HPE 572018-B21 Virtual Connect 8GB 20-Port Fibre Channel Expansion Module

The HPE 572018-B21 is an 8Gb Virtual Connect Fibre Channel Module designed for the HPE BladeSystem c-Class enclosures. This module addresses the need for simplified, flexible, and efficient Storage Area Network (SAN) connectivity in virtualized and dense blade server environments. It fundamentally solves the problem of server-to-storage connectivity sprawl by abstracting server MAC and WWN identities, allowing for rapid server changes without requiring SAN reconfiguration. At its core, the module leverages N_Port ID Virtualization (NPIV) technology. This enables a single physical Fibre Channel HBA port to be presented to the SAN as multiple distinct virtual HBAs. For engineers, this means that individual virtual machines can be assigned their own dedicated storage resources, simplifying SAN zoning and management. The module features twenty auto-negotiating ports, providing high-bandwidth, low-latency throughput for demanding enterprise applications. Designed as a plug-in module for the rear of an HPE BladeSystem c-Class chassis, the 572018-B21 integrates seamlessly without occupying additional rack space. Management is centralized through the Virtual Connect Manager, which provides a single, intuitive interface for defining network connections and managing server profiles. This architecture significantly reduces cabling complexity and the number of required external switch ports, streamlining the overall data center infrastructure.

• Simplifies SAN fabrics by reducing physical cabling needs.
• Enables server changes in minutes without SAN rezoning.
• Provides up to 128 virtual HBAs for granular storage.
• Features twenty 2/4/8 Gb/s auto-negotiating FC ports.
• Integrates with HPE Onboard Administrator for management.