Lenovo ThinkSystem 10GBASE-T 2-Port OCP Ethernet Adapter

Overview

The Lenovo 4XC7A08310 is an OCP Ethernet adapter designed to provide two independent 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections for compatible ThinkSystem servers. It connects via a PCI Express 3.0 OCP mezzanine slot, delivering high throughput without occupying a traditional PCIe slot. Each RJ45 port supports both 10GBASE-T and 1000BASE-T speeds, allowing seamless integration with existing Gigabit networks and easy upgrades to 10 Gigabit uplinks using standard Cat6 or Cat6a cabling up to 100 meters.

This adapter is ideal for virtualized hosts, database servers, and backup targets that require fast data transfers throughout the day. Its compact OCP form factor also helps preserve rear I/O space, which is especially valuable in dense rack or edge environments.

Key features

• Two RJ45 ports supporting both 10GBASE-T and 1000BASE-T for flexible network speeds
• PCI Express 3.0 interface providing ample bandwidth for demanding data traffic
• OCP mezzanine design that frees up standard PCIe slots for other expansion cards
• Compatibility with cost-effective Cat6 or Cat6a twisted pair cabling, avoiding the need for expensive optical transceivers
• Supports up to 10 Gbps per port, accelerating backups, virtual machine migrations, and data replication tasks
• Compact form factor fits well in ThinkSystem servers deployed in data centers, branch offices, or edge locations

Key specs

• Network ports: 2 x RJ45
• Supported speeds: 10GBASE-T and 1000BASE-T
• Host interface: PCI Express 3.0 OCP mezzanine slot
• Cabling: Cat6 or Cat6a twisted pair, up to 100 meters
• Maximum throughput: 10 Gbps per port

Connectivity and compatibility

This adapter integrates smoothly with existing network infrastructure by supporting standard RJ45 connectors and common twisted pair cabling. It works well with Gigabit switches today and allows easy upgrades to 10 Gigabit networks without rewiring. The PCIe 3.0 OCP mezzanine slot connection ensures compatibility with Lenovo ThinkSystem servers designed to accept this form factor, making it a practical choice for expanding network capacity without sacrificing other expansion options.

Ideal uses and environments

The Lenovo 4XC7A08310 excels in environments where high-speed data transfer is critical, such as virtualized servers handling multiple workloads, database servers processing large datasets, and backup systems requiring fast replication. It also suits hyperconverged infrastructure nodes where storage and client traffic share the same network. Its compact design and efficient cabling support make it a strong option for dense data center racks, branch offices, and edge computing setups where space and cost efficiency are priorities.