Solarflare SFN8542 network adapter Quick Start Guide
Issue 3
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Inserting the adapter in a PCI Express slot
The SFN8542 QSFP+ dual-port adapter is a half-height, half-length, 16-lane PCIe 3.1
form factor adapter.
NOTE:
The Solarflare SFN8542 server adapter requires a 16-lane PCI Express slot.
For maximum performance the adapter should be installed in a PCIe 3.1 or PCIe 3.0
slot, but is compatible with PCIe 2.0 or PCIe 1.x.
Shut down the server and unplug it from its power source. Remove the server cover
to access the PCI Express slots in the server. Locate a 16-lane PCI Express slot (refer
to the server manual if necessary) and insert the Solarflare server adapter. Secure
the adapter bracket in the slot.
CAUTION:
The SFN8542 adapter must have sufficient air flow cooling – during
normal operation the minimum air flow required is 300 LFM.
Server cooling fans
must be fully operative to prevent damage to the adapter.
Cables and transceivers
Solarflare QSFP+ server adapters support a wide range of QSFP+ direct attach
cables, 40G BASE-SR4 and 10G BASE-SR optical transceiver modules and QSA (QSFP+
to SFP+) adapters.
For a full list of supported cables and transceivers visit
