Lenovo Broadcom NetXtreme Dual Port 10GBE SFP+ Network Adapter

Overview

The Lenovo 94Y5180 is a Broadcom NetXtreme dual port 10 Gigabit Ethernet network adapter designed for server systems, specifically compatible with select IBM System x M4 and X5 series servers. It provides two 10 GbE connections via SFP+ interfaces and installs in a PCI Express 2.0 x8 slot, delivering reliable wired network performance for demanding data center workloads. This adapter supports advanced features like SR-IOV and NIC partitioning, enabling efficient virtualization and traffic management in clustered environments.

Key features

• Two SFP+ ports delivering high-speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for fast data transfer and low latency.
• PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface ensures ample bandwidth for server communication and network throughput.
• SR-IOV support enhances virtual machine scalability by allowing multiple VMs to share a single physical adapter while reducing CPU overhead.
• NIC partitioning enables each physical port to be divided into up to four independent network interfaces, simplifying network segmentation and management.
• Designed for IBM System x M4 and X5 series servers, ensuring seamless integration and compatibility within these platforms.
• Supports network traffic separation such as management, storage, and application data without requiring additional physical adapters, reducing cabling complexity.
• Compliance with EN 60950 and UL 1950 standards guarantees safety and reliability in enterprise environments.

Key specs

• Network ports: 2 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+
• Host interface: PCI Express 2.0 x8
• Virtualization support: SR-IOV
• NIC partitioning: Up to 4 independent interfaces per physical port
• Compatible servers: IBM System x M4 and X5 series
• Compliance standards: EN 60950, UL 1950

Connectivity and compatibility

This adapter connects through a PCI Express 2.0 x8 slot, providing a high-bandwidth link between the server and network. The dual SFP+ ports support fiber or direct attach cables, offering flexibility in network infrastructure. It is specifically built for IBM System x M4 and X5 series servers, ensuring that it fits well within existing hardware setups without compatibility issues.

Performance and reliability

With support for SR-IOV, the adapter allows virtualized environments to scale efficiently by reducing CPU load and improving network throughput for multiple virtual machines. NIC partitioning further enhances performance by isolating different types of network traffic on separate virtual interfaces, which helps maintain consistent and stable connections for critical workloads. The adapter’s compliance with industry safety standards adds an extra layer of reliability for enterprise deployments.

Ideal uses and environments

This network adapter is well suited to data centers and enterprise server rooms where high-speed, low-latency connections are essential. It works effectively in virtualization clusters, high-performance computing nodes, and other environments that require robust 10 GbE connectivity. IT teams managing IBM System x servers will find it a practical choice for upgrading or expanding network capacity while simplifying cabling and network segmentation.