HPE StoreFabric SN6600B 32Gb 24-Port Short Wave SFP+ Integrated Fibre Channel Switch

In today’s data centers, the pace of data growth outstrips traditional storage networking solutions. The HPE StoreFabric SN6600B Fibre Channel Switch is engineered to meet the I/O demands of hyper-scale virtualization, large cloud infrastructures, and expanding flash-based storage environments. This high-performance, ultra-dense, enterprise-class FC switch delivers deterministic, low-latency connectivity with exceptional scalability, making it a cornerstone for resilient storage fabrics. With integrated Short Wave SFP+ optics and a compact form factor, the SN6600B makes it easier to deploy, manage, and scale SAN architectures without compromising performance or reliability.

Designed to simplify SAN operations while maximizing throughput, the SN6600B brings together advanced fabric technology, flexible provisioning, and robust reliability. It’s built for mission-critical workloads—from database-heavy transactional systems to media-rich content repositories—and it supports modern storage protocols and automation that today’s data centers require. Whether you’re consolidating multiple arrays, extending an existing fabric, or constructing a massive hyper-converged SAN, the SN6600B delivers the density, performance, and manageability to keep storage networks running smoothly at scale.

• Ultra-dense 24-port 32Gb Fibre Channel switch with Short Wave SFP+ optics enables dense SAN fabrics in a compact footprint, delivering high port density without sacrificing performance or reliability.
• Deterministic, low-latency performance designed to support virtualization workloads, large-scale cloud storage, and flash-based arrays, ensuring predictable I/O response under heavy traffic.
• Rich fabric management and automation capabilities including policy-based provisioning, zoning, and QoS to simplify administration and accelerate deployment across large environments.
• Enterprise-grade reliability with redundant components, hot-swappable power and cooling options, and non-disruptive upgrade paths to minimize downtime during maintenance or firmware updates.
• Flexible deployment and scaling with forward-looking architecture that adapts to evolving SAN needs—supporting NVMe over Fibre Channel, seamless fabric expansion, and integration with existing HPE StoreFabric ecosystems.

Technical Details of HPE StoreFabric SN6600B 32Gb 24-Port Short Wave SFP+ Integrated FC Switch

• Ports: 24 x 32Gb Fibre Channel front-panel ports with Short Wave SFP+ transceiver compatibility, designed to maximize density in a compact chassis while offering robust port-level performance and reliability.
• Fabric architecture: Enterprise-grade Fibre Channel fabric with rapid failover, deterministic latency, and scalable topology to support large-scale virtualization and cloud storage environments. Built for continuous operation in busy data centers.
• Performance and throughput: High-bandwidth, line-rate switching capable of sustaining sustained I/O for demanding workloads, with intelligent congestion management and quality-of-service features to protect critical applications.
• Management and automation: Centralized management interfaces and automation-ready features enable policy-based provisioning, dynamic zoning, fabric-wide health monitoring, and integration with standard storage arrays and orchestration tools.
• Reliability and availability: Redundant power and cooling options, hot-swappable components, and a design focused on high availability to minimize planned and unplanned downtime.
• Compatibility and standards: Compliant with Fibre Channel standards and supports modern storage protocols, including NVMe over Fibre Channel (NVMe-FC) for high-performance NVMe-based storage environments.
• Compatibility with existing infrastructure: Designed to integrate smoothly into existing HPE StoreFabric ecosystems and compatible SAN fabrics, enabling easy upgrades and expansions without major reconfigurations.
• Physical and power: Compact form factor suitable for standard data-center racks with options for redundant power supplies and efficient cooling to maintain stable operation in dense environments.
• Warranty and service options: Backed by standard manufacturer warranty and service extensions typical of enterprise-grade storage networking products, with access to firmware updates and technical support.

Note: Specific SKU, UPC, and firmware revision details can vary by deployment and regional availability. Always refer to the current product specifications sheet and your authorized reseller for precise technical details and part numbers.

how to install HPE StoreFabric SN6600B 32Gb 24-Port Short Wave SFP+ Integrated FC Switch

• Plan your SAN topology by mapping host HBAs, storage arrays, and inter-switch links to the SN6600B’s 24 ports, ensuring zoning and quality-of-service policies align with workload requirements.
• Mount the switch in a standard 19-inch rack and verify proper clearance for exhaust airflow. Connect redundant power supplies if you have them, and ensure the environment meets operating temperature and humidity specifications.
• Attach Short Wave SFP+ fiber cables to the switch ports and connect the other ends to eligible storage targets or upwards to additional fabric switches as part of your SAN topology.
• Power on the device and access the management interface. Apply the latest firmware and patches, then configure basic settings such as IP address, admin user credentials, and security policies.
• Define fabric zones (or equivalent policy) to control access between initiators and targets, assign QoS classes for prioritized workloads, and enable any required NVMe-FC configurations if you plan to use NVMe-based storage.
• Perform health checks and test connectivity with representative workloads. Validate performance, latency, and path reliability before moving to production traffic.
• Document the configuration, keep firmware updated, and set up regular monitoring alerts to ensure ongoing performance and rapid detection of anomalies.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the HPE StoreFabric SN6600B? It is a 24-port 32Gb Fibre Channel switch designed for high-density, enterprise-grade storage networks. It emphasizes low latency, scalable SAN fabrics, and compatibility with modern storage protocols to support large virtualization environments and cloud storage deployments.
• Does the SN6600B support NVMe over Fibre Channel? Yes, the SN6600B is designed to be NVMe-FC capable, enabling fast access to NVMe-based storage while preserving the benefits of Fibre Channel in terms of reliability and QoS.
• What deployment scenarios is it best suited for? It excels in hyper-scale virtualization, large private clouds, flash-based storage ecosystems, and dense SAN fabrics where maximizing port density and minimizing latency are critical.
• What management tools work with the SN6600B? Enterprise SAN management typically includes centralized fabric management, zoning and policy-based provisioning, and QoS configuration. The SN6600B is designed to integrate with standard storage arrays and HPE’s StoreFabric management solutions for streamlined operations.
• What about redundancy and serviceability? The switch supports hot-swappable power supplies and fans, along with non-disruptive firmware upgrades and redundant paths to enhance uptime in production environments.