Broadcom LPe36002-M64 FC Host Bus Adapter

The Broadcom LPe36002-M64 FC Host Bus Adapter is a high-performance Fibre Channel NIC designed to deliver reliable, scalable SAN connectivity for enterprise storage and data center environments. Built to handle demanding workloads, this dual-port adapter provides up to 64 Gbps per port across a PCIe interface, making it an ideal solution for expanding fabric capacity, improving I/O efficiency, and reducing latency in large-scale storage deployments. With Broadcom’s proven Fibre Channel technology, the LPe36002-M64 is engineered for mission-critical operations, from large virtualized infrastructures to dense database systems, ensuring consistent throughput and robust multi-path resilience. Whether you’re refreshing an aging SAN or expanding a modern Fibre Channel fabric, this HBA offers the performance, compatibility, and reliability you need to keep data flowing smoothly.

• 2-port Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter with 64 Gbps per-port throughput, providing ample bandwidth for high-demand enterprise storage and dense virtualization workloads. The dual-port design enables active-active paths and seamless load balancing, helping to maximize SAN utilization while reducing bottlenecks in data-center storage operations.
• PCIe-based connectivity for efficient, low-latency I/O. This Broadcom HBA slots into standard PCIe slots in servers and blade systems, delivering fast, direct access to storage networks with minimal CPU overhead. Its PCIe interface is designed to support modern server platforms and virtualization environments, enabling rapid deployment in new or upgraded infrastructures.
• Gen7 technology and Broadcom’s trusted Fibre Channel architecture. The LPe36002-M64 leverages advanced signaling and reliability features to improve signal integrity, error handling, and long-distance connectivity across SAN fabrics. This makes it well suited for enterprise deployments that require consistent performance across diverse storage arrays and storage area networks.
• Enterprise-grade reliability and compatibility. Broadcom LPe36002-M64 is designed to work with a wide range of storage arrays, switches, and server generations, offering robust interoperability for heterogeneous data centers. Features like hot-plug readiness, power-fail safe initialization traits, and mature driver support help minimize downtime and simplify maintenance in production environments.
• Future-proof scalability for growing storage needs. With 2 ports and high-throughput 64 Gbps per port, this adapter supports expanding SAN footprints without repeated hardware upgrades. It’s an investment that aligns with evolving data-center demands, virtualization growth, and increasing data storage requirements.

Technical Details of Broadcom LPe36002-M64 FC Host Bus Adapter

• Manufacturer: Broadcom
• Model: LPe36002-M64
• Type: Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (HBA)
• Ports: 2 × 64 Gbps Fibre Channel ports
• Interface: PCIe-based host bus adapter
• Generation/Technology: Gen7 Fibre Channel architecture within a PCIe-enabled card
• Form Factor: PCIe add-in card (standard server PCIe slot compatibility)
• Applications: Enterprise storage connectivity, data center SANs, virtualization-ready storage networks
• Standards/Protocols Supported: Fibre Channel connectivity for SAN integration with compatible switches and storage arrays

How to Install Broadcom LPe36002-M64 FC Host Bus Adapter

• Power down the server and disconnect power to ensure safe installation of the PCIe card.
• Open the chassis and locate an appropriate PCIe slot that supports the card’s form factor and interference requirements.
• Gently insert the Broadcom LPe36002-M64 into the PCIe slot until it is fully seated and aligned with the slot guides.
• Secure the card with a retaining screw or mechanism as required by the server chassis to prevent movement during operation.
• Close the chassis, reconnect power, and boot the server. Enter the system BIOS/UEFI if needed to verify PCIe device recognition.
• Install the latest Broadcom drivers and management utilities from the vendor’s official site or your hardware vendor’s software catalog.
• Configure Fibre Channel ports in your operating system or storage network management tools, attach to your Fibre Channel SAN, and test connectivity to storage targets.
• Perform a basic I/O test to confirm link status, speed, and path stability across both ports, and enable any multi-path or path-failover features as required by your environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What is the Broadcom LPe36002-M64 FC Host Bus Adapter?

  A: It is a dual-port Fibre Channel HBA designed to connect servers to a SAN, delivering high-throughput FC connectivity with 64 Gbps per port for enterprise storage and data-center workloads.

• Q: How many ports does this adapter have and what speed can I expect?

  A: The adapter has two Fibre Channel ports, each delivering up to 64 Gbps of bandwidth, enabling high-density, low-latency storage access with efficient multipath I/O support.

• Q: What systems is the LPe36002-M64 compatible with?

  A: Broadcom LPe36002-M64 is designed for broad compatibility with standard server platforms and FC storage ecosystems. It is intended for use in data centers and enterprise environments requiring reliable SAN connectivity across diverse hardware configurations.

• Q: How do I install and configure this HBA?

  A: Installation involves inserting the PCIe card into a compatible PCIe slot, connecting Fibre Channel cables to a SAN switch or storage array, and installing the latest drivers. After driver installation, configure the FC ports within your operating system or SAN management tools, then validate link integrity and reachability to storage targets.

• Q: Can I use this adapter with virtualization platforms?

  A: Yes. While specific virtualization compatibility depends on drivers and host configurations, Fibre Channel HBAs like the LPe36002-M64 are commonly deployed in virtualized servers to provide stable, high-performance SAN access for virtual machines and clustered applications.