HPE QW923A

16 Gb Fibre Channel Short-Wave SFP+ transceiver module

The HPE QW923A (Spare & Option # 680536‑001) is a short-wave 16 Gb Fibre Channel SFP+ module engineeredfor SAN fabrics. It operates at 850 nm over multimode fiber (OM3/OM4), supporting up to ~100 m link length and backward compatibility with 8 Gb and 4 Gb FC speeds. Designed for use in HPE StoreFabric switches, HBAs, and arrays, this module includes Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) per SFF‑8472, enabling real-time monitoring of transmit/receive power, bias, voltage, and temperature. It’s OEM-certified to ensure full interoperability in storage environments requiring high-performance, low-latency connectivity across SAN hardware

Features

This transceiver complies with SFF-8431/SFF-8472 and FC-PI-5 standards for Fibre Channel, delivering data rates up to 14.025 Gb/s (16 Gb FC). It employs an LC duplex connector and uses a VCSEL laser paired with a PIN photodiode receiver. Typical optical characteristics include transmit power around –7.8 to –0.5 dBm and receiver sensitivity of approximately –10.5 dBm, giving an optical budget of ~2.7 dB—suitable for distances up to ~100 m over OM3/OM4 fiber, with extended variants supporting up to 300 m in compatible modules.The QW923A is commonly sold in single-new or refurbished condition. Refurbished units typically include a 90‑day warranty, whereas OEM-new versions may offer longer coverage or lifetime guarantees when sourced from HPE -authorized resellers. Several third-party vendors also supply QW923A-compatible transceivers, many labeled as TAA-certified with lifetime limited warranty and full interoperability.

Advanced Options

Certified for HPE StoreFabric switches, HBAs and arrays, the QW923A ensures full support for fabric features such as zoning, atomic tests, fabric recovery, and performance monitoring. Default DOM support allows administrators to monitor and report on signal health, enabling proactive diagnostics in Fibre Channel storage networks.Designed for enterprise Fibre Channel fabrics, the QW923A ensures consistent 16 Gb/s performance with sub‑nanosecond deterministic latency. Its optical link characteristics—including power and sensitivity—support reliable short-reach links in high-speed SAN topologies. DOM telemetry enables real-time monitoring of each module’s optical and thermal parameters, allowing proactive failure prevention and performance assurance.