Dell PowerEdge R830 730 QLogic 2660 Single Port 16GbE Fibre Channel

Overview

The Dell H28RN is a Fibre Channel host bus adapter designed specifically for PowerEdge R830 servers, providing fast and reliable access to storage area networks. Featuring a single 16 Gbps port powered by the QLogic QLE2660L controller, it delivers the bandwidth needed for demanding enterprise tasks such as database management, virtualization clusters, and large-scale backups. This adapter fits into a PCI Express x8 slot, ensuring data moves efficiently without bottlenecks, while its optical LC interface supports long-distance cabling in complex data center environments.

Key features

• Single 16 Gbps Fibre Channel port that enables rapid and dependable SAN connectivity
• PCI Express x8 interface designed to maximize server bandwidth and minimize data transfer delays
• Optical LC connector that maintains signal integrity over extended cable runs, ideal for large or distributed data centers
• QLogic QLE2660L controller ensures consistent performance and reliability under heavy workloads
• Seamless integration with Dell PowerEdge R830 servers, simplifying installation and management
• Firmware and driver support included in Dell update catalogs for easier deployment and maintenance
• Dedicated storage path that offloads traffic from Ethernet networks, improving overall network efficiency

Key specs

• Port type: Single Fibre Channel
• Throughput: 16 Gbps
• Controller: QLogic QLE2660L
• Interface: PCI Express x8
• Connector: Optical LC
• Compatible server: Dell PowerEdge R830

Connectivity and compatibility

This adapter connects directly to Fibre Channel switches and storage arrays, providing a dedicated and high-speed link for storage traffic. Its optical LC connector supports long cable distances, which is beneficial in data centers where equipment is spread across multiple racks or rooms. The card’s PCI Express x8 interface ensures it fits standard server slots without limiting data throughput. It is optimized for Dell PowerEdge R830 servers, making it a natural choice for environments standardized on Dell hardware.

Ideal uses and environments

The H28RN excels in data centers and enterprise environments where reliable, low-latency storage access is critical. It is well suited for database servers, virtualization hosts, and backup systems that require consistent high-speed connectivity. While a single port is ideal for standalone workloads such as development servers or branch office SAN connections, deploying pairs of these adapters in separate PCIe slots can provide failover capabilities for enhanced reliability. This makes it a flexible option for both production and test environments.