HPE FlexFabric 16-Port 16/32G FC Converged Port Interface Module

Designed for modern data centers that demand high performance, flexibility, and simplified infrastructure, the HPE FlexFabric 16-Port 16/32G FC Converged Port Interface Module is the flexible backbone your SAN and Ethernet fabrics deserve. This converged port interface module blends Fibre Channel connectivity with high-speed Ethernet capabilities to streamline cabling, reduce switch-to-server hops, and optimize resource utilization. Built to integrate with the HPE FlexFabric portfolio, it enables a unified fabric approach that helps you consolidate storage and data traffic onto fewer, smarter pathways. Whether you’re deploying mission-critical databases, virtualized workloads, or cloud-native apps, this module is engineered to deliver reliable throughput, predictable latency, and scalable performance that grows with your business.

• Converged Port Architecture for Simplified Cabling — This module brings together 16/32G Fibre Channel along with Ethernet traffic on a single converged port interface. By enabling both Fibre Channel storage traffic and Ethernet data within the same physical footprint, your data center can dramatically reduce cable sprawl, simplify management, and improve overall efficiency. The converged design minimizes the number of adapters and interconnects you need, making it easier to scale storage and network services as your workloads evolve. It’s an ideal choice for environments pursuing a unified fabric model that couples storage performance with flexible, high-speed networking.
• High-Performance Fibre Channel with 16/32G Speeds — At its core, this module provides 16GBASE– and 32GBASE-compatible Fibre Channel interfaces, enabling ultra-fast SAN connectivity for bandwidth-intensive applications. The 16/32G FC capability ensures low-latency I/O, high IOPS, and better support for large-scale databases, virtualization layers, and tiered storage solutions. Organizations can realize faster backup windows, quicker data migrations, and more responsive disaster recovery workflows, all while maintaining robust data integrity and end-to-end reliability across storage networks. The module’s optimized FC path helps you maximize your storage array performance without compromising network agility.
• Seamless Integration with HPE FlexFabric Ecosystem — The module is purpose-built to fit within the HPE FlexFabric family, delivering a harmonious blend of storage and Ethernet features under a single management umbrella. This compatibility translates to streamlined provisioning, unified monitoring, and consistent firmware updates across your fabric. Enterprises can simplify multi-vendor deployments by aligning with HPE’s governance model for firmware compatibility and support, while still benefiting from the flexibility of a converged architecture that supports diverse workloads—from mission-critical line-of-business applications to development and testing environments.
• Reliability, Availability, and Manageability — Reliability is baked into the design, with strong fault-tolerance characteristics and enterprise-grade management capabilities. The module is built to endure continuous operation in demanding data centers, with robust thermal management and solid signal integrity to preserve data fidelity under load. Administrators can leverage integrated management features to monitor health, performance, and connectivity, enabling proactive maintenance and rapid issue resolution. The converged port approach also contributes to improved cable hygiene and lower failure rates, while enabling easier lifecycle management through consolidated firmware and policy controls.
• Future-Ready Flexibility for Virtualized and Cloud-Ready Infrastructures — As workloads migrate toward virtualization and cloud platforms, the need for adaptable fabrics grows. This module supports a flexible mix of Fibre Channel storage and Ethernet data paths, empowering you to design scalable, policy-driven networks that adapt to evolving requirements. Whether you’re deploying VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, or OpenStack environments, the converged port interface helps you align storage and network performance with your service level objectives. With this solution, you can consolidate upgrades, reduce downtime, and accelerate time-to-value for new services.

Technical Details of HPE FlexFabric 16-Port 16/32G FC Converged Port Interface Module

• Product family: HPE FlexFabric Converged Port Interface Module
• Ports: 16 ports configured for 16G/32G Fibre Channel (16GBASE and 32GBASE FC) pathways
• Ethernet integration: 16GBASE-X interface support enabling high-speed Ethernet data traffic alongside FC traffic
• Converged fabric capability: Combines FC and Ethernet into a unified port interface to reduce cabling and simplify fabric management
• Compatibility: Built for use with HPE FlexFabric switches and the broader HPE data-center fabric ecosystem
• Management considerations: Designed to integrate with standard HPE management tools and workflows to streamline deployment, monitoring, and firmware updates

how to install HPE FlexFabric 16-Port 16/32G FC Converged Port Interface Module

• Power down and unplug the switch chassis or the specific module bay to ensure a safe installation. Ground yourself to avoid static discharge and follow your data-center protocol for hardware handling. Have appropriate ESD protection and your service documentation ready before you begin.
• Open the chassis or equipment bay that houses the converged port interface. Locate the correct slot that supports the HPE FlexFabric module and verify compatibility with your current switch model and firmware level. Confirm there are no obstructions and that any required screws or retention clips are accessible for secure installation.
• Carefully align the module with the slot connectors, ensuring the orientation matches the slot guide. Gently slide the module into the bay until you hear or feel it seat firmly. Avoid excessive force; if resistance is encountered, recheck alignment and seating until the module is properly engaged.
• Secure the module with the appropriate retention mechanism (screws or latching clips) as specified by your chassis design. Confirm that the module is locked in place and that there is no play or looseness. Reconnect any required internal cabling if applicable, making sure not to bend cables sharply or strain connectors.
• Reassemble the chassis, reconnect power, and boot the system. Access the switch management interface and verify that the new converged port module is detected. Check port status, link negotiation, and fiber/electrical paths. Install any recommended firmware updates or controller policies provided by HPE for optimal performance and compatibility. Validate connectivity to both Fibre Channel storage targets and Ethernet endpoints to ensure a seamless converged fabric experience.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the HPE FlexFabric 16-Port 16/32G FC Converged Port Interface Module? It is a converged port interface module designed to provide both Fibre Channel storage connectivity and high-speed Ethernet data paths within a single module. Built for the HPE FlexFabric ecosystem, it enables a unified fabric approach that reduces cabling, simplifies management, and enhances overall data-center efficiency.
• What are the primary benefits of the converged port approach? Converged ports consolidate FC and Ethernet traffic onto fewer physical interfaces, which lowers cabling complexity, simplifies provisioning, and can reduce capex and opex. This approach supports flexible scaling, easier firmware management, and a more streamlined path to unified fabric architectures that support virtualization, cloud, and storage workloads.
• Is this module hot-swappable? In supported HPE chassis and network switch architectures, the module is designed to be hot-swappable or serviceable without significant downtime. Always follow your vendor’s maintenance procedures and perform proper failover or maintenance windows as required by your data-center policy to minimize disruption.
• Which workloads benefit most from this module? Storage-intensive workloads such as large-scale databases, virtualized environments, data backups, disaster-recovery operations, and cloud infrastructure benefit from the high-speed FC paths and the reduced cabling load offered by converged ports. It also helps optimize mixed workloads where storage and network traffic coexist on common fabric paths, improving overall efficiency and latency.
• How does management and monitoring work with this module? Management is integrated with HPE’s FlexFabric management tools and standard enterprise software ecosystems. Administrators can monitor port health, link status, throughput, and error conditions from familiar interfaces, enabling centralized policy control, firmware updates, and proactive troubleshooting across the fabric.
• What should I consider when planning deployment? Consider your current switch model, firmware version, and storage network topology. Ensure compatibility with your storage arrays, hypervisors, and network policies. Plan for firmware alignment across the fabric to maintain stable operation and take advantage of the converged architecture’s efficiency and scalability benefits.