HPE P9D94A Storefabric SN1100Q 16GB 2 Port PCI-E 3.0 Fibre New

In the realm of data storage and networking, hardware components play a crucial role in ensuring efficient and high-performance connectivity. One such component is the HPE P9D94A StoreFabric SN1100Q 16GB 2 Port PCI-E 3.0 Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (HBA). In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricate details of this HBA, exploring its key features, benefits, applications, and how it fits into the broader landscape of Fibre Channel technology.

Before delving into the specifics of the HPE P9D94A, it's essential to grasp the concept of Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapters (HBAs). Fibre Channel is a high-speed network technology commonly employed in storage area networks (SANs). An HBA serves as the interface between servers and Fibre Channel networks, facilitating the seamless transfer of data between these entities.

Technical Specifications

The HPE P9D94A boasts impressive technical specifications that contribute to its high performance in data-intensive environments. It is a 16GB, 2-port PCI-E 3.0 Fibre Channel HBA. Let's break down these specifications:

• 16GB Speed: The 16GB speed signifies the data transfer rate of the HBA. This high-speed capability is crucial for handling large volumes of data quickly and efficiently.
• 2 Ports: With two ports, the HPE P9D94A allows for versatile connectivity options, enabling it to handle multiple data streams simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial in scenarios where redundancy and load balancing are essential.
• PCI-E 3.0 Interface: The PCI Express (PCI-E) 3.0 interface ensures a fast and efficient connection to the server. The third generation of PCI-E provides increased bandwidth, optimizing data throughput.

The HPE P9D94A StoreFabric SN1100Q is equipped with a range of features that enhance its functionality and make it a preferred choice in the market.

• Quality of Service (QoS): The HBA incorporates Quality of Service mechanisms, allowing administrators to prioritize critical data traffic. This ensures that mission-critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth for optimal performance.
• Advanced Diagnostics and Troubleshooting: With built-in diagnostic tools, the HPE P9D94A simplifies the process of identifying and resolving issues. This proactive approach to troubleshooting contributes to increased system reliability.
• Hot Plug and Play Support: The HBA supports hot plug and play, enabling the addition or replacement of the adapter without shutting down the server. This feature is instrumental in minimizing downtime and maximizing system availability.
• End-to-End Data Protection: The HPE P9D94A prioritizes data integrity with end-to-end data protection features. This ensures that data remains secure and uncorrupted throughout its journey from the server to the storage system.

The HPE P9D94A StoreFabric SN1100Q offers several benefits that contribute to its appeal in various IT environments.

• Enhanced Performance: The 16GB speed and PCI-E 3.0 interface collectively contribute to superior performance, making the HPE P9D94A well-suited for demanding applications and workloads.
• Scalability: The presence of two ports allows for scalability, enabling organizations to expand their storage infrastructure seamlessly. This scalability is crucial for businesses experiencing growth and evolving storage needs.
• Reliability and Redundancy: The HPE P9D94A is designed with reliability in mind. The redundancy provided by the dual ports and hot plug-and-play support ensures a resilient and dependable storage solution.
• Compatibility with HPE Ecosystem: As part of the HPE StoreFabric family, the HPE P9D94A is designed to seamlessly integrate with other HPE products and solutions. This compatibility enhances the overall efficiency of an HPE-centric infrastructure.

The versatility of the HPE P9D94A extends its usability across a spectrum of applications and use cases.

• Enterprise Data Centers: In large-scale enterprise data centers, the HPE P9D94A can be employed to facilitate high-speed data transfers between servers and storage arrays. Its reliability and performance make it a valuable asset in mission-critical environments.
• Virtualized Environments: In virtualized environments where multiple virtual machines share a common physical infrastructure, the HPE P9D94A's dual ports and high-speed capabilities enable efficient data handling, contributing to the overall responsiveness of virtualized systems.
• Media and Entertainment: Industries such as media and entertainment, which deal with massive file sizes and high data transfer rates, can benefit from the HPE P9D94A's robust performance. Video editing, rendering, and content creation workflows can be significantly accelerated.
• Financial Services: In the financial sector, where rapid access to large datasets is imperative for analytics and transaction processing, the HPE P9D94A ensures low-latency, high-throughput connectivity.

Compatible operating systems and system requirements

The P9D94A HPE Storefabric SN1100Q 16GB 2 Port PCI-E 3.0 Fibre Channel HBA is compatible with the following operating systems:

• Windows Server 2008 R2
• Windows Server 2012
• Windows Server 2012 R2
• Windows Server 2016
• Windows Server 2019
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12
• VMware vSphere 5.5
• VMware vSphere 6.0
• VMware vSphere 6.5
• VMware vSphere 6.7

The system requirements for this HBA include:

• PCI Express 3.0 slot
• 64-bit server with x86 architecture
• Minimum 1 GB of memory
• Minimum 200 MB of free disk space for software installation
• A supported operating system and appropriate device drivers are installed on the server.

• Manufacturer: HPE
• Part Number or SKU# P9D94A
• Product Type: Fiber Channel
• Product Name: Controller

• Device Type: Host Bus Adapter
• Form Factor: Plug-In Card - Low Profile
• Ports: 16GB Fibre Channel X 2
• Connectivity Technology: Wired
• Cabling Type: Fiber Optic
• Data Link Protocol: 4GB Fibre Channel (Sw), 8GB Fibre Channel (Sw), 16GB Fibre Channel (Sw)
• Data Transfer Rate: 14.025 GBPS
• Features: Auto-Negotiation

• Expansion Slots: 2 (total) / 0 (free) x SFP+
• Interfaces: 2 x 16GB Fibre Channel (Short Wave) - LC multi-mode

• OS Required: SuSE Linux Enterprise Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (32/64-bits), VMware ESXi, VMware ESX, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 (64-bits)

• Servers Supported: HP ProLiant platforms
• Compatible Array Platforms: HP MSA family, HP XP family, HP 3PAR family, HP Nimble family

In short, the HPE P9D94A StoreFabric SN1100Q 16GB 2 Port PCI-E 3.0 Fibre Channel HBA stands out as a powerful and reliable solution for organizations seeking high-performance connectivity in their storage networks. With its impressive technical specifications, key features, and versatile applications, this HBA addresses the evolving needs of modern IT infrastructures.

Whether deployed in enterprise data centers, virtualized environments, media and entertainment workflows, or financial services, the HPE P9D94A delivers on its promise of enhanced performance, scalability, and reliability. Its seamless integration with the HPE ecosystem further solidifies its position as a valuable component in HPE-centric infrastructures.

As technology continues to advance, the HPE P9D94A represents a forward-looking solution, equipped to meet the challenges of today's data-driven world. Organizations embracing this Fibre Channel HBA can expect not only immediate benefits in terms of performance but also a future-proof investment in their storage and connectivity infrastructure.