HPE Ethernet 10/25Gb 2-port 640FLR-SFP28 Adapter

Experience next-level network performance with the HPE Ethernet 10/25Gb 2-port 640FLR-SFP28 Adapter. Built to meet the demands of modern data centers, this dual-port 25GbE NIC delivers blazing throughput, low latency, and efficient virtualization support to power demanding workloads — from hyper-converged infrastructure to multi-tenant cloud environments. Designed to ease migration from 10GbE, the 640FLR-SFP28 enables scalable upgrades, flexible fiber and copper connectivity, and reliable operation across dense server deployments. With a compact, low-profile form factor and seamless integration with HPE server ecosystems, this adapter makes it simple to future-proof your network edge while maximizing performance in virtualized and bare-metal deployments. Whether you’re consolidating workloads, accelerating storage access, or expanding your high-performance computing footprint, the 640FLR-SFP28 is engineered to deliver consistent, predictable performance at scale.

• Dual-port 25GbE SFP28 connectivity with up to 50Gbps total aggregate bandwidth, enabling fast VM migrations, high-speed storage access, and smooth multi-virtual-machine workflows. The two ports are designed to handle intensive traffic patterns common in data centers, enabling concurrent workloads without contention.
• Advanced NIC offloads and virtualization features, including SR-IOV, VMQ, RSS, and large send/receive offloads, to minimize CPU overhead and maximize guest performance in virtualized environments, containers, and cloud workloads.
• Flexible connectivity options with SFP28 optics and DAC support, allowing you to deploy across short-reach rack environments or longer connections to leaf-spine switches. This flexibility helps you optimize cabling cost and network topology while preserving high performance.
• Robust management and compatibility across major operating systems and hypervisors, with firmware and driver updates delivered through standard HP/HPE management tools. The adapter integrates with HPE’s ecosystem for streamlined deployment, monitoring, and firmware maintenance.
• Resilient, enterprise-grade design engineered for data-center reliability, including solid error handling, hot-plug capability, and energy-efficient operation—so you can sustain high workloads with lower total cost of ownership.

Technical Details of HPE Ethernet 10/25Gb 2-port 640FLR-SFP28 Adapter

• Ports: 2 x SFP28 25GbE network ports for high-throughput connectivity
• Maximum throughput: Up to 50Gbps aggregated bandwidth (25GbE per port) to meet demanding data-center workloads
• Host interface: PCIe 3.0 compliant, typically implemented as a PCIe x8 connection for ample bandwidth
• Form factor: Low-profile PCIe adapter suitable for dense server chassis and a variety of data-center deployments
• Transceivers: SFP28 optics or copper DAC cables required for 25GbE connections; transceivers are not included with the card
• Compatibility: Designed for Hewlett Packard Enterprise servers and validated across common enterprise networking environments; supports standard 25GbE switches and fabrics
• Operating system support: Broad compatibility across major Linux distributions, Windows Server, and common virtualization platforms
• Management and firmware: Firmware updateable with HP/HPE management tools; supports typical NIC management features and telemetry for proactive maintenance

How to Install HPE Ethernet 10/25Gb 2-port 640FLR-SFP28 Adapter

• Power down the server, unplug power cords, and disconnect any attached peripherals to ensure a safe installation environment.
• Open the server chassis and locate an appropriate PCIe slot (preferably PCIe 3.0 x8 or higher) that is unobstructed and capable of supporting a low-profile NIC.
• Remove the slot cover if needed and gently insert the 640FLR-SFP28 adapter into the PCIe slot, applying even pressure until it sits firmly in place.
• Secure the card with the slot screw to prevent movement, then close the chassis and reconnect power and other cables.
• Power on the server and boot into the operating system. Install the latest NIC drivers and firmware from the official HP/HPE support portal or your OS vendor’s package manager.
• Install and configure SFP28 transceivers or DAC cables as needed for your network topology, ensuring the optics are compatible with your switches and fiber/copper cabling.
• Configure the network interfaces within the OS or via your hypervisor’s management tools. Enable SR-IOV, VMQ, and any required NIC teaming or VLAN configurations to optimize performance for your workloads.
• Run basic sanity checks and throughput tests to verify link status, latency, and congestion behavior. Apply any firmware updates or performance tuning recommended by HPE for your specific server model and workload mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What speeds does this adapter support?
• A: Each port supports 25GbE; with two ports, the card can deliver up to 50Gbps of aggregate bandwidth, depending on the configuration, transceivers, and switch capabilities. The card is designed to optimize performance for virtualization and high-bandwidth workloads.
• Q: Do I need separate transceivers?
• A: Yes. You will need SFP28 transceivers or compatible DAC cables for 25GbE connections. The adapters do not include optics or DACs, so confirm compatibility with your network hardware before purchase.
• Q: Can it operate in a 10GbE environment?
• A: The adapter is designed for 25GbE operation, but with appropriate transceivers and switch support, you can connect to 10GbE-enabled infrastructure. Performance will align with the configured port speed and the capabilities of the connected devices.
• Q: Which servers and operating systems are supported?
• A: The 640FLR-SFP28 adapter is designed for Hewlett Packard Enterprise servers and is compatible with major Linux distributions, Windows Server, and common virtualization platforms. Always verify model and OS compatibility in the official HPE compatibility guides for your exact server model.
• Q: What management features are included?
• A: The card offers standard NIC management features, with firmware and driver updates through HP/HPE management tools. It supports virtualization features like SR-IOV and VMQ, along with typical NIC offloads to optimize performance in busy data-center environments.
• Q: How do I ensure best performance?
• A: Use compatible 25GbE transceivers or DAC cables, keep firmware up to date, enable virtualization offloads as appropriate, and align switch configurations with the NIC’s capabilities. Plan for adequate power, cooling, and cabling to sustain high-throughput workloads without contention.
• Q: Is there any special software I should install?
• A: Depending on your environment, you may want to install vendor-provided NIC management software and drivers, as well as any hypervisor integration tools that optimize SR-IOV, VMQ, and NIC teaming. Always follow the latest guidance from HPE for your server model and OS.
• Q: What if I need longer reach beyond DAC limits?
• A: For longer distances, select appropriate optical SFP28 transceivers that match your fiber type (single-mode or multi-mode) and your switch capabilities. Verify fiber specifications and compatibility with your networking fabric before purchase.