Description
Overview of the HP QW972A Adapter
In the dynamic landscape of server infrastructure, the choice of a Host Bus Adapter (HBA) can significantly impact connectivity and overall performance. The HP QW972A, belonging to the StoreFabric series, emerges as a powerful solution, offering 16 Gigabytes per Second (GBPS) speed, 2 ports, and utilizing the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) interface. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key features, specifications, advantages, and compatibility of the HP QW972A StoreFabric Fibre Channel HBA, providing insights for IT professionals and businesses seeking reliable and high-performance connectivity solutions.
- The HP QW972A StoreFabric 16Gbps 2 Port PCI-E Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter is a powerful and reliable storage networking solution designed for enterprise-level organizations. This adapter is designed to provide high-performance, low-latency storage connectivity for mission-critical applications and workloads.
- In this article, we will provide an in-depth explanation of the HP QW972A StoreFabric 16Gbps 2 Port PCI-E Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter. We will explain what a Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter is, why it is necessary, and how the HP QW972A StoreFabric 16Gbps 2 Port PCI-E Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter works.
Understanding the HP QW972A StoreFabric Fibre Channel HBAFibre Channel Details
- The QW972A operates on the Fibre Channel protocol, a robust and reliable technology widely used in storage area networks (SANs). The 16 GBPS speed aligns with the industry standards for high-speed Fibre Channel connectivity.
High-Speed Connectivity
- The QW972A is designed to deliver exceptional data transfer speeds, boasting a remarkable 16 GBPS. This high bandwidth is crucial for handling data-intensive applications, supporting virtualization, and ensuring smooth operations in enterprise environments.
Dual Ports for Enhanced Flexibility
- With dual ports, the QW972A provides enhanced flexibility in network configurations. Dual ports enable redundancy and load balancing, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even in the case of a port failure. This redundancy is vital for mission-critical applications that demand high availability.
PCIe Interface for Optimal Performance
- The Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) interface is a key highlight of the QW972A. PCIe is known for its high-speed data transfer capabilities and low latency, making it an ideal choice for connecting high-performance devices. This ensures that the HBA doesn’t become a bottleneck in the overall system performance.
Advantages of HP StoreFabric Fibre Channel HBASeamless Integration with HP Ecosystem
- The QW972A is crafted to seamlessly integrate with HP servers and storage solutions. This ensures a harmonious collaboration within the HP ecosystem, providing users with a reliable and optimized connectivity experience.
Robust Performance for Data-Intensive Tasks
- The 16 GBPS speed of the QW972A makes it well-suited for handling data-intensive tasks such as database operations, large-scale file transfers, and real-time analytics. Its dual-port configuration adds an extra layer of performance robustness.
Enhanced Reliability with Dual Ports
- Dual ports not only enhance flexibility but also contribute to the reliability of the overall system. In scenarios where continuous connectivity is crucial, the redundancy provided by dual ports ensures that operations remain uninterrupted, even in the face of hardware failures.
Specifications and Technical DetailsPCIe Interface Details
- The PCIe interface is specifically identified as PCIe 3.0. This signifies compatibility with the third generation of PCIe technology, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility with modern server architectures.
Form Factor and Connectors
- The physical form factor of the QW972A is designed for PCIe slots. It is crucial for users to ensure compatibility with their server’s PCIe slots. Additionally, the inclusion of both half-height and full-height brackets adds versatility in installation options.
Compatibility with HP Servers
- The QW972A is designed to be compatible with various HP server models. This includes ProLiant DL Series servers, ensuring that users of these servers can seamlessly integrate the QW972A into their existing infrastructure.
Inclusion of Both Brackets
- The QW972A is shipped with both half-height and full-height brackets. This inclusion caters to different server configurations, allowing users to choose the bracket that suits their specific server chassis. It’s a thoughtful addition for ease of installation.
Environmental Operating Parameters
- Understanding the environmental operating parameters is essential for deploying the QW972A in diverse settings. With an operational temperature range from 32 °F to 131 °F and humidity tolerance from 10% to 90% (non-condensing), the QW972A is adaptable to various environmental conditions.
General Information about this HP QW972A
- Manufacturer: HP
- Part Number or SKU# QW972A
- Product Type: Controller
- Interface (Bus) Type: Fibre Channel
Key Features
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Data Link Protocol: 16GB Fibre Channel (SW)
- Media: Multi-mode Optic (SFP+)
- Speeds: 16/8/4 GBPS
- Feature: Dual Channel Auto-negotiation
Expansion / Connectivity for Network Adapter
- Interfaces: Ports: 2 x 16GB Fibre Channel (Short Wave) – LC multi-mode x 2
- Supported Type: PCI Express 3.0 to Fibre Channel
- ConnectorType: Short wave laser with LC type connector
- PCIe ConnectorType: PCIe 3.0 x8
- BracketsIncluded: Shipped with both half-height and full-height brackets
Environmental Parameters
- Min OperatingTemperature: 32 °F
- Max OperatingTemperature: 131 °F
- Humidity Range Operating: 10 – 90% (non-condensing)
Compatibility
- The HP QW972A Host Bus Adapter is compatible with a wide range of HP ProLiant servers and storage solutions, including:
- HP ProLiant DL Series: DL360e Gen8, DL360p Gen8, DL380 G7, DL380e Gen8, DL380p Gen8, DL385 G7, DL385p Gen8, DL580 G7
- HP ProLiant ML Series: ML350p Gen8
- Other Compatible Systems: HP Modular Smart Array 2040 SAS Dual Controller LFF Storage. HP StoreEasy 3850 Gateway Single Node and 3850 Gateway Storage
Outline, Are you searching for a high-performance Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter to elevate your server connectivity? Look no further than the HP QW972A StoreFabric. With a blazing speed of 16 GBPS and dual ports for enhanced flexibility, this HBA is designed to meet the demands of data-intensive applications and ensure seamless operations in enterprise environments.
The PCIe interface, specifically PCIe 3.0, guarantees optimal compatibility with modern server architectures. The Fibre Channel protocol, known for its reliability, is the backbone of the QW972A’s high-speed connectivity. Whether you are dealing with database operations, large-scale file transfers, or real-time analytics, the QW972A delivers robust performance.
Furthermore, the QW972A seamlessly integrates into the HP ecosystem, ensuring a harmonious collaboration with HP servers and storage solutions. The inclusion of both half-height and full-height brackets adds versatility to the installation process, accommodating different server configurations.
Invest in the HP QW972A StoreFabric Fibre Channel HBA to experience a new level of connectivity, performance, and reliability in your server infrastructure. Upgrade your network capabilities with this high-speed and versatile solution that aligns with the evolving needs of modern IT environments.







