HPE FlexFabric 5950 24-Port SFP28 and 2-Port QSFP28 Module

Elevate your data center network with the HPE FlexFabric 5950 24-Port SFP28 and 2-Port QSFP28 Module—an advanced expansion module purpose-built for optical networks and high-density data networking. This module delivers dense, flexible fiber connectivity that scales with your workload demands, enabling seamless deployment of modern 10G, 25G, 40G, and 100G Ethernet architectures. Designed to integrate with the HPE FlexFabric 5950 family, it unlocks improved bandwidth utilization, simplified management, and enhanced overall efficiency in enterprise, colocation, and hyperscale environments. Whether you’re provisioning server-to-appliance connectivity, building spine-leaf fabrics, or expanding uplinks to aggregation layers, this module provides the right combination of port density and performance to future-proof your network.

• High-density port mix for flexible networks: 24 SFP28 ports at 25Gbps for server access and storage connectivity, plus 2 QSFP28 ports that support 40G or 100G Ethernet, enabling scalable uplinks and efficient east-west traffic handling in modern data centers.
• Optimized for 10G/25G/40G/100G ecosystems: This module is designed to work within multi-speed environments, allowing you to mix and match speeds to meet application requirements, consolidate cabling, and reduce over-provisioning without sacrificing performance.
• Fiber-ready with flexible optics support: Compatible with a range of SFP28 and QSFP28 optical transceivers, giving you the ability to tailor fiber type (MMF/SMF) and distance to your specific topology while preserving investment in existing fiber infrastructure.
• Seamless integration with HPE FlexFabric 5950 switches: Engineered to harmonize with the FlexFabric 5950 portfolio, enabling streamlined provisioning, unified fabric management, and a consistent operational experience across your network fabric.
• Reliability, efficiency, and straightforward deployment: The module is designed for hot-swappable installation in supported chassis, with robust mechanical-fit and thermal design that keeps your data center running smoothly while minimizing maintenance windows.

Technical Details of HPE FlexFabric 5950 24-Port SFP28 and 2-Port QSFP28 Module

• Port configuration: 24 x SFP28 ports (25Gbps per port) plus 2 x QSFP28 ports (40Gbps/100Gbps per port, depending on transceiver and configuration).
• Data rates and performance: SFP28 ports deliver up to 25Gbps each; QSFP28 ports support 40Gbps or 100Gbps, enabling flexible uplink and downlink performance for diverse workloads.
• Form factor and compatibility: Expansion module designed for HPE FlexFabric 5950 switches; intended to slot into compatible chassis slots to extend port density in optical networks.
• Fiber optics support: Requires compatible SFP28 and QSFP28 transceivers and fiber cables (MMF/SMF) appropriate for your deployment distance and environment.
• Management and ecosystem: Integrates with HPE’s fabric management tools and firmware, delivering coordinated visibility, control, and performance tuning within the FlexFabric ecosystem.

How to install HPE FlexFabric 5950 24-Port SFP28 and 2-Port QSFP28 Module

• Power down the switch or place it in a maintenance window per your network policy.
• Identify the appropriate expansion slot within the chassis that accepts the FlexFabric 5950 module and remove any fill panel or slot cover as required.
• Carefully align the module with the slot connectors and firmly seat it until it clicks into place. Ensure there is proper seating to prevent contact damage or misalignment.
• Reconnect fiber optic transceivers and cables to the SFP28 and QSFP28 ports according to your cabling plan. Label and route cables to maintain organized, low-latency paths.
• Power up the device and verify the module’s presence in the management interface. Confirm port status, link up, and negotiated speeds. Update firmware if recommended and apply your standard fabric configuration templates.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What switch platforms is this module designed for? A: It is designed to work with the HPE FlexFabric 5950 series switches and related chassis that support the 24-port SFP28 and 2-port QSFP28 expansion configuration.
• Q: What speeds can I expect from the ports? A: The 24 SFP28 ports operate at 25Gbps each, while the 2 QSFP28 ports can operate at 40Gbps or 100Gbps per port depending on the transceivers used and the configuration.
• Q: Do I need specific transceivers to use this module? A: Yes. You must use compatible SFP28 and QSFP28 optical transceivers appropriate for your fiber type and distance. Mismatched optics can limit performance or cause link failures.
• Q: Can I mix speeds within the same module? A: Yes, the design supports multi-speed deployments, allowing 25G access ports alongside 40G/100G uplinks, subject to the fabric’s overall topology and device capabilities.
• Q: Is this module hot-swappable? A: When installed in a supported chassis, the module is designed for hot-swappable operation on most enterprise-class HPE platforms, minimizing downtime during upgrades.
• Q: How does this module improve data center efficiency? A: By delivering high-density port configurations and flexible uplink options, it reduces cable complexity, optimizes bandwidth allocation, and supports modern software-defined and virtualized workloads within the HPE FlexFabric ecosystem.
• Q: What management tools are recommended with this module? A: Use HPE’s recommended fabric management tools and firmware update processes to monitor port status, link performance, and health across the fabric for proactive maintenance.