## Overview of the HPE C8R42B Storefabric SN6500B 16GB FC Switch ### Key Product Details ? Brand: Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) ? Part Number: C8R42B ? Product Type: Network Switches #### Specifications and Features ##### Device Specifications ? Switch Type: Managed, Fibre Channel ? Port Count: 96 Ports ? Form Factor: Rack-Mountable, 2U ? Ports: 96 x 16Gb Fibre Channel SFP+ ? Management Protocols Supported: SNMP v1, SNMP v3, HTTP, SMi-S, SSH, CLI ? Encryption: 256-bit AES-GCM ##### Switch Features ? Full Duplex: Yes, supports simultaneous send and receive ? Auto-Sensing: Auto-sensing per device for enhanced efficiency ? ISL Support: Inter-Switch Link (ISL) compatibility ? Syslog Support: For logging and system monitoring ? Firmware Upgradeable: Yes, for regular updates and enhancements #### Connectivity & Expansion ##### Interfaces ? Fibre Channel Ports: 96 x 16Gb SFP+ (supports Fibre Channel SFP+ transceivers) ? Management Ports: 1 x RJ-45 Management (LAN) 1 x RJ-45 Serial Management 1 x USB Type A Management ? 1 x RJ-45 Management (LAN) ? 1 x RJ-45 Serial Management ? 1 x USB Type A Management #### Power & Redundancy ##### Power System ? Power Supply: Internal hot-plug power supply ? Installed Power Units: 2 (up to 2 maximum) ? Power Redundancy: Yes, with 1+1 redundancy scheme ? Voltage Requirements: AC 120/230V (50/60 Hz) ## HPE C8R42B Storefabric SN6500B 16GB 96-Ports Ethernet Switch ### Overview of HPE C8R42B Storefabric SN6500B The HPE C8R42B Storefabric SN6500B is a high-performance managed Gigabit Ethernet switch designed to meet the demanding needs of modern data centers and enterprise networking environments. This advanced switch is ideal for handling both Fibre Channel and Ethernet traffic, enabling high-speed communication and efficient storage management. With a robust 16GB of bandwidth and support for up to 96 ports, this switch provides exceptional scalability, flexibility, and reliability for large-scale network deployments. ### Key Features and Specifications #### High Bandwidth and Scalability The HPE Storefabric SN6500B offers a remarkable 16GB of bandwidth, which makes it suitable for high-throughput applications like data storage, virtualized workloads, and high-performance computing (HPC). This switch also supports up to 96 ports, offering immense scalability to accommodate growing network demands. It can be configured with either 96 ports or 48 ports RJ-45 10Base-T/100Base-TX ports, providing flexible options based on network requirements. #### Managed Rack-Mountable Design The managed, rack-mountable design of the HPE Storefabric SN6500B ensures efficient use of data center space. With a 1U form factor, this switch is easily deployable in standard server racks, making it an optimal solution for enterprise environments that require both space-saving and powerful networking capabilities. The rack-mountable design also ensures that installation is simple, and maintenance and upgrades can be carried out with minimal downtime. #### Fibre Channel and Ethernet Support One of the standout features of the HPE C8R42B Storefabric SN6500B is its support for both Fibre Channel and Gigabit Ethernet connections. It can handle both high-speed Ethernet traffic and storage traffic with Fibre Channel, which makes it versatile for mixed-use environments. This dual capability is especially beneficial for data centers that require high bandwidth for storage-area networks (SANs) while maintaining network connectivity over Ethernet. ### Applications and Use Cases #### Storage Area Networks (SANs) The HPE Storefabric SN6500B is particularly well-suited for Storage Area Networks (SANs), where it enables fast and reliable data storage and retrieval. It supports multiple Fibre Channel ports and ensures that data storage solutions are connected efficiently and seamlessly to the network. The high port density of the SN6500B makes it an ideal choice for large-scale SAN environments where maximizing storage performance and scalability is critical. #### Data Center Environments In data center environments, where high-performance network switches are essential for smooth operations, the HPE Storefabric SN6500B excels in managing both server and storage traffic. With support for up to 96 ports, the SN6500B is capable of supporting a wide range of devices, including servers, storage arrays, and virtualized infrastructure. Its reliable design ensures that your data center can handle high workloads with ease and minimal downtime. #### High-Performance Computing (HPC) Applications For industries that rely on high-performance computing (HPC), such as scientific research, media production, and financial analytics, the HPE Storefabric SN6500B offers the speed and reliability needed to keep applications running smoothly. The 16GB of bandwidth and robust port configurations ensure that data can be transmitted quickly and efficiently, making it an ideal choice for applications that require large-scale data processing and fast interconnectivity. ### Key Benefits of HPE C8R42B Storefabric SN6500B #### High Reliability and Availability The HPE C8R42B Storefabric SN6500B is designed with high availability in mind. It features advanced redundancy features, such as dual power supplies and fans, ensuring continuous uptime even in the event of hardware failure. Its hot-swappable components further increase reliability by allowing for seamless maintenance without disrupting network traffic. Additionally, the managed design allows for advanced monitoring and management, ensuring that potential issues are detected early and resolved proactively. #### Energy Efficiency As organizations strive to lower their carbon footprint and reduce energy consumption, the HPE Storefabric SN6500B offers energy-efficient operation. The switch is engineered to deliver high performance while minimizing power usage, helping organizations meet their sustainability goals without sacrificing network performance. By optimizing power consumption, it also reduces operational costs, making it a cost-effective choice for enterprise networks. #### Security and Data Integrity Data security is a top priority for modern enterprise networks, and the HPE Storefabric SN6500B comes equipped with several advanced security features to protect data integrity. It supports secure management protocols, such as SNMPv3, SSH, and SSL, ensuring that network administrators can securely manage and monitor the switch. Additionally, the switch features end-to-end data integrity protection, which safeguards data as it moves through the network, ensuring that it remains secure and untampered with. ### Integration and Compatibility #### Easy Integration with HPE Ecosystem The HPE Storefabric SN6500B is designed to seamlessly integrate with other HPE products, including servers, storage solutions, and networking devices. Whether used in combination with HPE?s ProLiant servers or 3PAR storage systems, this switch provides a unified network infrastructure that is easy to deploy and manage. Its compatibility with the broader HPE ecosystem ensures that organizations can easily scale their IT infrastructure as their needs evolve. #### Third-Party Device Compatibility In addition to being fully compatible with HPE hardware, the SN6500B is also designed to work with third-party devices. This flexibility ensures that the switch can be used in a variety of environments, including multi-vendor networks. Its support for standard protocols, such as Fibre Channel and Ethernet, allows it to integrate easily with different hardware components, making it an ideal choice for heterogeneous IT environments. ### Management and Configuration #### Comprehensive Management Tools The HPE C8R42B Storefabric SN6500B features a range of management tools designed to simplify configuration and monitoring. Through the use of the intuitive web-based interface, administrators can quickly configure ports, monitor switch performance, and manage network traffic. The switch also supports SNMP-based monitoring, providing real-time visibility into network performance and health. Additionally, it includes detailed logging and alerting features, enabling proactive management of network resources. #### Advanced Features for Network Optimization To help optimize network performance, the SN6500B includes several advanced features, such as Quality of Service (QoS), load balancing, and traffic prioritization. These features allow administrators to ensure that critical network traffic, such as storage or latency-sensitive applications, receive the necessary bandwidth and priority. The switch also supports automated traffic management, making it easier to scale and adapt the network as needed without manual intervention. ### Conclusion The HPE C8R42B Storefabric SN6500B 16GB 96-Ports/48-Ports RJ-45 10Base-T/100Base-TX Fibre Channel SFP+ Managed Rack-mountable Gigabit Ethernet Switch is an ideal solution for businesses and organizations looking for a powerful, scalable, and reliable network switch. With its dual support for Fibre Channel and Ethernet, high port density, and advanced management features, it is an excellent choice for data center environments, SANs, and high-performance computing applications. The switch?s ability to integrate with both HPE and third-party devices further enhances its versatility, making it a valuable addition to any modern IT infrastructure.