QLogic – Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) Technology
Most enterprise data centres continue to operate separate data networks (which are dominated by Ethernet) and storage networks (which are dominated by Fibre Channel).
Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) is a new technology that provides an opportunity for IT managers to reduce data centre costs by converging data and storage networking onto a single adapter and fabric.
Standard TCP/IP and Fibre Channel traffic can run on the same high speed 10Gbps Ethernet wire, resulting in cost savings through reduced adapter, switch, cabling, power, cooling and management requirements.
FCoE has gained rapid market traction because it delivers excellent performance, reduces Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and protects current data centre investments.
QLogic 8100 Series Converged Network Adapters; Single and Dual Port 10Gbps Enhanced Ethernet to PCIe
The hardware that supports FCoE technology is the converged network adapter (CNA). QLogic leads the industry with the first single-chip converged network adapter: 
the 8100 Series. The 8100 Series adapter is the second generation 10GbEE adapter product developed by QLogic.
QLogic Converged Network Adapter Advantage
High Performance
- Single Port 10Gbps, and Dual Port 10Gbps per port, maximum throughput for high bandwidth storage (SAN) and networking (LAN) traffic
- Full hardware offload for FCoE protocol processing
- 250,000 IOPS (per port) deliver high I/O transfer rates for storage applications
- Full support for TCP/IP and Ethernet performance enhancements such as priority-based flow control (802.1Qbb), jumbo frames, checksum offloads and segmentation offloads
Lower Total Cost of Ownership
- Reduced hardware, cabling, power, cooling and management costs through convergence of data and storage networking
- Preservation of familiar data and storage concepts resulting in lower training and administration costs
Investment Protection
- Works seamlessly with existing Fibre Channel (FC) storage
- Communicates via Ethernet, the most common networking technology in the world
- Compatible with existing FC drivers and management applications that have been deployed in millions of current systems
