1 Introduction

This Installation and User’s Guide contains instructions for installing your Intel® Blade Server Fibre Channel Expansion Card SBEFCM4, 4 Gbps in an Intel® Blade Server Chassis SBCE. This document contains information about:

Installing and configuring the 4 Gbps Fibre Channel Expansion Card

Updating the BIOS code and device drivers of the 4 Gbps Fibre Channel Expansion Card

The Fibre Channel Expansion Card is a 4 Gb Fibre Channel device that has two configurable adapter ports. Communication signals are routed from the blade server through the Fibre Channel high- speed connector on the Fibre Channel Expansion Card to I/O-module bay 3 and bay 4 in the Intel® Blade Server Chassis SBCE.

Note:

-The modules in I/O-module bay 3 and bay 4 must support fibre channel operation.

-When using the Expansion Card with the Optical Pass Through Module option, the Expansion Card must be used at 1 Gb or 2 Gb Fibre Channel Data Rate speed. To change the Data Rate speed setting of the Expansion Card, see Chapter 4, “Using Fast!UTIL,” on page 9 or Chapter 5, “Using the SANsurfer application,” on page 15.

This Installation and User’s Guide and the most recent versions of other documents that provide detailed information about your SBCE unit, blade server, and available options are provided in Portable Document Format (PDF) at http://www.intel.com/.

For service or assistance, see Appendix A, “Getting help and technical assistance,” on page 19.

The Intel® Blade Server Fibre Channel Expansion Card SBEFCM4 is also referred to throughout this document as the I/O expansion card or the expansion card. The Intel® Blade Server Chassis SBCE is also referred to throughout this document as the SBCE unit.

Fibre Channel overview

Fibre Channel technology is outlined in the SCSI-3 Fibre Channel Protocol (SCSI-FCP) standard. Fibre Channel is a high-speed data transport technology used for mass storage and networking.

By adding fibre channel I/O-expansion cards to the blade servers, and fibre channel compatible I/O modules to the SBCE unit, you can attach the blade server to an external storage area network (SAN) through the external 4 Gbps (gigabits per second) optical ports on the I/O modules. The expansion card provides up to 8 Gb of bandwidth for full-duplex per port.

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Intel SEBFCM4 manual Introduction, Fibre Channel overview

SEBFCM4 specifications

The Intel SEBFCM4 is a cutting-edge board-level platform designed for high-performance computing and embedded applications. This versatile module is engineered to cater to the evolving demands of modern data processing, making it suitable for a variety of industries, including telecommunications, industrial automation, and IoT solutions.

One of the standout features of the Intel SEBFCM4 is its robust processing capabilities powered by Intel's state-of-the-art CPUs. It supports a wide range of Intel processors, providing flexibility in performance and energy efficiency. This adaptability allows users to select the right CPU for their specific application, whether they need high processing power for complex calculations or a more energy-efficient solution for extended operational periods.

In terms of connectivity, the SEBFCM4 excels with multiple interfaces including PCIe, SATA, and USB ports, which offer extensive options for peripherals and external devices. This extensive connectivity is crucial for applications requiring rapid data transfer and real-time responsiveness. Furthermore, the board is designed with advanced networking capabilities, ensuring seamless integration into existing systems or networks, which is vital for applications in data centers and edge computing.

The Intel SEBFCM4 also incorporates advanced memory support with options for DDR4 RAM, allowing for greater bandwidth and efficiency in processing tasks. This enhanced memory architecture is especially beneficial for applications that involve large datasets or require substantial multitasking capabilities.

Moreover, the platform is built to support advanced technologies like Intel’s Virtualization Technology, which allows multiple operating systems to run concurrently on a single processor. This feature is particularly advantageous in environments that demand high levels of resource utilization, enabling better overall efficiency and flexibility.

Thermal management is another key characteristic of the SEBFCM4. With its sophisticated design, it effectively dissipates heat, ensuring that performance remains stable even under load. This is critical for applications deployed in demanding environments where reliability is paramount.

In summary, the Intel SEBFCM4 stands out as a powerful, flexible, and reliable platform for today's advanced computing requirements. Its combination of high-performance processing, extensive connectivity, robust memory options, and superior thermal management makes it an ideal choice for a wide array of applications across various industries. As technology continues to evolve, the SEBFCM4 is poised to meet the needs of businesses looking for powerful solutions that deliver both efficiency and reliability.