HPE Ethernet 10/25Gb 2-Port SFP28 MCX562A-ACAI OCP3 Adapter

The HPE Gen10 Plus Ethernet Adapters deliver scalable, secure, and cost-effective network bandwidth for modern data centers. The HPE Ethernet 10/25Gb 2-Port SFP28 MCX562A-ACAI OCP3 Adapter is a high-performance, two-port SFP28 solution designed to accelerate workloads, simplify deployment, and integrate seamlessly with HPE Gen10 Plus servers. Built for reliability and enterprise-grade security, this adapter unlocks flexible 10/25 GbE connectivity in a compact OCP 3.0 form factor, enabling you to scale bandwidth to meet the demands of virtualization, cloud, storage, and database workloads without overhauling your server infrastructure.

• Two-port SFP28 performance – Each port supports 10/25 GbE speeds, delivering scalable bandwidth per server to handle virtualization, databases, analytics, and high-throughput applications with lower latency and improved queue depth management.
• OCP 3.0 form factor – A dedicated mezzanine adapter designed for HPE Gen10 Plus servers, providing a compact, field-upgradable path to higher network performance within the server chassis.
• HPE Gen10 Plus compatibility – Engineered to work seamlessly with HPE Gen10 Plus systems, ensuring integrated firmware updates, simplified management, and a consistent support experience across your fleet.
• Robust reliability and security – Built for enterprise deployments, this adapter focuses on dependable data handling, steady connector performance, and compatibility with HPE security and management features to enhance data center resilience.
• Flexible deployment for diverse workloads – Ideal for converged and hyper-converged environments, private cloud, and scale-out architectures, enabling you to optimize rack space, cabling, and total cost of ownership while meeting growing bandwidth requirements.

Technical Details of HPE Ethernet 10/25Gb 2-Port SFP28 MCX562A-ACAI OCP3 Adapter

• Model: MCX562A-ACAI
• Ports: 2 x SFP28
• Data rates: 10/25 GbE per port (configurable per link)
• Form factor: OCP 3.0 (Open Compute Project) mezzanine adapter for HPE Gen10 Plus servers
• Host interface: PCIe-based mezzanine connection to the server (integrated with server backplane and management ecosystem)
• Compatibility: Optimized for HPE Gen10 Plus servers and their firmware/driver stack; designed to work with standard HPE management tooling

How to install HPE Ethernet 10/25Gb 2-Port SFP28 MCX562A-ACAI OCP3 Adapter

• Power down the HPE server and unplug from any power sources. Follow your data center’s safety procedures before opening the chassis.
• Remove the existing mezzanine card (if applicable) or prepare the available OCP3 slot for the MCX562A-ACAI adapter. Ensure you have a clean, static-free work environment.
• Align the MCX562A-ACAI with the OCP3 slot and firmly seat the adapter into the connector. Apply even pressure until the card is fully engaged and seated.
• Secure the adapter with the appropriate retaining hardware or screws as specified by your server chassis design. Confirm that the card is flush and properly anchored to prevent movement during operation.
• Connect SFP28 fiber or Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables to each of the two SFP28 ports, ensuring proper channel types and distances for your deployment. Verify transceivers or cables are compatible with your network fabric.
• Reassemble the server panel, reconnect power, and boot the system. Use the server management interface (e.g., HPE iLO and Smart Update tools) to verify recognition of the new adapter and complete any required firmware updates.
• Install or update the appropriate drivers and firmware for the MCX562A-ACAI from HPE’s supported software repositories. Validate connectivity with a simple throughput test to confirm 10/25 GbE links are operational.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the MCX562A-ACAI?
  The MCX562A-ACAI is a two-port SFP28 Ethernet adapter in an OCP 3.0 mezzanine form factor designed for HPE Gen10 Plus servers, delivering flexible 10/25 GbE connectivity per port.
• What workloads benefit most from this adapter?
  High-performance virtualization, database workloads, scale-out storage, private cloud deployments, and other bandwidth-intensive applications that require low latency and scalable throughput.
• Is it compatible with non-HPE servers?
  This adapter is optimized for HPE Gen10 Plus servers. While it may physically fit other platforms that share the OCP3 standard, official support, drivers, and firmware are provided through HPE for Gen10 Plus configurations.
• What management capabilities come with this adapter?
  It works with HPE management tooling and firmware updates designed for Gen10 Plus platforms, enabling centralized monitoring, updates, and integration with existing data-center management workflows.
• Do I need additional cables or transceivers?
  Yes. Depending on your network topology, you will require compatible SFP28 transceivers or DAC cables. Ensure your optics are compatible with the target fabric to achieve the full 10/25 GbE performance.
• How do I verify the installation and performance?
  After installation, update firmware and drivers via HPE Smart Update or iLO, then perform a throughput test and link verification to confirm both ports operate at the intended 10 GbE or 25 GbE speed with stable stability and low latency.