Product Description
IBM EN0A 16Gb 2-Port Fibre Channel Adapter for Lightning-Fast Storage
The IBM EN0A PCIe2 16Gb 2-Port Fibre Channel Adapter (Feature Code: EN0A, CCIN: 577F, Part Numbers: 00E3496, 00E9266, 74Y2221) is a high-speed x8 PCIe Gen2 adapter made for IBM Power Systems. It rocks two SFP+ LC ports, hitting speeds of 4, 8, or 16 Gbps over multimode fibre (OM1-OM4). You can reach 380m at 4 Gbps, 150m at 8 Gbps, or 100m at 16 Gbps, with long-wave optics stretching up to 10km. Built for AIX, IBM i, and Linux, it’s a top pick for enterprise storage. Grab it from DataTech Computer Services for Power8 and Power9 setups.
Why the EN0A Rocks
This network interface card (NIC) packs two 16Gb fibre channel ports for super-fast, reliable data transfers. It supports N_Port ID Virtualization (NPIV) via Virtual I/O Server (VIOS), letting you tweak single or multi-initiator setups. With a short-form, full-height design (or EN0B for low-profile), it slides right into Power Systems like 9009-41A, 9009-42A, or 8286-42A, perfect for crunching AI, analytics, or database workloads.
EN0A vs. IBM EN0H 4-Port 10Gb Adapter
Compared to the IBM EN0H 4-Port 10Gb/1Gb Converged Network Adapter (CNA), which uses 10Gb SR optical ports and 1Gb RJ45 ports for Ethernet FCoE and mixed networking, the EN0A is all-in on fibre channel. The EN0H’s 4-port 10Gb setup is great for blending Ethernet and FCoE, but the EN0A’s 16Gb ports deliver faster, lower-latency performance for storage area networks (SANs).
Tech Specs in a Nutshell
- Feature Code: EN0A
- CCIN: 577F
- Part Numbers: 00E3496, 00E9266, 74Y2221
- Interface: PCIe Gen2 x8 (Gen3-ready with firmware)
- Ports: 2x SFP+ LC with SR optics
- Speeds: 4, 8, 16 Gbps (auto-negotiating)
- Cables: Multimode fibre (OM1-OM4)
- Distances: 380m (4 Gbps), 150m (8 Gbps), 100m (16 Gbps); 10km with long-wave
- OS Support: AIX, IBM i, Linux
- Form Factor: Short form, full height (EN0B for low profile)
Why Your Data Center Will Love It
The EN0A fibre channel adapter is built for speed and staying power in storage-heavy setups. NPIV lets you juggle virtual ports like a pro, saving resources. Multimode fibre gives you cabling flexibility, and its rugged build keeps downtime at bay. For Power Systems users, the EN0A tackles storage tasks effortlessly, with long-wave optics for extra reach when paired with the right gear.
Fibre Channel vs. Converged Adapters
A converged network adapter (CNA) like the EN0H mixes 10Gb FCoE and Ethernet, using 10Gb SR optical ports or 1Gb RJ45 ports for all-purpose networking. The EN0A sticks to fibre channel, nailing low-latency, high-throughput connections for SANs. If storage is your main game, the EN0A beats CNAs hands-down.
What Makes the EN0A a Winner
The EN0A’s network interface handles NPIV and auto-negotiation like a champ, fitting right into modern data centers. Unlike 10Gb FCoE or 4-port 10Gb Ethernet adapters, it’s laser-focused on fibre channel, delivering killer performance for Power8 and Power9 systems. Plus, it can connect directly to devices at 16 Gbps without a switch, giving you more options.
Where It Shines
The EN0A is a beast for:
- Databases: Zippy access to huge datasets.
- AI/Analytics: Fast data for number-crunching jobs.
- Backups: Rock-solid SAN links for storage recovery.
It plays nice with AIX, IBM i, and Linux, working across tons of IT setups.
Setup’s a Breeze
The EN0A’s full-height, short-form design (or EN0B for low-profile) pops into Power Systems’ PCIe slots with ease. It syncs up with VIOS for virtualized environments and supports IBM’s enterprise OS platforms. Stick with OM3 or OM4 multimode fibre and double-check firmware for PCIe Gen3 support on Power8/Power9 to max out performance.
The Final Word
The IBM EN0A 16Gb 2-Port Fibre Channel Adapter is a storage superstar, packing NPIV, multimode fibre support, and 16 Gbps speeds. Made for Power Systems, it blows past IBM EN0H 4-Port CNAs for SAN performance, making it your go-to for databases, analytics, and backups. For Power8 and Power9 users, the EN0A keeps your storage network ready for today’s data challenges. Snag it from DataTech Computer Services for top-tier connectivity.
Kick your data center into high gear with the EN0A’s fast, trusty fibre channel performance, built for enterprise demands.
