Description
HPE FlexFabric 5944 48XGT 6QSFP28 Switch
The HPE FlexFabric 5944 48XGT 6QSFP28 Switch is a high-density, ultra-low-latency Top-of-Rack (ToR) switch engineered for modern data centers, cloud environments, and service provider infrastructures. As a member of the HPE FlexFabric 5944 family, it delivers dense server access and robust uplink capacity in a compact form factor, making it ideal for leaf-layer deployment in large-scale, multi-tenant networks. With 48 XGT ports for server connectivity and six QSFP28 uplinks for high-speed core integration, this switch provides the scalability, speed, and predictability required to support virtualization, containerized workloads, AI/ML pipelines, and data-intensive applications. The 5944 series is designed to minimize latency while maximizing throughput, enabling consistent performance for latency-sensitive applications and bandwidth-hungry services alike. Its flexible fabric architecture simplifies the creation of efficient, scalable leaf-spine topologies, reduces cabling complexity, and streamlines operations through integrated management workflows, firmware updates, and health checks. For organizations pursuing data center modernization, zero-downtime maintenance, and simplified day-two operations, the FlexFabric 5944 48XGT 6QSFP28 switch represents a dependable building block for a future-ready network.
- High-density server access: 48 XGT ports provide dense, scalable connectivity for a large number of servers, racks, or blade environments within a ToR deployment.
- Robust uplink capacity: Six QSFP28 uplink ports enable 40GbE/100GbE connections to the core or spine, supporting scalable multi-tier fabrics and simplified aggregation.
- Ultra-low latency performance: Engineered for predictable, low-latency switching that benefits latency-sensitive workloads such as real-time analytics, virtualization, and AI/ML workloads.
- Flexible fabric and virtualization support: Built to integrate with modern data-center fabrics, supporting overlay networks (e.g., VXLAN) and seamless server virtualization for scalable multi-tenant environments.
- Comprehensive management and security: Includes enterprise-grade management features, firmware lifecycle tools, QoS, and security controls to ease administration and protect traffic across the fabric.
Technical Details of HPE FlexFabric 5944 48XGT 6QSFP28 Switch
- Port counts: 48 XGT ports for dense server access and 6 QSFP28 uplink ports for high-speed core connections.
- Form factor: Top-of-Rack (ToR) switch designed to support leaf-layer deployments and scalable data-center fabrics.
- Uplink speeds: QSFP28 uplinks capable of 40GbE/100GbE connectivity to the core or spine switches, enabling flexible fabric designs.
- Fabric architecture: HPE FlexFabric architecture that unifies switching and fabric virtualization, reducing complexity and accelerating service delivery.
- Latency and throughput: Optimized for ultra-low latency with high throughput to meet the demands of modern workloads and multi-tenant environments.
- Management and ecosystem: Integrates with HPE management tools and standard networking workflows for provisioning, monitoring, and firmware updates.
How to install HPE FlexFabric 5944 48XGT 6QSFP28 Switch
Installing the HPE FlexFabric 5944 48XGT 6QSFP28 Switch is a straightforward process designed to fit into standard data-center racks and multi-layer fabric designs. Follow these best practices to ensure a smooth deployment and reliable operation:
- Prepare your rack and space: Verify rack clearance, ensure proper airflow in the data center, and have compatible mounting rails or brackets suitable for the switch’s depth and weight.
- Mount and power: Secure the switch in the rack, connect redundant power supplies, and verify power availability. Use appropriate power cords and verify voltages align with data-center specifications.
- Initial access and firmware readiness: Connect to the switch via a console or management port and confirm access through the chosen management interface. Check for the latest firmware and apply updates if required to ensure security and performance.
- Basic configuration: Configure a management IP, admin credentials, and initial network settings. Define VLANs, port profiles for the 48 XGT ports, and uplink groupings for the 6 QSFP28 ports to establish the basic fabric.
- Fabric integration: Integrate the switch into your leaf-spine fabric by provisioning uplink aggregates, routing or bridging policies, and overlay networks if needed (e.g., VXLAN). Align the switch’s configuration with core or spine devices to ensure seamless traffic flow across the fabric.
- Quality of service and security: Establish QoS policies to prioritize critical workloads and implement security controls, access policies, and role-based permissions to protect the network from unauthorized access.
- Validation and monitoring: Run connectivity tests across host ports and uplinks, measure latency, verify bandwidth, and confirm failover behavior. Enable monitoring and alerting to track health metrics and performance over time.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary role of the HPE FlexFabric 5944 48XGT 6QSFP28 Switch? It serves as a high-density Top-of-Rack switch designed for leaf and aggregation layers in large data centers and cloud environments, delivering dense server connectivity with high-speed uplinks to the core fabric.
- What uplink speeds do the 6 QSFP28 ports support? The QSFP28 uplinks support 40GbE and 100GbE connections, enabling scalable, flexible core and spine connectivity for growing data-center fabrics.
- Does it support overlay networks like VXLAN? Yes, the FlexFabric platform supports overlay networking to simplify segmentation, mobility, and multi-tenant isolation within modern data centers.
- Is this switch suitable for a leaf-spine architecture? Absolutely. It is designed as a dense leaf/ToR switch that integrates into a scalable leaf-spine fabric with other spine and core devices.
- What management options are available for day-to-day operations? The switch is managed through HPE’s software ecosystem and standard network management tools, including CLI/GUI interfaces, firmware lifecycle management, monitoring, and diagnostic features.
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