HPE InfiniBand HDR100/Ethernet 100Gb 1-port 940QSFP56 Adapter

Experience unrivaled bandwidth and ultralow latency with the HPE InfiniBand HDR100/Ethernet 100Gb 1-port 940QSFP56 Adapter. Engineered for the most demanding compute environments, this single-port PCIe adapter is optimized for the HPE Apollo systems and HPE ProLiant DL rack-mount servers, delivering the performance required for cutting-edge high-performance computing (HPC), AI training, and real-time data analytics. Whether you’re building a massive HPC cluster, running complex MPI workloads, or pushing large-scale data movement across racks, this adapter provides the interconnect backbone you need to scale with confidence.

• High-bandwidth HDR100 InfiniBand with Ethernet flexibility: This 1-port adapter supports HDR InfiniBand at 100 Gb/s for MPI and RDMA workloads, with the added versatility of Ethernet 100 Gb/s options, enabling diverse traffic patterns on a single QSFP56 connector.
• Ultra-low latency communications for tightly coupled workloads: Designed to minimize synchronization delays, the HDR100 capability delivers sub-microsecond or near-microsecond end-to-end latency, accelerating tightly coupled HPC applications and reducing time-to-solution for parallelized tasks.
• Seamless integration with HPE infrastructure: Built to harmonize with HPE Apollo and ProLiant DL XL/DL rack-mount families, this adapter ensures reliable operation within the proven HPE software stack, including drivers, firmware, and management tooling.
• Flexible form factor and simple cabling: A single QSFP56 port supports high-density interconnects, allowing straightforward cabling to HDR-ready InfiniBand switches or 100 Gb Ethernet fabric switches, simplifying deployment in large clusters and dense server racks.
• Future-proofed for growing workloads: With robust driver support and ongoing firmware updates via the HPE ecosystem, you gain long-term compatibility for evolving HPC workloads, new MPI implementations, and expanding data-center interconnect topologies.

Technical Details of HPE InfiniBand HDR100/Ethernet 100Gb 1-port 940QSFP56 Adapter

• Port configuration: 1-port adapter card featuring a QSFP56 connector for HDR InfiniBand 100 Gb/s and/or 100 Gb Ethernet operations.
• Interconnect speeds: HDR InfiniBand 100 Gb/s fabric support with optional Ethernet 100 Gb/s configurations, enabling flexible data-plane traffic routing across the same physical port.
• Connector and form factor: QSFP56 optical/electrical interface on a PCIe-based adapter card designed for standard server PCIe slots.
• PCIe interface: PCIe interface compatible with modern server platforms (commonly PCIe Gen4 x8, providing sufficient bandwidth to the host CPU and memory subsystems).
• Supported servers and environments: Optimized for HPE Apollo systems and HPE ProLiant DL rack-mount families, with testing and validation within the HPE hardware and software ecosystem.
• Operating system and drivers: Supported under major Linux distributions and Windows environments with HPE-provided drivers and firmware updates for reliability and compatibility.
• Management and firmware: Designed for straightforward firmware updates and driver management through the HPE support portal and standard system management interfaces.

How to install HPE InfiniBand HDR100/Ethernet 100Gb 1-port 940QSFP56 Adapter

• Power down the server and ensure it is disconnected from power. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge before handling components.
• Open the server chassis and identify an appropriate PCIe slot that supports the card’s form factor and bandwidth requirements (typically a PCIe Gen4 x8 slot in modern servers).
• Insert the 940QSFP56 adapter firmly into the selected PCIe slot, ensuring full engagement. Align the card with the slot and seat it evenly to avoid bent connectors.
• Secure the bracket with the screw provided and reassemble the server chassis. Connect the QSFP56 cable to a compatible HDR InfiniBand switch or 100 Gb Ethernet network fabric as required by your deployment.
• Power the system back on and boot into the operating system. Install the latest HPE drivers and firmware from the HPE support portal, following on-screen instructions for device initialization and configuration.
• Configure the interconnect in the system BIOS/UEFI and/or the operating system, enabling HDR InfiniBand or Ethernet mode as your workload demands. Validate connectivity with a baseline MPI/test tool and monitor RTL/firmware status through your management console.
• Perform post-install tests to confirm bandwidth, latency, and error rates align with your HPC requirements. Plan for regular firmware updates to maintain peak performance and stability.

Frequently asked questions

• What is HDR100 InfiniBand? HDR100 InfiniBand is a high-performance interconnect technology delivering up to 100 Gb/s per port with very low latency, designed for scalable HPC clusters and AI workloads. It enables fast data movement and efficient RDMA-based communication between nodes, which is essential for large MPI jobs and real-time analytics.
• Can this adapter run Ethernet traffic as well as InfiniBand? Yes. The 940QSFP56 adapter supports HDR InfiniBand 100 Gb/s and can be configured for 100 Gb Ethernet in compatible fabrics, giving you flexible networking options on a single port and simplifying cabling in mixed-interconnect environments.
• Which servers are compatible with this adapter? The card is designed for HPE Apollo systems and HPE ProLiant DL XL/DL rack-mount server families, with validation and tested interoperability within the HPE hardware and software ecosystem.
• What kind of cables and switches do I need? Use HDR-capable QSFP56 cables and a compatible InfiniBand HDR100 switch or 100 Gb Ethernet switch, depending on your chosen interconnect mode. Ensure your switches support the same speed and protocol to maximize performance.
• Do I need special drivers or firmware? Yes. Install the latest HPE drivers and firmware from the HPE support portal to ensure optimal performance, stability, and compatibility with your operating system and HPC workloads.
• What workloads benefit most from this adapter? MPI-enabled HPC workloads, AI model training with distributed frameworks, large-scale data analytics, and any application that relies on fast, low-latency inter-node communication will benefit from HDR100 InfiniBand interconnect.