HPE648312-B21

BLc 4× FDR InfiniBand SwitchModule (34-Port for c-Class BladeSystem)

The HPE648312-B21 is a double-wide infiniBand Switchblade designed for HPEBladeSystem c-Class enclosures, offering 16 internal downlink ports via server midplane and 18 external QSFP ports, delivering a total of 34 active ports. Each port supports FDR (Fourteen Data Rate, 56 Gb/s signaling with ~52 Gb/s payload) for ultra-low latency, high-throughput connectivity. Ideal for HPC clusters and storage fabrics, it serves as a high-speed interconnect within server blades and across external fabrics. This externally managed version requires a separate subnet manager and seamlessly integrates with Mellanox-based host channel adapters (HCAs). With robust architecture and proven compatibility in HPE Gen8/Gen9 blade deployments, it's a reliable foundation for enterprise-class InfiniBand fabric design.

Features

Designed to fit into the double-wide Switchbays of HPEBladeSystem c7000 enclosures, the 648312-B21 provides 16 backplane InfiniBand downlink ports that connect directly to server blades, enabling full-speed FDR communication within the enclosure. In addition, the module offers 18 QSFP external ports for inter-Switchlinks (ISLs), fabric expansion, or uplink to rack Switch×all supporting both copper and optical QSFP cables ([turn0search13]turn0search16).Each port supports up to 56 Gb/s FDR signaling (~52 Gb/s throughput in each direction), with sub-microsecond latency typical of cut-through InfiniBand fabrics. The Switchhas no embedded subnet manager×administration is handled externally via host-based (e.g. OpenSM) or rack-based manager×allowing flexible fabric topologies and failover strategies ([turn0search13]turn0search16). Because it's unmanaged at blade level, it's ideal for large-scale fabrics requiring deterministic connectivity and minimal latency.

Advanced Options

Compatibility includes HPEProLiant Gen8 and Gen9 blade servers in c-Class enclosures. The module draws power and cooling through the chassis midplane and requires proper BladeSystem infrastructure for installation. This blade leverages Mellanox Switchfamily silicon, offering port reliability, error recovery, and diagnostic support across both internal and external connections ([turn0search2]turn0search16).

Product Key Features

• 300GB enterprise-grade storage capacity

• 10,000 RPM for high-speed performance

• SAS 6Gb/s interface ensures fast data transfer

• Hot-swappable for zero-downtime maintenance

• Compatible with HP ProLiant and enterprise servers

• Durable, energy-efficient design for 24/7 uptime

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Reliability & Performance

Supports InfiniBand architecture features such as fat-tree fabric design, ISL trunking, adaptive routing, and works with HPErack-mount managed Switchor host HCA fabrics for full fabric creation. Whether used for internal blade-to-blade communication or external cluster fabric connections, this Switchallows high-density fabric deployment within a single blade chassis footprint.

Key Features :

• 16 backplane downlink ports for blade servers

• 18 QSFP FDR external ports for inter-Switchlinks or uplinks

• Full FDR performance: ~52 Gb/s per port, sub-µs latency

• Mellanox Switch-based architecture in blade form factor

• External management×requires host or fabric subnet manager

• Supports optical and copper FDR QSFP cables

Specification	Details
Model Number	648312-B21
Product Type	BladeSystem InfiniBand SwitchModule (double-wide)
Internal Downlink Ports	16 InfiniBand FDR ports via midplane to server blades
External QSFP Ports	18 × QSFP ports for ISLs or uplinks
Data Rate per Port	~52 Gb/s payload (56 Gb/s FDR signaling)
Latency	Sub-microsecond cut-through Switch
Housing	Double-wide InfiniBand blade for HPEc7000 enclosure
Management Model	Externally managed×no onboard subnet manager
Cable Support	QSFP copper (up to ~3 m); FDR-rated fiber optical QSFP (~30 m)
Compatibility	HPEProLiant Gen8/Gen9 blades in c-Class enclosures
Power & Cooling	Integrated via BladeSystem chassis
Standards	InfiniBand FDR (IBTA 1.2), Switchsilicon