Cisco UCS VIC 15230 2x100G mLOM for Cisco UCS X-Series M6/M7 Compute Nodes

Experience transformative network performance with the Cisco UCS VIC 15230 2x100G mLOM, a purpose‑built modular LAN on motherboard adapter designed for the Cisco UCS X-Series M6 and M7 compute nodes. This high‑density, low‑latency NIC accelerates data center workloads, delivering scalable 100 Gigabit connectivity right where you need it—on the motherboard. Built to complement Cisco’s Unified Computing System, the VIC 15230 enables rapid provisioning, workload isolation, and simplified management across virtualized environments, helping your organization accelerate digital transformation while optimizing total cost of ownership.

• 2x 100 Gigabit Ethernet on a single mLOM card for extreme bandwidth per server, ideal for dense virtualization, large data transfers, and accelerated inter‑node communication.
• Modular LAN-on-Motherboard design tightly integrated with Cisco UCS X-Series M6/M7 compute nodes, delivering streamlined cabling, simplified deployment, and reduced server footprint.
• Advanced virtualization support with SR-IOV, virtual NICs (vNICs), and virtual HBAs (vHBAs), enabling efficient separation of network traffic and enhanced VM density without sacrificing performance.
• Policy‑driven, centralized management through Cisco UCS Manager and UCS Director integration, offering consistent, repeatable server profiles, automated firmware updates, and simplified lifecycle management.
• Optimized reliability and latency characteristics for modern workloads, including low jitter, high throughput, and robust error handling, ensuring stable performance in demanding data center environments.

Technical Details of Cisco UCS VIC 15230 2x100G mLOM for Cisco UCS X-Series M6/M7 Compute Nodes

• Interface and speed: 2x 100 Gigabit Ethernet ports (QSFP28 form factor per port) for high‑bandwidth access to fabric interconnects or switches.
• Form factor and integration: Modular LAN-on-Motherboard (mLOM) adapter designed to slot directly into Cisco UCS X-Series M6/M7 compute nodes for a compact, efficient server‑side network interface.
• Virtualization capabilities: Supports SR-IOV, enabling multiple virtual NICs and HBAs to be created from the physical adapter, improving VM performance while preserving hardware isolation.
• Management and automation: Seamless integration with Cisco UCS Manager for policy‑driven provisioning, firmware control, and lifecycle management across the UCS fabric, with consistent service profiles and automated deployment workflows.
• Quality of service and security: Built with QoS features and traffic isolation options to ensure predictable performance for mission‑critical workloads, with security options aligned to Cisco’s data center networking stack.
• Compatibility and ecosystem: Engineered for the UCS X-Series M6/M7 family, ensuring compatibility with Cisco UCS chassis, fabric interconnects, and ongoing Cisco software ecosystems for unified management.

How to install Cisco UCS VIC 15230 2x100G mLOM for Cisco UCS X-Series M6/M7 Compute Nodes

Preparation: Before installation, verify that the UCS X-Series chassis and fabric interconnects are compatible with the VIC 15230 and that your UCS Manager version supports the M6/M7 platform and the 2x100G mLOM adapter. Ensure you have the correct cables (QSFP28 to connect to the fabric interconnect or switch) and that you’ve planned your vNIC/vHBAs and service profiles to align with your network design.

Step 1 — Power down and access the node: Power down the Cisco UCS X-Series compute node and remove any existing adapters if required. Open the chassis or server housing per your data center procedures, and locate the PCIe/IO area where the VIC 15230 mLOM will be installed.

Step 2 — Install the mLOM: Carefully insert the Cisco UCS VIC 15230 module into the designated mLOM/IO slot on the motherboard. Ensure the connector seats fully and that the card is firmly seated to prevent intermittent connectivity. Close the chassis or server access panel following installation.

Step 3 — Cable connections: Attach the QSFP28 cables to the 2x100G ports on the VIC 15230 and connect them to your fabric interconnects or top‑of‑rack switches as defined in your network design. Use 40/100G capable cabling and ensure proper cable management to maintain airflow and reliability.

Step 4 — Power on and configure: Power up the node and access Cisco UCS Manager. Create or update I/O policies and service profiles to reflect the 2x100G connection, including the assignment of vNICs, vHBAs, VLANs, and any required QoS policies. Apply these profiles to the affected blade or server to enable automatic, policy‑driven provisioning.

Step 5 — Validate and optimize: Verify connectivity by testing throughput between servers, storage arrays, or external networks. Confirm that virtual NICs and HBAs are visible to the operating system, and tune SR-IOV settings, if needed, to balance performance with VM density. Document your final topology and performance baselines for ongoing optimization.

Tips for optimal deployment: Use Cisco UCS Manager to automate firmware updates and ensure firmware consistency across all VICs in the pool. Implement service profiles for rapid scaling, and consider virtualization features such as vNIC pinning and network policy segmentation to maximize performance while maintaining security and isolation.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Cisco UCS VIC 15230 2x100G mLOM? It is a modular LAN-on-Motherboard adapter designed for Cisco UCS X-Series M6/M7 compute nodes, delivering two 100G Ethernet connections to the fabric interconnects with advanced virtualization support.
• What workloads benefit most from 2x100G mLOM? Large virtualization environments, data‑intensive applications, high‑throughput database workloads, AI/ML pipelines, and high‑performance computing clusters that demand sustained, low‑latency network bandwidth.
• Does the VIC 15230 support SR-IOV and virtual NICs/HBAs? Yes, it includes virtualization features such as SR‑IOV with vNICs and vHBAs to optimize VM density and performance while offering isolation between traffic domains.
• How is management handled? The adapter integrates with Cisco UCS Manager for policy‑driven provisioning, firmware lifecycle management, and service profile orchestration, providing centralized control across your UCS environment.
• What should I consider during installation? Ensure firmware compatibility with the UCS X-Series M6/M7, plan VLANs and QoS policies in your UCS Manager service profiles, and have the correct QSFP28 cables for reliable 100G connectivity to fabric interconnects or switches.

Note: Technical specifications may vary by SKU and firmware version. For the most accurate details, consult Cisco documentation and your Cisco account representative. This description reflects the core capabilities of the Cisco UCS VIC 15230 2x100G mLOM designed for UCS X-Series M6/M7 compute nodes and is intended to guide purchasing and deployment decisions.