HPE FlexFabric 12900E HB Module — 48x 1/10GbE SFP+ Ports + 2x 100GbE QSFP28 Uplinks

Elevate your data center fabric with the HPE FlexFabric 12900E HB Module, a high-density expansion solution purpose-built for the HPE FlexFabric 12900E switch. This HB (half-blade) expansion module delivers an expansive 48-port 1/10 GbE SFP+ rack for flexible server and storage connectivity alongside two high-capacity 100 GbE QSFP28 uplinks. Designed for modern workloads—from dense virtualization and server consolidation to high-performance storage networks and cloud-scale apps—the module provides scalable, future‑proof connectivity that minimizes footprint while maximizing throughput. With 10GBase‑X capability, you can push sustained data transfer rates across your access layer and aggregate uplinks with confidence, achieving improved application performance, lower latency, and more predictable service levels across multi-tenant environments.

• High-density access ports: 48 x 1/10 GbE SFP+ ports deliver scalable server-to-switch connectivity for virtualized workloads, bare-metal deployments, and storage devices. The flexible SFP+ interface supports a range of transceivers, enabling fiber or copper connectivity to fit your existing topology and future growth without rearchitecting the fabric.
• Robust uplinks for scalable aggregation: 2 x 100 GbE QSFP28 uplinks provide generous bandwidth for spine or core layers, reducing the need for additional line cards and enabling efficient east–west and north–south traffic flows. The high-speed uplinks help maintain low latency even as traffic mixes intensify with virtualization and data-intensive applications.
• Seamless integration with HPE FlexFabric 12900E: Engineered specifically as an expansion module for the HPE FlexFabric 12900E switch, the HB module preserves the fabric’s management coherence, policy enforcement, and telemetry. Administrators benefit from consistent configuration, monitoring, and firmware cadence across the entire fabric, simplifying operations at scale.
• Performance and efficiency for modern workloads: The combination of dense SFP+ ports and QSFP28 uplinks is ideal for virtualization, multi‑tenant cloud environments, and high I/O storage networks. Expect strong QoS capabilities, traffic engineering, and reliable load balancing across the fabric, delivering predictable performance for latency-sensitive applications and bandwidth-heavy workloads alike.
• Flexible deployment and simple management: Built to fit into existing HPE networking ecosystems, the module works with familiar management tools, CLI, and firmware update processes. Its hot-swappable capability (in compatible chassis) minimizes downtime during upgrades, while centralized monitoring provides visibility into port health, utilization, and fault conditions for rapid troubleshooting.

Technical Details of HPE FlexFabric 12900E HB Module

• Port configuration: 48 x 1/10 GbE SFP+ ports for flexible access layer connectivity; 2 x 100 GbE QSFP28 uplinks for high-capacity aggregation.
• Module type: Expansion (HB) module designed for the HPE FlexFabric 12900E switch family.
• Data rate: 10 GbE per SFP+ port (where supported); 100 GbE uplinks via QSFP28 interfaces.
• Topology: Rack-mount expansion module intended to extend fabric density in data center environments.
• Management: Integrates with HPE management stack, supporting QoS, VLANs, LACP, and standard Ethernet features through the FlexFabric OS and compatible management tools.

How to install HPE FlexFabric 12900E HB Module

To install the HPE FlexFabric 12900E HB Module, first ensure you have a compatible expansion slot in your FlexFabric 12900E chassis. Plan your port assignments to optimize traffic distribution across the 48 SFP+ ports and the two 100 GbE uplinks. If the chassis supports hot-swap operation, you may install the module with the switch powered on; otherwise, follow standard power-down procedures per your maintenance policy. Carefully align the HB module with the expansion bay and insert it until it seats securely with a definitive click. Secure any retention screws per your enclosure's design. Attach 48 SFP+ transceivers or direct-attach cables to the SFP+ ports to connect servers, storage devices, or edge switches. Connect QSFP28 cables to the two 100 GbE uplink ports to link to aggregation layers or spine switches, ensuring the fiber or copper media matches the transceiver type. After installation, power on (if required) and verify the health of all links via the switch management interface. Check port status, speed settings, and any alerts, and apply the recommended firmware version to ensure optimal compatibility and feature parity with your existing fabric.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the primary purpose of the HPE FlexFabric 12900E HB Module?
  A: It expands port density and uplink capacity for the HPE FlexFabric 12900E switch, providing 48 x 1/10 GbE SFP+ ports plus 2 x 100 GbE QSFP28 uplinks to support dense, scalable data center fabrics.
• Q: Which workloads benefit most from this expansion module?
  A: Virtualization, software-defined networking, NVMe or distributed storage networks, high‑throughput cloud applications, and multi‑tenant environments requiring flexible access with high‑speed interconnects.
• Q: Can I mix and match transceivers on the SFP+ ports?
  A: Yes, the SFP+ ports support a range of transceivers, allowing fiber or copper connectivity that meets your topology needs. Verify media compatibility with your vendor’s recommendations.
• Q: How does this module affect manageability?
  A: The HB module integrates with HPE’s management stack, enabling configuration of QoS, VLANs, link aggregation, and policy enforcement through the FlexFabric OS, with centralized visibility and monitoring across the fabric.
• Q: Is firmware updating required after installation?
  A: It’s recommended to run the latest compatible firmware for the HPE 12900E family to ensure feature parity and stability, following the vendor’s upgrade procedures and change-management guidelines.