Brocade FC SAN Switch for Synergy 4x 32Gb Transceiver

[Milan_A]

A customer wants to expand their SAN using FC switches (Q2E56A) inside Synergy chassis. They will purchase needed licences (Q2E58AAE) and fanout cables (K2Q47A).

Situation:

- in PB, there is listed only HPE B-series 4x32Gb QSFP28 Short Wave 100m 1-pack Secure Transceiver (R6B20A)

- in OCA, R6B20A is available only in ad-hoc with a warning it should only be used as replacement for previously active port (not case here)

- there is HPE 100Gb/4x25G/4x32GFC QSFP28 Transceiver (882251-B21) but only listed for 100Gb VC module 

Question: is xcvr 882251-B21 compatible with 32Gb Brocade switch (Q2E56A)? 

Should I configure R6B20A as adhoc instead?

[TVVJ]

Hello,

You may try the QuickSpecs "Brocade 32Gb Fibre Channel SAN Switch Module for HPE Synergy" and see if it helps.

Regards,

[Milan_A]

Tried it first, but no info. I guess it's a question if anyone actually tested.....

[Suvamay]

We have not tested this 

[Milan_A]

Thanks! Are you by any chance in a position to test this combo (Q2E56A + 882251-B21)? 

Just to see if it gets recognised at all?

[Mr_Techie]

Hi @Milan_A

I have not tested anything, but my findings are: 

1. HPE 100Gb/4x25G/4x32GFC QSFP28 Transceiver (882251-B21) is designed primarily for 100Gb VC modules, not specifically for the 32Gb Brocade FC switch. Although it has the ability to handle 32Gb speeds, compatibility with specific switches can depend on firmware and configuration. Typically, Brocade switches have a defined compatibility list for transceivers.

2. The HPE B-series 4x32Gb QSFP28 Short Wave (R6B20A) being available as ad-hoc with a warning suggests that it's only meant for use as a replacement for previously active ports. If you plan to use it in a new setup (as opposed to replacing an existing transceiver), this might violate the recommended usage. Therefore, it’s not advisable to configure R6B20A as ad-hoc unless it’s explicitly supported by your SAN configuration.

Hope this gives some insights. 

[Milan_A]

Thanks for your response. I was hoping to get this new SFP as it is significantly cheaper but now I guess I'll have to resort to 4-packs or 8-packs to control the cost, but get something certified by Brocade...

Thanks!.