Description
Network Virtualization and SDN Capabilities
The HPE Dual-Ports 1GBPS 368FLR-T Media Network Adapter (866464-B21) supports network virtualization and software-defined networking (SDN) capabilities.
Network virtualization allows multiple virtual networks to be created on a single physical network infrastructure. This enables the creation of isolated virtual networks that can be customized for specific applications or user groups. The 866464-B21 supports Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) which is a network virtualization technology that provides Layer 2 connectivity over Layer 3 networks.
SDN is a network architecture approach that separates the network’s control and data planes. The control plane is centralized, which makes network management easier and more efficient. With SDN, administrators can manage network traffic flows using software rather than having to configure each device manually. The 866464-B21 supports OpenFlow, which is a popular protocol used in SDN environments to manage network traffic flows.
The network virtualization and SDN capabilities of the 866464-B21 help organizations to create and manage highly customized and efficient network environments.
Connector Types and Cable Options
The HPE 866464-B21 is a server networking adapter that supports different connector types and cable options, depending on the specific configuration you choose. Here are some details about the connector types and cable options available for this adapter:
Connector Types:
- RJ-45: This is the most common connector type for Ethernet networking. It uses an 8-pin connector that is typically used for twisted-pair copper cabling.
- SFP+: This connector type is used for fiber optic networking. It supports higher speeds and longer distances than copper cabling, but it is more expensive.
- QSFP+: This connector type is similar to SFP+ but supports even higher speeds and longer distances. It is often used for data center networking applications.
Cable Options:
- Copper: Copper cables are the most common type of Ethernet cables. They use twisted-pair wires and RJ-45 connectors to transmit data over short distances (up to 100 meters).
- Fiber Optic: Fiber optic cables use glass or plastic fibers to transmit data using light pulses. They can transmit data over longer distances than copper cables and are immune to electromagnetic interference, but they are more expensive.
- Direct Attach Copper (DAC): DAC cables are a type of copper cable that connects directly to the adapter’s SFP+ or QSFP+ port. They are typically used for short-range connections in data centers.
Virtualization Support
The HPE 866464-B21 server networking adapter supports virtualization, which means it can be used in virtualized environments such as VMware or Microsoft Hyper-V. Here’s a brief explanation of what virtualization is and how it works:
Virtualization is a technology that allows multiple virtual machines (VMs) to run on a single physical server. Each VM is isolated from the others and appears to be a separate physical server, even though they all share the same physical resources such as CPU, memory, and storage. This allows for better utilization of server resources, reduces hardware costs, and makes it easier to manage and maintain servers.
The HPE 866464-B21 adapter supports virtualization by providing hardware-assisted features that enhance the performance and security of virtual machines. These features include:
- Virtual Machine Device Queues (VMDq): This feature improves network performance by offloading the processing of network packets to virtual machines, reducing the workload on the server CPU.
- Single Root I/O Virtualization (SR-IOV): This feature allows a single physical adapter to appear as multiple virtual adapters, allowing each virtual machine to have its own dedicated network interface and avoiding network contention.
- Virtual Ethernet Port Aggregator (VEPA): This feature provides a direct connection between virtual machines and the physical network, bypassing the server operating system and improving network performance.
- Network Partitioning (NPAR): This feature allows physical adapters to be divided into multiple virtual functions, each with its own dedicated resources and bandwidth, enabling finer-grained control over network traffic and improving security.
The virtualization support provided by the HPE 866464-B21 adapter enhances the performance and security of virtualized environments and makes it easier to manage and maintain servers in these environments.
General Information about the HPE 866464-B21
- Manufacturer: HPE
- Part Number or SKU# 866464-B21
- Product Type : Network Adapter
Technical Information
- Ports : Gigabit Ethernet X 2
- Form Factor : Plug-In Card
- Connectivity Technology : Wired
- Data Link Protocol : GIGE
- Data Transfer Rate : 1 GBPS





