Lenovo ThinkSystem Intel I350 1GbE RJ45 4-Port OCP Ethernet Adapter

Boost your server’s networking capacity with the Lenovo ThinkSystem Intel I350 1GbE RJ45 4-Port OCP Ethernet Adapter. Built around the robust Intel I350 family, this quad-port Ethernet adapter brings 4 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet copper connections in a compact OCP form factor, delivering dependable throughput, enhanced virtualization support, and efficient utilization of precious expansion slots in ThinkSystem servers. Designed for dense data centers and busy enterprise environments, it combines reliable performance with easy deployment, making it an excellent upgrade for storage networks, virtualization hosts, and LAN-facing interfaces. Whether you’re expanding capacity, enabling NIC teaming for redundancy, or simplifying cabling in a compact server chassis, this four-port card is engineered to help you achieve consistent, high-bandwidth network performance.

• Quad-port 1GbE performance for dense server environments — With four independent RJ-45 interfaces on a single card, you can segregate traffic by workload, NIC‑team for fault tolerance and load balancing, and scale network capacity without adding multiple PCIe cards. Each port supports 1000Base-T, enabling high-speed, copper-based Ethernet connectivity that’s ideal for virtualization hosts, storage networks, and clustered applications. By consolidating four 1 GbE links onto one OCP card, you free PCIe slots for other essential devices while preserving bandwidth and reliability across the data plane.
• Intel I350 controller for reliability and efficiency — The Intel I350 family is renowned for steady throughput, strong packet processing, and offload capabilities that reduce CPU overhead. This translates into improved application response times, smoother virtualization, and better overall server efficiency. The controller supports advanced features such as PCIe offloads and traffic management optimizations that help ensure predictable performance under heavy I/O loads while maintaining compatibility with a wide range of operating systems.
• OCP form factor and slot-sparing design — Engineered for Lenovo ThinkSystem servers, this NIC uses the OCP NIC 2.0 form factor to maximize density in blade and rack-mount configurations. The OCP card design enables you to add four 1 GbE ports without consuming multiple PCIe slots, making it easier to design scalable network architectures in space-constrained environments. It’s an ideal choice for data centers that require flexible, modular networking hardware capable of rapid deployment and simplified cabling in large server farms.
• Copper RJ-45 1000Base-T interfaces for flexible cabling — All four ports utilize copper twisted-pair cabling with 1000Base-T support, allowing straightforward integration with standard Ethernet switches and patch panels. Copper connectivity provides easy trunking, familiar Ethernet management, and broad compatibility with existing network infrastructure. The adapter supports auto-negotiation to simplify link establishment and delivers dependable performance across a variety of cable categories, distances, and network environments.
• Easy deployment and broad Lenovo ThinkSystem compatibility — This PCIe-based OCP NIC is designed for effortless installation in compatible Lenovo ThinkSystem servers. It supports straightforward driver provisioning and widely used operating systems, ensuring quick adoption with minimal downtime. With Lenovo’s ecosystem, you can benefit from tested compatibility, firmware updates, and documentation tailored to ThinkSystem hardware — helping you achieve reliable network readiness and streamlined maintenance with confidence.

Technical Details of Lenovo ThinkSystem Intel I350 1GbE RJ45 4-Port OCP Ethernet Adapter

• Product type: Network Interface Card (NIC) / Ethernet Adapter
• Model / form factor: Lenovo ThinkSystem Intel I350 1GbE RJ45 4-Port OCP Ethernet Adapter; OCP NIC 2.0 form factor
• Ports: 4 x RJ-45 1 GbE 1000Base-T connections
• Data rate: 1 Gbps per port (aggregate up to 4 Gbps, depending on network and configuration)
• Controller: Intel I350 family (Intel I350-based controller)
• Interface / bus: PCIe host interface (OCP NIC 2.0); designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem servers
• Cable type: Copper twisted pair (RJ-45); supports standard Ethernet cabling (Cat5e/Cat6 typically compatible)
• Standard support: 1000Base-T with auto-negotiation; compatible with common server OS drivers
• Form factor: OCP NIC 2.0 card, optimized for dense server deployments
• Operating systems: Broad OS support via standard Intel drivers (Windows Server, Linux distributions, and other enterprise OSes)
• Warranty and updates: Lenovo-certified hardware with Lenovo support channels and firmware updates available through official Lenovo resources

how to install Lenovo ThinkSystem Intel I350 1GbE RJ45 4-Port OCP Ethernet Adapter

• Power down the server completely and unplug it from the power source. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge and remove the chassis cover to access the motherboard and expansion slots.
• Identify an available OCP slot that accepts NICs in the Lenovo ThinkSystem chassis. Remove any protective covers if required and align the adapter with the slot’s backplane or connector interface.
• Insert the OCP NIC gently and evenly, ensuring full engagement with the backplane or PCIe connector. Secure the card with the appropriate screw or retention mechanism according to your server model’s guidelines.
• Reconnect any backplane cables or harnesses as required by your chassis configuration. Reinstall the server cover, restore power, and boot the system.
• Install or update drivers for the Intel I350-based NIC from Lenovo or Intel’s official driver repositories. Confirm the device is recognized by the operating system, and configure NIC teaming or link aggregation as needed for your workload.
• Test connectivity by wiring to a known-good switch or patch panel. Verify link status on all four ports, perform basic throughput tests, and ensure network services are reachable. Consult Lenovo’s documentation for any model-specific post-installation steps or firmware updates.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many ports does the adapter have and what speeds do they support? A: The card provides four ports, each supporting 1 GbE (1000Base-T). Depending on how you configure the system, you can achieve aggregated bandwidth through NIC teaming or multiple dedicated networks.
• Q: Is this adapter compatible with Lenovo ThinkSystem servers? A: Yes. It is designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem servers and is intended to work with the ThinkSystem ecosystem, including Lenovo-provided drivers and firmware updates.
• Q: Can I use NIC teaming or link aggregation with this card? A: Yes. Intel I350-based NICs support NIC teaming and various traffic management features, enabling redundancy and improved throughput for multi- workload environments.
• Q: Which operating systems are supported? A: This adapter supports standard server operating systems with compatible Intel drivers, including common Windows Server and Linux distributions. Check the official Lenovo/Intel driver pages for exact compatibility details.
• Q: What type of cables do the ports require? A: The four ports are RJ-45 copper Ethernet interfaces, typically using Cat5e/Cat6 cables that meet 1000Base-T specifications. Ensure your cabling meets your network distance and performance requirements.