IBM 39H8058 25MHz RS-232 Fibre Channel PCI Network Adapter for Netfinity ARTIC 960

Product Description

The IBM 39H8058 is a unique network adapter that bridges the gap between traditional RS-232 serial communication and the high-speed Fibre Channel network. Operating at 25MHz, this PCI card is designed specifically for IBM Netfinity servers and utilizes the ARTIC 960 chipset, which is known for its capabilities in handling complex serial communication protocols. The adapter's primary function is to enable serial data transmission over a Fibre Channel infrastructure, offering a specialized solution for certain IBM server configurations. This adapter is not a typical Ethernet or Fibre Channel HBA for storage. Instead, it facilitates serial device connectivity or communication that requires the robustness and speed of Fibre Channel for its transport layer. The RS-232 interface allows connection to legacy serial devices or systems that communicate via serial ports, while the Fibre Channel aspect provides a high-performance, reliable transport mechanism. This combination is likely intended for specific IBM enterprise solutions or management interfaces that leverage serial communication. As a PCI card, it integrates into the standard expansion slots of compatible IBM Netfinity servers. The inclusion of the ARTIC 960 chipset suggests advanced processing capabilities for managing serial data streams efficiently. The IBM 39H8058 represents a niche but important component for environments requiring specialized serial-to-Fibre Channel connectivity within the IBM ecosystem.