Interconnect HP EI 5820X-14XG-SFP+ and HPE 5710-48XGT 6QSFP+

[SLEPLAT]

Hi,

I need to interconnect my core network HP EI 5820X-14XG-SFP+ (JC102A) with HPE 5710-48XGT-6QSFP+.

In the documentation of the  switch HPE 5710-48XGT-6QSFP+ :

HPE FlexFabric 5710 Switch Series enables scaling of the server edge with 1GbE and 10GbE ToR deployments with high-density 24- and 48-port solutions delivered in a 1RU form factor. These switches can be set up as stand-alone Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches. The high server port density of the 5710 Switch is backed by 40GbE QSFP+ or 100GbE QSFP28 uplinks to deliver the availability of needed bandwidth for demanding applications. Each 40GbE QSFP+ port can also be configured as four 10GbE ports by using a 40GbE-to -10GbE splitter cable

1 - Can you confirm that if I connect a DAC cable to IRF
"HPE FlexNetwork X240 10G SFP + to SFP + 1.2m Direct Attach Copper CableJD096C" this will work

2 - Can you confirm that if I interconnect a 10gb gbic it will also work "HPE X130 10G SFP+ LC SR Transceiver JD092B" with our core network "5820X-14XG-SFP+

Thanks

[Ivan_B]

In order to split single 40G port into 4 x 10G ports you need to use one of these cables:

HPE FlexNetwork X240 40G QSFP+ to 4x10G SFP+ 1m Direct Attach Copper Splitter Cable JG329A
HPE FlexNetwork X240 40G QSFP+ to 4x10G SFP+ 3m Direct Attach Copper Splitter Cable JG330A
HPE FlexNetwork X240 40G QSFP+ to 4x10G SFP+ 5m Direct Attach Copper Splitter Cable JG331A

If on the 5710's end you will use JD092B, then on 5820X's side you need a transceiver that complies to SR specifications and has LC connector, but from the specifications of 5820X I see only one that is officially compatible - the same HPE X130 10G SFP+ LC SR Transceiver JD092B. So, if you will use JD092B on both sides you should be good.

[SLEPLAT]

1- Irf :

In fact, what I wanted to know for IRF. if we can connect the following cable to a 40Gb port?"HPE FlexNetwork X240 10G SFP+ to SFP+ 1.2m Direct Attach Copper Cable"(JD096C)

2- Transceiver (JD092B)

Can connect a 10gb gbic to a QSFP+ port because I don't see any SFP + port on the switch "HPEb5710-48XGT 6QSFP+"

I need his answers because the price of switches 5710 is almost twice the price of switches 5700 that we bought before and which corresponded to our needs.

I remind I need of :

- 32x10Gb ethernet ports

- 2 x 10G SFP+ ports

If we can't put a 10Gb tranceiver. Isn't the "Swith 5710-48XGT 6QSFP+"  what we need?

Thanks again for your help

[Ivan_B]

May be if you would be more precise with your questions and in particular with the wording, it would greatly speedup our communication. I am trying to help you, but if a question is not precise, of course there will be misunderstandings like in this case.

Answers:

A1. 40G ports are QSFP+, so no way you can connect SFP+ cable in such port. QSFP+ is larger, so you won't be able to connect SFP+ directly to it. You need to use adapter like "HPE QSFP/SFP+ Adapter Kit 655874-B21". So simple answer is 'No, HPE FlexNetwork X240 10G SFP+ to SFP+ 1.2m Direct Attach Copper Cable"(JD096C) won't fit QSFP+ port directly. With adapter it will be possible' 

Regarding the IRF on 5710 and physical ports:

Candidate IRF physical interfaces
Use the following ports on the HPE FlexFabric 5710 switch for IRF links:
• 10GBase-T Ethernet ports operating at 10 Gbps.
• SFP+ ports operating at 10 Gbps.
• QSFP+ ports operating at 10 Gbps or 40 Gbps.
• QSFP28 ports operating at 40 Gbps or 100 Gbps. For more information about using QSFP28 ports, see Ethernet interface configuration in Layer 2—LAN Switching Configuration Guide.

Selecting transceiver modules and cables
When you select transceiver modules and cables, follow these restrictions and guidelines:
• Use Category 6A (or above) twisted-pair cables to connect 10GBase-T Ethernet ports in a short distance.
• Use SFP+, QSFP+, or QSFP28 transceiver modules and fibers to connect SFP+, QSFP+, or QSFP28 ports for a long-distance connection.
• Use SFP+, QSFP+, QSFP+ to SFP+, or QSFP28 cables to connect SFP+, QSFP+, or QSFP28 ports for a short-distance connection.
• The transceiver modules at the two ends of an IRF link must be the same type. For more information about the transceiver modules and cables, see the switch installation guide and HPE Comware-Based Devices Transceiver Modules User Guide.

So if you insist on using 10G ports as IRF ports, you can use several 10GBase-T ports, not QSFP+.

A2. If you need to connect QSFP+ port to a switch that has only SFP+ ports, then you can use one of these splitter cables:

HPE FlexNetwork X240 40G QSFP+ to 4x10G SFP+ 1m Direct Attach Copper Splitter Cable JG329A
HPE FlexNetwork X240 40G QSFP+ to 4x10G SFP+ 3m Direct Attach Copper Splitter Cable JG330A
HPE FlexNetwork X240 40G QSFP+ to 4x10G SFP+ 5m Direct Attach Copper Splitter Cable JG331A

and then on the 5710 split logically one 40G into 4 x 10G interfaces, thus you will have 4 single 10G links between both switches. Then you can do whatever you want - use all, use some, make an aggregation or keep them standalone - the choice is yours.

EDIT: 655874-B21 adapter also will allow you to connect SFP+ transceiver to QSFP+ port!

Hope this answers your questions!

Do not hesitate to ask more questions if I left some aspects unanswered.