Empowering Storage Infrastructures: Introducing the HPE C-series SN6730C 64-Gbps FC switch

[BhavinYadav]

In the era of AI, ML, data lakes, and analytics, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) offers robust HPE storage systems featuring all-NVMe storage arrays for consistent performance, guaranteed data availability, and flexible consumption models. The HPE storage systems are tailored for mission-critical workloads, making them ideal for dense data center footprints and supporting active-active data storage in a parallel, multi-node platform. HPE has multiple variants in storage systems – 3PAR StoreServ, HPE MSA series, and HPE Alletra 9000 series, to support SMB and enterprise customers, consisting of All-flash / NVMe-based storage in different form factors without compromising performance, scalability, data services, or resiliency. These storage arrays are designed to deliver cloud experience wherever data lives and consolidate traditional and next-generation mission-critical applications at scale with predictable performance and ultra-low latency.

To complement the performance of HPE storage systems, we are now introducing the HPE SN6730C 96-port, a 64G Fibre Channel Switch. Together, these solutions form a NextGen storage solution that redefines high-performance and higher-density standards in storage networking infrastructure. They ensure a cloud-like experience with extreme latency sensitivity and reliability for mission-critical workloads, addressing the challenges of modern data needs. Let's explore some specifications of the HPE SN6730C to understand its full functionality.

Powerful Performance in a Compact Form Factor: Designed with precision, the HPE C-series SN6730C introduces state-of-the-art analytics and telemetry capabilities through its next-generation Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC). This compact switch delivers robust performance, addressing the demands of modern data centers.

Seamless Transition to NVMe Fabrics: Unleashing high-performance, low-latency NVMe fabrics, the switch facilitates a smooth transition to NVMe/FC workloads. Empowering enterprises to deploy cloud-scale applications with dense virtualized servers ensures greater bandwidth, scalability, and consolidation. NVMe/FC is seamlessly enabled by default, eliminating the need for additional licenses or configurations.

Protecting Investments with Future-Ready Features: The switch supports 8/16/32/64G using 64G optics at linerate speeds and offers backward compatibility with older C-series optics. This ensures investment protection by reducing costs and enhancing ROI over time.

Flexible Deployment Options: With the flexibility to deploy in various roles – End-of-Rack, Middle-of-Rack, Top-of-Rack, or as a core switch - the 2RU form factor allows deployment in tighter rack spaces with higher port density. Port-side exhaust airflow support aids in keeping optimal temperatures in data centers.

Pay-As-You-Go Model for Cost-Efficiency: The switch introduces a flexible pay-as-you-go model for port licensing, starting at a low cost and allowing customization based on usage and requirements. With 48 enabled ports by default, users can configure the switch with or without optics according to their specific needs.

Integrated Advanced Features:

Let’s explore the top three customer-favorite features.

SAN Insights: Providing end-to-end fabric visibility and IO-level insights from LUN (Logical Unit Number) to VM (Virtual Machine) level.

Security with Anticounterfeit Technology and Secure Boot: Ensuring a "peace-of-mind" by preventing tampering and guaranteeing genuine software images at no added cost.

Dynamic Congestion Control using DIRL: Detects congestion and automates rate-limiting for slow-drain devices, optimizing fabric performance at zero cost.

Use Cases Unveiled: Discover how the HPE C-series SN6730C can address diverse needs.

1. Single Switch Fabric for SMB Customers: Acting as a core switch, it proves ideal for single switch fabric setups with its higher port-density and smaller footprint.
2. Edge-Core Fabric for Medium-Large Enterprises: The switch excels in serving as both a core and edge switch, complementing other C-series SAN switches in medium-large enterprise setups.
3. Disaster Recovery over Long Distance: Leveraging its high buffer credits, the switch enables active-active data replication across sites separated by more than 500km (about the length of New York State), with added encryption options for enhanced security.

To learn more, click on below links:

References:

HPE Alletra 9000 series storage: https://www.hpe.com/us/en/hpe-alletra.html 

HPE 3PAR StoreServ Storage: https://www.hpe.com/us/en/storage/3par.html

HPE MSA series storage: https://www.hpe.com/us/en/storage/msa-shared-storage.html

HPE C-series SN6730C Fibre Channel Switch: https://buy.hpe.com/us/en/storage/storage-networking/c-series-switches/c-series-fabric-switches/hpe-storage-fibre-channel-switch-c-series-sn6730c/p/1014791935