HPE Virtual Connect SE 100Gb F32 Module for Synergy

Transform your data center with the HPE Virtual Connect SE 100Gb F32 Module for Synergy, a purpose-built interconnect that eliminates legacy north/south bottlenecks and replaces them with a flat, scalable east/west fabric. Designed to work seamlessly within HPE Synergy environments, this module consolidates multiple networks into a single, low-latency hop across large domains of virtual machines. By centralizing connectivity through a high-density 100Gb fabric, it unlocks greater data throughput, reduces latency, and simplifies network provisioning—empowering you to fully realize the benefits of composable infrastructure. The HPE Virtual Connect SE 100Gb F32 Module is engineered to handle the demands of modern virtualization workloads, from dense VDI to cloud-scale applications, while delivering predictable performance and simplified operations for IT teams managing multi-hypervisor environments. In essence, it turns complex, oversubscribed architectures into clean, scalable, one-hop networks that accelerate application delivery and improve SLA consistency across the data center.

• High-density 100Gb connectivity: The F32 module delivers 32 high-speed 100Gb QSFP28 ports that provide dense, scalable uplink and interconnect capacity for Synergy compute blades. This enables dramatic bandwidth growth without increasing rack footprint, helping you meet the throughput needs of modern workloads while preserving room for future expansion. By consolidating network edges into a single, high-performance fabric, you can reduce oversubscription and improve east/west traffic flow between virtual machines and storage targets.
• Centralized, policy-driven management: Integrate seamlessly with HPE Virtual Connect Manager to provision networks, apply policies, and automate network provisioning for thousands of VM NICs and storage paths. This centralized approach minimizes manual configuration across compute resources, reduces the risk of misconfigurations, and accelerates time-to-value for new deployments. Ideal for heterogeneous environments, it supports consistent network behavior across VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V, KVM, and other platforms.
• Low-latency, single-hop architecture: By providing an east/west fabric with a single-hop path for traffic between virtual machines and external networks, the module minimizes latency and CPU overhead associated with multi-hop routing. This is critical for latency-sensitive applications, real-time analytics, and scale-out databases where every microsecond counts. The result is more predictable performance, better application responsiveness, and improved user experiences in virtualized environments.
• Synergy integration and composable infrastructure: As a key component of HPE Synergy, the 100Gb F32 module works with the broader composable infrastructure to deliver dynamic, software-defined connectivity. It supports flexible interconnect layouts within Synergy frames, enabling rapid reconfiguration of network resources to align with changing workloads. This tight integration helps you maximize the value of a software-defined data center, reducing time-to-value for new services and enabling on-demand scaling as your business grows.
• Resilience, security, and forward-looking features: The module is designed with robustness in mind, offering features that help maintain service continuity and protect management planes. It supports secure management pathways, standardized interfaces for automation, and compatibility with ongoing firmware updates that keep your fabric current with the latest capabilities. With hot-swappable components and resilient design principles, you can minimize downtime during maintenance and upgrades while safeguarding critical workloads.

Technical Details of HPE Virtual Connect SE 100Gb F32 Module for Synergy

• Interconnect type: 100Gb Ethernet via QSFP28 ports, designed for HPE Synergy interconnect bays.
• Port count: 32 ports, offering high-density, scalable fabric expansion for large Virtual Connect deployments.
• Aggregate switching capacity: Up to 3.2 Tbps of non-blocking throughput for seamless east/west traffic across virtual machines and networks.
• Latency: Ultra-low, optimized for virtualization workloads and tight SLA requirements in modern data centers.
• Compatibility: Built to integrate with HPE Synergy compute modules and the Virtual Connect ecosystem, enabling centralized network provisioning and policy-based management across multiple hypervisors.
• Interoperability: Supports standard 100Gb Ethernet networking, along with interoperability with existing Synergy components for a cohesive, software-defined fabric.

How to install HPE Virtual Connect SE 100Gb F32 Module for Synergy

Installing the HPE Virtual Connect SE 100Gb F32 Module in a Synergy environment is a straightforward process designed to minimize downtime and preserve existing service levels. Before you begin, verify that your Synergy chassis and compute modules are compatible with the F32 interconnect module and that you have the appropriate cabling and firmware versions. Gather your 100Gb QSFP28 cables and ensure you have access to the Synergy Console or OneView management interface for configuration. The following steps outline a typical installation sequence that minimizes risk and accelerates deployment:

• Power and space assessment: Confirm the target interconnect bay in your Synergy frame is available and note any redundancy requirements for power and cooling. If hot-swapping is supported in your environment, plan accordingly to minimize disruption to adjacent components.
• Physical installation: With the chassis powered down or in maintenance mode as per your guidelines, insert the HPE Virtual Connect SE 100Gb F32 Module into the appropriate interconnect bay. Ensure the module is firmly seated and the connectors are aligned with the backplane to prevent damage during operation.
• Cabling: Connect 100Gb QSFP28 cables from the module’s ports to the external networks, fabric switches, or storage interconnects as required by your design. Use high-quality, certified cables to maintain signal integrity over the required distances and to support full 100Gb bandwidth.
• Initial configuration: Access the Synergy Console or OneView to recognize the new interconnect module. Apply baseline network profiles, including VLAN mappings, QoS policies, and any required Virtual Connect Manager settings. If you are migrating from an existing fabric, plan cutovers to minimize impact on active workloads.
• Validation: Verify that each port is operational and that data paths are correctly mapped to the intended networks. Run connectivity tests between compute blades and storage networks, and confirm that virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V, KVM, etc.) can acquire network resources through Virtual Connect provisioning.
• Ongoing management: Establish alerting and monitoring for the interconnect module, review health and performance dashboards, and schedule firmware updates in accordance with your maintenance window. Maintain an up-to-date backup of your Virtual Connect configuration to enable rapid recovery.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the HPE Virtual Connect SE 100Gb F32 Module for Synergy? It is a high-density interconnect module designed for HPE Synergy that provides 32 ports of 100Gb connectivity, enabling a scalable, low-latency fabric for virtualized workloads. It centralizes network provisioning and policy management through Virtual Connect, simplifying complex multi-hypervisor environments and accelerating data path efficiency across large VM domains.
• How many ports does it have and what speed do they operate at? The module features 32 ports, each capable of 100Gb Ethernet connectivity via QSFP28 transceivers, delivering a total potential fabric capacity suitable for large-scale Synergy deployments.
• Is this module compatible with VMware vSphere and other hypervisors? Yes. HPE Virtual Connect technologies are designed to integrate with common virtualization platforms, including VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, and KVM, enabling consistent networking across diverse environments and simplifying NIC provisioning for virtual machines.
• Can I hot-swap or upgrade the module without downtime? In many Synergy configurations, interconnect modules are designed for minimal downtime and can be swapped or upgraded with appropriate maintenance windows and following vendor guidelines. Always follow your facility’s procedures for power and network maintenance.
• Where can I find specifications and firmware updates? Specifications and firmware updates are available through HPE’s official channels and partner portals. For exact SKU or UPC references and the latest software, consult the vendor catalog or your Synnex listing and use the product's references to pull the official spec sheet.