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Axiom 81Y8021-AX 10GbE Dual-Port SFP+ PCIe x8 Network Adapter for IBM Servers
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This network adapter utilizes PCI Express 2.0 x8 host interface technology, delivering up to 4000MB/s bandwidth to support demanding server workloads. The dual SFP+ ports support 10GBase-X network technology, enabling 10Gbps data transfer rates over optical fiber cabling for reliable long-distance connectivity.
The card's physical design measures 6.50 inches in height, 0.51 inches in width, and 2.68 inches in depth, with a lightweight construction at approximately 3.84 ounces. This form factor ensures compatibility with standard server expansion slots while maintaining optimal airflow and thermal characteristics.
Relevant factors for this section include Host Interface, Total Number of Ports, Expansion Slot Type. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
This adapter provides substantial network performance improvements for IBM server deployments, doubling available bandwidth without requiring additional expansion slots. The dual-port design enables network redundancy or link aggregation configurations, enhancing both performance and reliability for critical server applications.
These strengths make the product easier to deploy and manage in real environments, especially where reliability, usability, and day-to-day operational continuity matter. Notable benefits include Bandwidth Efficiency, Fiber Optic Connectivity.
Bandwidth Efficiency
Delivers 10Gbps throughput per port with PCIe 2.0 x8 interface, maximizing data transfer capabilities for server-to-server and server-to-storage communications.
- 4000MB/s bandwidth capacity
- Dual-port configuration
- Optimal slot utilization
Fiber Optic Connectivity
Supports optical fiber media for extended transmission distances and superior signal integrity in data center environments.
- Long-distance capability
- Reduced electromagnetic interference
- 10GBase-X technology
Deployment / Use Cases
The Axiom 81Y8021-AX network adapter is engineered for IBM server environments requiring enhanced network performance and connectivity. Its dual-port SFP+ configuration makes it particularly valuable for data center deployments where high-bandwidth interconnects between servers, storage arrays, and network switches are essential.
This adapter excels in virtualization environments, database servers, and high-performance computing clusters where network throughput directly impacts application performance. The optical fiber support enables deployment across distributed server racks or between data center rooms while maintaining full 10Gbps performance.
Data Center Server Upgrades
Add 10GbE connectivity to existing IBM servers for improved network performance in virtualized environments, storage networks, and application clusters.
Network Infrastructure Expansion
Provide additional network ports for server redundancy, link aggregation, or segregated network traffic without consuming multiple expansion slots.
Physical Profile
The adapter features a standard plug-in card form factor with dimensions optimized for server chassis compatibility. Measuring 6.50 inches in height, 0.51 inches in width, and 2.68 inches in depth, the card fits standard full-height server expansion slots while maintaining proper clearance for adjacent components. The lightweight design at approximately 3.84 ounces minimizes mechanical stress on the PCIe slot while supporting optimal thermal management through efficient airflow.
- Width
- 0.51" (13 mm)
- Depth
- 2.68" (68 mm)
- Height
- 6.50" (165 mm)
- Weight
- 3.84 oz (108.86 g)
Highlights
- Dual-port 10GbE SFP+ network adapter for IBM servers
- PCI Express 2.0 x8 host interface with 4000MB/s bandwidth
- Supports optical fiber media for extended distance connectivity
- 10GBase-X network technology for 10Gbps data transfer rates
- Compact plug-in card form factor: 6.50" H × 0.51" W × 2.68" D
- Lightweight design at approximately 3.84 ounces
- Specifically engineered for server deployment environments
- 3-year limited warranty for reliable long-term operation
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Axiom Memory Solutions |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 81Y8021-AX |
| Brand Name | Axiom |
| Product Name | PCIe x8 10Gbs Dual Port Fiber Network Adapter for IBM |
| Product Type | 10Gigabit Ethernet Card |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Host Interface | PCI Express 2.0 x8 |
| Total Number of Ports | 2 |
| I/O Expansions | |
| Expansion Slot Type | SFP+ |
| Media & Performance | |
| Media Type Supported | Optical Fiber |
| Network & Communication | |
| Network Technology | 10GBase-X |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Height | 6.50" (165 mm) |
| Width | 0.51" (13 mm) |
| Depth | 2.68" (68 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 3.84 oz (108.86 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Device Supported | Server |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 3 Year |
FAQ
What type of servers is this network adapter compatible with?
The Axiom 81Y8021-AX is specifically designed for IBM server systems. It requires a PCI Express 2.0 x8 expansion slot for installation and is optimized for server deployment environments where high-bandwidth network connectivity is essential for data center operations, virtualization platforms, and enterprise applications.
What cables are required for connecting this adapter?
This adapter uses SFP+ ports that support optical fiber connections. You will need compatible SFP+ transceivers and appropriate fiber optic cables to establish network connections. The optical fiber support enables longer distance connectivity compared to copper solutions while maintaining full 10Gbps performance across server racks or between data center rooms.
What is the maximum data transfer rate of this network adapter?
Each port supports 10 Gigabit per second (10Gbps) data transfer rates using 10GBase-X network technology. The PCI Express 2.0 x8 host interface provides up to 4000MB/s bandwidth capacity, ensuring the adapter can handle demanding server workloads without becoming a network bottleneck in high-performance computing environments.
Can both ports on this adapter be used simultaneously?
Yes, both SFP+ ports operate independently and can be used simultaneously for different network connections or aggregated together for increased bandwidth. This dual-port configuration enables network redundancy for critical applications, segregated traffic paths for different services, or link aggregation to combine bandwidth for high-throughput server applications.
What are the physical dimensions of this network adapter?
The adapter measures 6.50 inches in height, 0.51 inches in width, and 2.68 inches in depth (165 × 13 × 68 mm). This standard plug-in card form factor is designed for full-height server expansion slots and includes appropriate mounting brackets for secure installation in server chassis while maintaining proper clearance for adjacent components and optimal airflow.
What warranty coverage does this network adapter include?
The Axiom 81Y8021-AX includes a 3-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects and ensures reliable operation in server environments. This warranty period provides assurance for enterprise deployments where network adapter reliability directly impacts server availability and data center operations over extended deployment cycles.