Cisco QLE2462 PCIe x4 Dual 4Gb Fibre Channel Adapter

Overview

The Cisco N2XX-AQPCI03 is a PCIe x4 host bus adapter designed to connect servers to Fibre Channel storage area networks using two 4 Gb ports. It delivers aggregated throughput close to 1.6 GB per second and supports up to 300,000 input/output operations per second, making it well suited for environments that require reliable, high-speed data transfer such as transactional databases and virtual machine clusters. Its single ASIC design helps reduce latency and power consumption while maintaining consistent bandwidth.

Key features

• Dual 4 Gb Fibre Channel ports provide redundancy and increased bandwidth for storage connectivity.
• PCIe x4 interface ensures broad bus bandwidth to support high data transfer rates.
• Single ASIC architecture lowers latency and power draw, improving overall efficiency.
• Intelligent data protection safeguards data integrity during heavy network traffic.
• Advanced frame routing simplifies path management and enhances network reliability.
• Seamless integration with Cisco management tools allows for consistent monitoring and configuration across the storage fabric.

Key specs

• Interface: PCIe x4
• Fibre Channel ports: 2 x 4 Gb
• Aggregated throughput: up to 1.6 GB per second
• IOPS: up to 300,000 input/output operations per second
• Design: single ASIC for low latency and power efficiency

Connectivity and compatibility

This adapter fits into standard PCIe x4 slots on rack servers and connects to existing 4 Gb Fibre Channel storage networks. It is compatible with Cisco’s storage management ecosystem, allowing administrators to use familiar tools for configuration and monitoring. The dual-port design supports redundant paths or port expansion, making it a flexible option for midsize data centers and larger enterprises.

Ideal uses and environments

The Cisco N2XX-AQPCI03 is a strong choice for midsize data centers that continue to operate 4 Gb Fibre Channel storage infrastructure and need reliable, high-throughput connectivity. It also works well in larger enterprise setups that require cost-effective solutions to add redundancy or increase port density in existing servers. Its performance characteristics support demanding workloads such as fast backup operations, transactional databases, and virtual machine clusters without becoming a bottleneck.