HPE 466482-B21

Virtual Connect 24‑Port 8Gb Fibre Channel Switch Module

The HPE 466482‑B21 Virtual Connect module is a 24-port 8 Gb Fibre Channel Switch designed for HPE BladeSystem c-Class environments. It enables streamlined SAN connectivity by consolidating connections and reducing cabling while delivering high-performance Fibre Channel Switch at 8 Gbps per port. Ideal for data centers and SAN-focused deployments, it simplifies management by acting as a pass-through yet offering switching fabric, enabling server-to-storage communication without external SAN switches. The module improves flexibility and adaptability by separating blade servers from direct SAN dependencies, helping network administrators scale and manage resources more effortlessly.

Features

This plug-in expansion module integrates directly into the blade chassis, offering 24 internal Fibre Channel Switch  ports that map to server blade bay connections. It supports FC-AL and related Fibre Channel Switch standards across 8 Gbps links. The switch module operates within the enclosure and communicates via the backplane, eliminating the need for external switches for SAN traffic routing. It supports auto-negotiation, port status indicators, and manageability features to monitor network health and performance with ease The module is hot-swappable and designed to simplify changeovers of server blades without disrupting SAN connectivity. Ideal for blade-centric SAN deployments, it helps reduce rack space, power consumption, and cabling complexity by managing fibre connectivity within the HPE BladeSystem chassis.

Advanced Options

The Virtual Connect FC module is engineered for reliable Fibre Channel Switch communication within the blade chassis. Supporting up to 8.5 Gbps per port, it delivers high-throughput connectivity according to SAN performance requirements Its integrated design minimizes cable complexity and thermal load by consolidating switching inside the chassis, leading to efficient operations.