC Adapter supports the I/O module listed in the following table. One or two compatible switches must be installed in the corresponding I/O bays in the chassis. Installing two switches means that both ports of the adapter are enabled. When the adapter paired with a 16Gb switch, those switch ports will operate at 8 Gbps. Table 3.
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Figure 3.
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The FC3172 2-port 8Gb FC Adapter supports the following operating systems on the Power Systems compute nodes:             AIX 5.3 with the 5300-12 Technology Level with Service Pack 5 AIX 6.1 with the 6100-05 Technology Level and Service Pack 7 AIX 6.1 with the 6100-06 Technology Level and Service Pack 6 AIX 6.1 with the 6100-07 Technology Level AIX 7.1 with the 7100-00 Technology Level and Service Pack 4 AIX 7.1 with the 7100-01 Technology Level IBM i 6.1 with i 6.1.1 machine code IBM i 7.
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Shipping dimensions and weight (approximate):     Height: 58 mm (2.3 in) Width: 229 mm (9.0 in) Depth: 208 mm (8.2 in) Weight: 0.4 kg (0.89 lb) Popular configurations The FC3172 2-port 8Gb FC Adapter can be used in various configurations. The following figure shows the I/O installed in an I/O adapter slot 2 of the x240, which in turn is installed in the chassis. The chassis is connected to an IBM System Storage V7000. The RAID functionality is provided by the external storage system. Figure 4.
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Related publications For more information, see the following resources:  IBM Flex System FC3171 8Gb SAN Switch and Pass-thru Product Guide http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0866.html  IBM Flex System FC5022 16Gb SAN Scalable Switch Product Guide http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0870.html  IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node Product Guide http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0860.html  IBM Flex System p260 and p460 Compute Node Product Guide http://www.redbooks.ibm.
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Notices This information was developed for products and services offered in the U.S.A. IBM may not offer the products, services, or features discussed in this document in other countries. Consult your local IBM representative for information on the products and services currently available in your area. Any reference to an IBM product, program, or service is not intended to state or imply that only that IBM product, program, or service may be used.
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This document was created or updated on October 9, 2012. Send us your comments in one of the following ways:  Use the online Contact us review form found at: i bm. com/ r edbooks  Send your comments in an e-mail to: r edbook@ us. i bm. com  Mail your comments to: IBM Corporation, International Technical Support Organization Dept. HYTD Mail Station P099 2455 South Road Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-5400 U.S.A. This document is available online at ht t p: / / www. i bm. com/ r edbooks/ abst r act s/ t i ps0867.