HPE StoreFabric SN1100Q 16Gb Dual Port Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter

The HPE StoreFabric SN1100Q 16Gb Dual Port Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter is engineered to elevate enterprise storage performance and reliability. Built for dense data centers, this PCI Express 3.0-based HBA delivers blazing 16 Gbit/s Fibre Channel speed on each port while maintaining exceptional data integrity across dual ports. With flexible SFP+ LC interfaces and a compact plug‑in card form factor, the SN1100Q is designed to scale SAN connectivity for virtualization, databases, and mission-critical workloads without compromising latency or uptime. It is purpose-built to optimize throughput, latency sensitivity, and resiliency in modern storage architectures, helping organizations safeguard data while accelerating access to it.

• High-performance dual-port Fibre Channel connectivity with 16 Gbit/s per port, providing up to 32 Gbit/s aggregated bandwidth across both ports to support bandwidth-hungry workloads and large-scale virtualized environments.
• PCI Express 3.0 compatible plug-in card that integrates into standard server platforms, delivering a flexible upgrade path for existing infrastructures while maintaining compatibility with a broad range of enterprise servers and storage arrays.
• Two LC SFP+ ports enable flexible cabling and a wide ecosystem of 16Gb FC transceivers, supporting short‑ and long‑reach fiber options and simplifying reach to SAN switches, storage arrays, and fabric hubs.
• Enhanced data integrity through overlapping protection domains on both ports, providing robust fault containment and improved reliability for critical data paths in swampy or congested fabric environments.
• Optimized StoreFabric features for SAN performance, multipath and failover readiness, streamlined zoning, and virtualization compatibility, ensuring smoother operation in database, ERP, and virtualization workloads.

Technical Details of HPE StoreFabric SN1100Q 16Gb Dual Port Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter

• PCI Express Interface: PCI Express 3.0
• Fibre Channel Ports: 2 x Fibre Channel Port(s)
• Speed per Port: 16 Gbit/s
• Connectors: 2 x LC SFP+ slots
• Form Factor: PCIe plug-in card
• Data Integrity: Overlapping protection domains on both ports
• Module/Cabling Support: SFP+ optical transceivers and compatible fiber cabling
• Compatibility Focus: Designed to work within enterprise SAN fabrics and to integrate with HPE StoreFabric ecosystems for optimized performance and reliability

how to install HPE StoreFabric SN1100Q 16Gb Dual Port Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter

• Power down the server and disconnect all power sources. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge and prepare the workstation for hardware changes.
• Open the server chassis and locate an appropriate PCIe expansion slot (preferably PCIe x4 or larger) that is unobstructed and compatible with the SN1100Q card dimensions.
• Remove the PCIe slot cover if needed and align the SN1100Q card with the slot, then firmly press it into place. Ensure the connector fully seating into the motherboard and secure the card with the chassis bracket screw.
• Attach SFP+ optical transceivers into both LC ports on the SN1100Q, then connect fiber optic cables to your SAN switch or storage array. Route cables neatly to prevent strain on ports and maintain airflow within the chassis.
• Power on the server and verify the system recognizes the new adapter. Install or update the latest drivers and firmware from HPE support to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with your operating system.
• Configure your SAN fabric as needed—establish zoning, enable multipath I/O if required by your OS, and verify link status across both ports. Run basic SAN tests to confirm throughput and latency targets are met before moving into production workloads.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the HPE StoreFabric SN1100Q? The SN1100Q is a 16Gb dual-port Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter designed for PCIe 3.0 servers, delivering high-speed FC connectivity with enhanced data integrity for enterprise SANs.
• What speeds does it support? Each port supports 16 Gbit/s Fibre Channel, offering up to 32 Gbit/s aggregated bandwidth across both ports in ideal fabric conditions.
• What cabling is required? The two LC SFP+ ports require compatible SFP+ transceivers and fiber optic cables suitable for your distance requirements and SAN topology.
• Is this card compatible with my operating system? OS compatibility depends on drivers provided by HPE. Always check the HPE support portal for the latest driver and firmware packages specific to your OS version and server model.
• How do I ensure optimal performance? Install the latest drivers and firmware, use supported transceivers, verify proper zoning and multipath configuration, and monitor link status and I/O latency within your SAN management tool to maintain peak performance.