HPE FlexFabric 5710 24XGT 6QSFP+ or 2QSFP28 Switch

The HPE FlexFabric 5710 Switch Series is built for modern data centers that demand scalable, high-performance networking to support demanding workloads. This 24XGT model delivers dense 1/10 GbE server connectivity with flexible uplink options, enabling seamless growth for Web-scale, cloud, and virtualized environments. Designed to address direct-attached IP storage, rich virtualization, and agile out-of-band management, the 5710 switches consolidate access, aggregation, and fabric services in a single, easy-to-manage platform. Whether you’re expanding a hyper-converged infrastructure, consolidating storage networks, or deploying multi-tenant cloud services, the 5710 provides the reliability, performance, and manageability needed to keep your data center responsive and cost-efficient. With robust QoS, security features, and an intuitive management interface, this switch helps IT teams optimize traffic flow, reduce latency, and simplify day-to-day operations in dense, scale-out environments.

• High-density, flexible connectivity: The HPE FlexFabric 5710 24XGT switch delivers 24 fixed 1/10 GbE server access ports while offering flexible uplink options through either 6 QSFP+ ports or 2 QSFP28 ports. This design provides granular server-to-switch connectivity for virtualized workloads, bare-metal deployments, and software-defined data center (SDDC) architectures. By consolidating access and uplinks in a single chassis, you can reduce cabling complexity and streamline cable management, all while maintaining the performance needed for latency-sensitive applications.
• Performance for dense virtualization and cloud workloads: Engineered for low latency and predictable performance, the 5710 uses non-blocking architecture and optimized forwarding paths to support multi-tenant workloads, virtual machines, and containerized services. Its uplink flexibility ensures you can scale bandwidth as demand grows, enabling rapid provisioning of new VMs, storage networks, and distributed databases without compromising throughput or service levels. This makes it an ideal top-of-rack switch for private clouds and scale-out deployments where every millisecond counts.
• Unified fabric for virtualization and storage networking: The 5710 is designed to support a unified fabric that simplifies how servers, storage, and IP storage networks interconnect. With advanced virtualization features, VLAN segmentation, QoS policies, and efficient traffic shaping, you can isolate tenant traffic while guaranteeing performance for mission-critical applications. The switch is adept at handling direct-attached storage networks, enabling fast data movement between compute nodes and storage pools, which accelerates backup, replication, and database workloads in virtualized environments.
• Management, automation, and security you can rely on: HP’s management toolkit delivers a streamlined, consistent experience across the data center. The 5710 supports intuitive web-based management, robust CLI, RESTful APIs, and SNMP for integration with existing monitoring systems. Built-in security features help protect traffic at the edge and between servers, including access control, role-based permissions, and security best practices for VLANs and multi-tenant deployments. Automated provisioning, firmware updates, and telemetry simplify operations and reduce the time to deploy new services.
• Reliability, energy efficiency, and space optimization: In dense data centers, reliability and efficiency matter. The HPE FlexFabric 5710 is designed for continuous operation with redundancy options for fans and power supplies where available, helping to minimize downtime. Its energy-conscious design reduces power consumption without sacrificing performance, making it suitable for large-scale deployments where energy costs and cooling requirements are a concern. The compact, rack-mountable chassis fits neatly into standard 19-inch racks, enabling scalable growth while preserving valuable data center real estate.

Technical Details of HPE FlexFabric 5710 24XGT 6QSFP+ or 2QSFP28 Switch

Technical details are sourced from the official product specifications page on Synnex EC. For the most accurate values, refer to the product’s specifications page and use the UPC or SKU as the reference when retrieving data.

• Note: Specifications are available via UPC/SKU reference on the Synnex EC product page.

How to install HPE FlexFabric 5710 24XGT 6QSFP+ or 2QSFP28 Switch

• Prepare your rack: Choose a suitable 19-inch rack location with ample ventilation. Ensure grounding and anti-static precautions are in place before handling the equipment.
• Unbox and inspect: Check for any shipping damage, verify included accessories (mounting brackets, power cords, cables), and confirm the model matches your order for the uplink configuration (6 QSFP+ or 2 QSFP28).
• Mount the switch: Secure the device in the rack using the provided brackets. Leave space in front and behind for cooling and cable management.
• Connect power and management interfaces: Attach power cables to the switch and connect a management network or console interface as needed for initial setup. Ensure redundant power where applicable if your data center design requires high availability.
• Configure basic network settings: Use the web GUI or CLI to assign a management IP address, enable SSH/HTTPS access, and set up administrative accounts with strong credentials.
• Connect servers and storage: Run cables from your servers’ 1/10 GbE ports to the 24 fixed ports on the switch. If using uplinks, connect QSFP+ or QSFP28 cables to the corresponding uplink modules according to your topology.
• Initialize firmware and boot sequence: Verify the switch boots to a healthy state. If needed, upload the latest firmware from HP support or vendor-provided images and perform a controlled upgrade.
• Implement security and QoS policies: Create VLANs, define access control lists, and apply QoS rules to prioritize latency-sensitive traffic for storage, virtualization, and core services.
• Test connectivity and monitoring: Validate server reachability, storage network performance, and uplink stability. Configure SNMP, syslog, and telemetry to integrate with your monitoring stack.
• Document and back up configurations: Save the running configuration to startup, and maintain a versioned record of changes for compliance and rapid recovery in case of outages.

Frequently asked questions

• What uplink configurations does the HPE FlexFabric 5710 support? The model name indicates flexible uplinks through either 6 QSFP+ ports or 2 QSFP28 ports, allowing you to scale bandwidth to core or aggregation switches. Depending on the installed modules, you can support 40 GbE and 100 GbE uplinks, enabling a scalable fabric that grows with your data center needs.
• What type of server connectivity does the 24XGT provide? The switch provides dense 1/10 GbE connectivity on its 24 fixed ports, suitable for a wide range of server deployments, including virtualized hosts, hyper-converged nodes, and traditional servers requiring reliable, low-latency access.
• Is this switch suitable for virtualized and cloud environments? Yes. Its architecture and features are designed for virtualization-friendly data centers, with VLAN segmentation, QoS for traffic isolation and prioritization, and management capabilities that simplify provisioning and monitoring in cloud-inspired deployments.
• How do I manage and automate the HPE FlexFabric 5710? Management can be performed via a web-based GUI, CLI, or RESTful APIs. This enables integration with existing network management tools, automation scripts, and orchestration platforms, helping to streamline provisioning, monitoring, and software updates.
• What about reliability and warranty? Reliability is supported by standard data center design principles, including redundant power and cooling where available and a robust firmware update process. Warranty terms vary by region and reseller, so verify coverage with your authorized HP/HPE partner during purchase.
• Where can I find official specifications and firmware? Official specifications and firmware updates are published by HP/HPE and their authorized distributors. For precise numbers and firmware versions, refer to the Synnex EC product page using the UPC or SKU reference and then access HP’s support portal for the latest firmware.