HPE Eth 10 / 25Gb 2P 641SFP28 Adapter

The HPE Eth 10 / 25Gb 2P 641SFP28 Adapter is a high-performance dual-port network card designed to bring scalable, fiber-based 25 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity to servers, workstations, and storage systems. Built for data centers, virtualization hosts, and HPC environments, this PCIe adapter delivers powerful throughput while conserving server PCIe slots by providing two independent 25GBASE-X ports from a single expansion card. With support for optical fiber interfaces through SFP28 modules, this adapter is ideal for fast intra-rack and inter-rack communications, scalable storage networks, and high-bandwidth workloads that demand reduced latency and higher aggregate bandwidth. Optimized for reliability and compatibility with HPE server ecosystems, the 641SFP28 is a versatile choice for enterprises seeking future-proof, fast network access without compromising server density or manageability.

Designed for environments that demand robust performance and long-run reliability, the HPE 641SFP28 adapter brings enterprise-grade 25 Gigabit Ethernet to the server edge. Each port delivers up to 25 Gbps in a fiber-based connection, enabling you to build scalable East–West networks within data centers, virtualized clusters, and high-speed storage fabrics. The card’s architecture balances performance with power efficiency, helping to maximize throughput per watt while minimizing the footprint in dense server racks. Whether you are deploying modern hyper-converged infrastructure, large-scale virtualization, or fast backup and disaster recovery networks, this adapter provides the speed, flexibility, and compatibility you need for demanding workloads.

Key to the value proposition is the ability to deploy two independent 25G links in one PCIe slot. This design reduces PCIe slot consumption, simplifies cabling, and improves overall server I/O efficiency. The adapter supports optical fiber connectivity through SFP28 transceivers, enabling flexible reach across rooms, racks, and data center corridors. When paired with compatible 25G SFP28 optics, it enables high-density leaf-spine topologies, low-latency communications for clustered applications, and accelerated data transfer for database synchronization, VMotion-like migrations, and real-time analytics workloads. For IT teams, the card integrates smoothly into existing HPE server fleets, delivering familiar management, compatibility, and enterprise-grade reliability for mission-critical networks.

In addition to raw speed, the 641SFP28 emphasizes reliability and manageability. It is designed to operate in the harsh and varied conditions typical of data centers and enterprise server rooms, offering solid thermal performance, stable operation, and driver support across major operating systems. This makes it a strong fit for mixed OS environments and diverse workloads, from databases and analytics to file services and AI/ML inference nodes. The card’s dual-port architecture also supports link aggregation and failover strategies, enabling administrators to design resilient, high-availability network topologies without sacrificing performance or simplicity. Overall, the HPE Eth 10 / 25Gb 2P 641SFP28 Adapter is a future-proof choice that aligns with modern data-center networking needs while maintaining ease of deployment in existing HP/HPE server ecosystems.

• Dual-port 25GbE SFP28 performance — Two independent 25GBASE-X ports deliver up to 25 Gbps per port, enabling high-bandwidth, low-latency connections for demanding workloads and storage networks.
• Optical fiber connectivity — SFP28 transceiver compatibility lets you deploy fiber-based links with scalable reach, ideal for data-center topologies and inter-rack communications.
• Efficient PCIe integration — A single PCIe expansion card provides two network ports, helping conserve server PCIe slots and simplify cabling in dense chassis environments.
• Server-grade reliability — Built to integrate with HPE servers and validated for enterprise workloads, virtualization, and data-intensive applications with proven stability and driver support.
• Broad OS and ecosystem support — Compatible with major operating systems and standard NIC management tools, enabling straightforward deployment across diverse IT environments.

Technical Details of HPE Eth 10 / 25Gb 2P 641SFP28 Adapter

• Product type: PCIe Ethernet adapter card
• Ports: 2 x SFP28 ports (25GbE each)
• Data rate per port: 25 Gbps (25GBASE-X)
• Total throughput (aggregate): Up to 50 Gbps theoretical bandwidth when both ports are utilized
• Interface standard: PCIe (typical generation is Gen3, x8 slot required for full performance)
• Form factor: PCIe expansion card (standard height and/or low-profile form factors depending on chassis)
• Optics required: External SFP28 transceivers required for fiber links (not bundled)
• Compatibility: Designed for HPE servers and data-center environments; supports standard NIC management and drivers
• Environmental: Operates within data-center temperature ranges suitable for server rooms; typical use in controlled IT environments

How to install HPE Eth 10 / 25Gb 2P 641SFP28 Adapter

• Power down the server and unplug all cables, following your data-center safety and ESD procedures.
• Open the server chassis and locate an appropriate PCIe expansion slot that provides sufficient bandwidth and clearance for the card.
• Remove the slot cover, if necessary, to accommodate the card’s bracket and ensure proper airflow inside the chassis.
• Insert the 641SFP28 adapter into the PCIe x8 (or higher) slot with a firm, straight press until the card seats fully and the bracket is aligned with the chassis opening.
• Secure the card with a screw to the chassis to prevent movement and ensure stable operation under load.
• Attach required SFP28 fiber optic transceivers to the two ports and connect fiber optic cabling to the transceivers. Ensure the fiber links match the destination equipment’s specifications (SR, LR, or other fiber type).
• Power on the server and enter the operating system. Install or update the NIC drivers and management utilities provided by HPE or your OS vendor.
• Verify that the two 25GbE ports appear in the network interfaces list and check link status, speed, and duplex settings. Configure bonding/link aggregation if required for your workload.
• Test network connectivity and throughput with representative workloads to validate performance and confirm correct operation of the two ports.
• If needed, use server management tools to monitor health, temperature, and link status to ensure continued reliability in production environments.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the primary benefit of the HPE Eth 10 / 25Gb 2P 641SFP28 Adapter? A: It provides two independent 25GbE fiber-based network ports in a single PCIe card, enabling high-bandwidth, scalable connectivity while conserving PCIe slots and simplifying cabling in dense servers.
• Q: Do I need to purchase additional transceivers? A: Yes. The SFP28 ports require compatible SFP28 fiber transceivers (not included with the card) to enable optical fiber links.
• Q: Is this adapter compatible with all operating systems? A: The card is designed for broad OS support, including common Linux distributions and Windows servers, with drivers and management tools provided by HPE or the OS ecosystem.
• Q: Can I use both ports simultaneously for network aggregation? A: Yes. The two 25GbE ports can be used for independent traffic or configured in link aggregation (LACP) for higher throughput and redundancy, depending on your network design.
• Q: Which form factor is supported? A: The adapter is designed for standard PCIe slots; some chassis configurations may support low-profile or full-height bracket options, so verify your server chassis compatibility.