Description
Overview of the 2 Ports Network Adapter
In the world of networking and data communication, hardware components play a vital role in ensuring the smooth flow of data. One such critical component is the HPE P36055-001 HDR/Ethernet 200GB QSFP56 PCIe4 2 Ports Network Adapter. This device might sound like a mouthful, but in simple terms, it’s a powerful tool that helps computers and servers connect to networks, exchange data, and perform various tasks efficiently.
In this detailed guide, we will break down the HPE P36055-001 Network Adapter into its key components and features, explain its significance, and provide insights into its specifications, use cases, and benefits. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what the HPE P36055-001 Network Adapter is and why it’s an essential tool in the realm of high-speed data communication.
Understanding the HPE P36055-001 Network Adapter
The HPE P36055-001 Network Adapter, in its full technical name, is designed and manufactured by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). It is a PCIe-based network adapter with two ports and supports HDR (High Data Rate) Ethernet at a blazing 200GB speed. To understand the significance of each component in its name, let’s break it down step by step.
HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise)
HPE is a renowned company in the information technology sector. They specialize in providing a wide range of hardware and software solutions for enterprises, including servers, storage, networking equipment, and related accessories. When you see “HPE” in a product name, you can be confident in the quality and reliability of the product, as HPE has a solid reputation in the industry.
The alphanumeric code “P36055-001” is a unique identifier for this particular network adapter. It’s used for tracking and cataloging the product, making it easier for customers and suppliers to locate and order it.
HDR/Ethernet
HDR stands for “High Data Rate,” and Ethernet is a widely used standard for wired local area networks (LANs). The combination of HDR and Ethernet signifies that this network adapter is built for high-speed data communication, making it suitable for data-intensive tasks and applications that require rapid data transfers.
200GB
The “200GB” in the name indicates the maximum data transfer rate supported by this network adapter. In other words, it can transmit data at speeds of up to 200 gigabits per second (Gbps). This is an incredibly high data rate, making the HPE P36055-001 ideal for scenarios where large volumes of data need to be moved quickly, such as data centers and high-performance computing environments.
QSFP56
QSFP56 (Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable 56) is a type of connector used in network equipment. It is compact and allows for high-density connectivity. The presence of QSFP56 in the name of the network adapter means it uses this standard to connect to other devices or network infrastructure.
PCIe4
PCIe stands for “Peripheral Component Interconnect Express,” and it’s a standard for connecting hardware components inside a computer. PCIe4 is the fourth generation of this standard. In the context of the HPE P36055-001, it means that the network adapter is designed to be installed in a PCIe4 slot on a server or computer’s motherboard. This connection provides high-speed data transfer between the network adapter and the host system.
2 Ports
The “2 Ports” designation means that the HPE P36055-001 Network Adapter has two separate connection points for network cables. This allows the adapter to handle multiple network connections simultaneously, making it suitable for scenarios where redundancy or increased network capacity is required.
Now that we’ve dissected the name of the HPE P36055-001 Network Adapter, we can move on to exploring its features, specifications, and use cases.
Key Features and Specifications
To truly understand the value of the HPE P36055-001 Network Adapter, it’s essential to examine its key features and specifications. These details provide insight into what the adapter is capable of and how it can benefit users in various networking scenarios.
High Data Rate (HDR) Ethernet
As mentioned earlier, the HPE P36055-001 supports HDR Ethernet, which is a high-speed Ethernet standard designed for modern data centers and high-performance computing environments. The “HDR” designation implies that it can handle data at extremely high rates, up to 200GB per second. This makes it ideal for applications that demand lightning-fast data transfers, such as real-time data analytics, high-frequency trading, and scientific research.
Two Ports for Redundancy and Load Balancing
The HPE P36055-001 Network Adapter is equipped with two ports, allowing for redundancy and load balancing. Redundancy ensures that if one connection fails, the other can take over, providing uninterrupted network connectivity. Load balancing, on the other hand, distributes network traffic evenly between the two ports, preventing one from becoming overwhelmed while the other remains underutilized. This results in efficient network performance and reliability.
PCIe4 Interface
The use of a PCIe4 interface means that the HPE P36055-001 can be easily installed on servers and computers that support this standard. This interface provides a high-speed connection to the host system, ensuring that data can flow seamlessly between the network adapter and the rest of the system. It’s a plug-and-play solution for systems that have PCIe4 slots available.
QSFP56 Connectors
The Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable 56 connectors are known for their compact design and high-speed capabilities. The HPE P36055-001 Network Adapter uses these connectors to establish connections with other network devices, such as switches and routers. The use of QSFP56 connectors is a testament to the adapter’s commitment to high-speed data transfer.
Ethernet Standards Support
In addition to supporting HDR Ethernet, the HPE P36055-001 Network Adapter is compatible with a range of Ethernet standards, including 100GbE and 25GbE. This flexibility allows it to work with various network environments, accommodating different network speeds and configurations.
Advanced Offload Features
The network adapter includes advanced offload features that help reduce the workload on the host CPU. These offload capabilities include support for RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access) and stateless offloads. By offloading certain network processing tasks to the adapter itself, the host system’s CPU is freed up to handle other tasks, resulting in improved overall system performance.
Comprehensive Driver Support
HPE provides a wide range of drivers and software to ensure seamless integration with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and VMware. These drivers are essential for proper communication between the network adapter and the host system, enabling users to leverage its capabilities effectively.
Quality and Reliability
As a product from Hewlett Packard Enterprise, the HPE P36055-001 Network Adapter is built to meet high-quality and reliability standards. HPE is known for its rigorous testing and quality control processes, ensuring that the hardware it produces is dependable and long-lasting. This is crucial for businesses and organizations that rely on continuous network connectivity.
Now that we’ve explored the key features and specifications of the HPE P36055-001 Network Adapter, let’s dive into its practical applications and benefits.
Use Cases and Benefits
The HPE P36055-001 Network Adapter is a versatile and high-performance hardware component that finds applications in various scenarios. Let’s delve into some of its primary use cases and the benefits it offers in each of these contexts.
Data Centers
Data centers are the nerve centers of modern businesses and organizations. They host vast amounts of data, applications, and services that require high-speed, reliable networking. The HPE P36055-001 Network Adapter is a valuable asset in data centers due to its HDR Ethernet support and two-port configuration.
Benefits
High-speed data transfer: The adapter’s 200GB data rate ensures that data can move quickly within the data center, supporting real-time operations and data analytics.
Redundancy and reliability: The two-port design allows for network redundancy, ensuring uninterrupted data center operations in the event of a port or cable failure.
Load balancing: Load balancing capabilities prevent network bottlenecks and ensure efficient data distribution across the data center’s infrastructure.
High-Performance Computing
High-performance computing (HPC) environments are characterized by their need for extreme computational power and data throughput. Whether used in scientific research, simulations, or financial modeling, HPC systems demand high-speed networking.
Benefits
High data rate support: The adapter’s HDR Ethernet capabilities are well-suited for HPC applications that require rapid data transfers.
Improved system performance: The advanced offload features help reduce CPU overhead, allowing the system’s resources to be focused on computationally intensive tasks.
Compatibility: The HPE P36055-001 Network Adapter’s support for multiple Ethernet standards means it can be used in various HPC configurations.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing platforms rely on high-speed, low-latency networking to deliver services and applications to users across the globe. The HPE P36055-001 can enhance the networking infrastructure of cloud service providers.
Benefits
Seamless data transfer: The network adapter’s high data rate ensures that data can be quickly transferred between cloud servers and storage systems.
Reliability: Redundant ports and advanced offload features enhance the reliability and performance of cloud services.
Compatibility: The adapter’s support for various Ethernet standards ensures it can integrate with diverse cloud computing architectures.
General Information about the HPE P36055-001
- Manufacturer: HPE
- Model Number or SKU# P36055-001
- Product Type: Network Adapter
In summary, the HPE P36055-001 HDR/Ethernet 200GB QSFP56 PCIe4 2 Ports Network Adapter is a powerful and versatile networking component designed to meet the high-speed data transfer needs of modern data centers, high-performance computing environments, cloud platforms, financial services, scientific research, and virtualized systems.
With its support for HDR Ethernet, dual ports for redundancy and load balancing, PCIe4 interface, QSFP56 connectors, advanced offload features, and compatibility with various Ethernet standards, this network adapter offers a range of benefits, including high-speed data transfer, network reliability, improved system performance, and seamless integration with a variety of networking environments.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s reputation for quality and reliability adds to the appeal of this network adapter, making it a trusted choice for businesses and organizations that depend on fast, reliable, and efficient network connectivity. Whether you’re managing a data center, running high-performance computing simulations, operating a cloud service, trading in the financial sector, conducting scientific research, or implementing virtualization solutions, the HPE P36055-001 Network Adapter is a valuable tool to consider for your networking needs. Its ability to handle the most demanding network requirements positions it as a critical component in the modern era of high-speed data communication.
