Description
Product Overview of the HP QW972A
The HP QW972A StoreFabric 16Gbps 2 Port PCIe Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (HBA) is a high-performance connectivity solution that allows servers to connect to Fibre Channel networks. In this article, we will discuss the features, benefits, and specifications of this HBA in detail.
In the ever-evolving landscape of data connectivity, the HP QW972A StoreFabric emerges as a powerhouse, specifically designed as a 16 Gigabyte Per Second (GBPS) 2 Ports Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI Express) Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (HBA). In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the intricacies of the QW972A, shedding light on its features, technical specifications, and the significant role it plays in optimizing data transfer within server environments.
Key Features of HP QW972A StoreFabric HBAFibre Channel Protocol
Data Link Protocol: The Fibre Channel protocol ensures reliable and high-performance data transmission. This protocol is widely used in storage area networks (SANs) for its efficiency in handling large volumes of data.
High-Speed Connectivity
Data Transfer Speed: With a remarkable speed of 16 gigabytes per Second (GBPS), the QW972A ensures that data flows seamlessly between connected devices. This high-speed connectivity is crucial for modern data-intensive applications and scenarios where quick data access is paramount.
Dual Ports for Enhanced Flexibility
Number of Ports: The inclusion of 2 ports enhances flexibility in connecting multiple devices simultaneously. This dual-port feature is particularly advantageous in complex server environments where diverse data sources need to communicate efficiently.
PCI Express Interface
Interface Type: The Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI Express) interface ensures efficient communication between the HBA and the server. The PCIe architecture is known for its high-speed data transfer capabilities, aligning perfectly with the QW972A’s focus on performance.
Technical Specifications and Connectivity DetailsMulti-Mode Optic (SFP+)
Media Type: The QW972A utilizes a Multi-Mode Optic with Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP+) connectors. Multi-mode optics are suitable for short-distance data transmission within data centers.
Auto-negotiation Capability
Speed Options: The Auto-negotiation feature supports speeds of 16/8/4 GBPS. This dynamic capability ensures that the HBA can adjust its speed based on the connected devices, optimizing performance in diverse network scenarios.
Dual Channel Auto-negotiation
Feature: The inclusion of Dual Channel Auto-negotiation further enhances adaptability. This feature allows the HBA to negotiate optimal speeds on two separate channels, facilitating efficient data flow.
Expansion and Connectivity InterfacesDual Fibre Channel Ports
Number of Ports: The HBA is equipped with 2 x 16GB Fibre Channel ports, operating in Short Wave mode. The LC multi-mode connectors facilitate reliable connections in multi-device setups.
PCI Express Compatibility
Supported Slot Type: The QW972A is designed for compatibility with PCI Express 3.0 slots, ensuring seamless integration with modern server architectures.
Short Wave Laser Technology
Connector Type: The HBA utilizes short-wave laser technology with LC-type connectors. This technology is optimized for short-distance data transmission, making it ideal for connections within server rooms and data centers.
PCI Express 3.0 x8 Connector
Connector Type: The HBA features a PCI Express 3.0 x8 connector, ensuring efficient data transfer between the HBA and the server.
Brackets for Versatile
Included Brackets: The QW972A is shipped with both half-height and full-height brackets, offering versatility in installation. This accommodates different server configurations and ensures compatibility with various setups.
Features
The HP QW972A StoreFabric 16Gbps 2 Port PCIE Fibre Channel HBA has several features that make it a reliable and high-performance connectivity solution.
- High-Speed Connectivity: The HBA supports data transfer rates of up to 16Gbps, allowing for high-speed connectivity to storage devices on the network.
- Dual-Port Connectivity: The HBA has two ports, allowing for redundant connectivity to the network. This ensures that even if one port fails, the server can still access storage devices on the network through the other port.
- Low-Profile Design: The HBA has a low-profile design, making it suitable for use in servers with limited space.
- Easy Installation: The HBA can be easily installed on a server using a PCIE slot.
- Compatibility: The HBA is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and VMware.
Benefits
- Improved Performance: The high-speed connectivity of the HBA allows for faster data transfer rates between the server and storage devices on the network, improving overall system performance.
- Redundancy: The dual-port connectivity of the HBA ensures that even if one port fails, the server can still access storage devices on the network through the other port. This provides an added layer of redundancy and ensures high availability of data.
- Easy Installation: The HBA can be easily installed in a server using a PCIE slot, making it a simple and hassle-free connectivity solution.
- Compatibility: The HBA is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, making it a versatile solution for server connectivity.
General Information about this HP QW972A
- Manufacturer: HP
- Part Number or SKU# QW972A
- Product Type: Host Bus Adapter (HBA)
- Interface (Bus) Type: PCI Express x4
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
Finally, If you’re in search of a high-performance Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (HBA), the HP QW972A StoreFabric with 16 GBPS speed and dual ports is a standout choice. Designed for seamless integration with PCI Express 3.0 slots, this HBA ensures optimal data transfer within server environments.
The QW972A’s dual-channel auto-negotiation and compatibility with diverse HP ProLiant servers make it a versatile solution for modern data centers. With included brackets for various installations, short-wave laser technology, and multi-mode optic connectors, this HBA is engineered for reliability and flexibility.
Explore the advantages of the QW972A StoreFabric HBA in enhancing your server connectivity. Whether you’re upgrading your existing infrastructure or planning for new installations, this HBA brings a new level of speed and efficiency to your data transfer capabilities. Invest in high-performance connectivity with the HP QW972A StoreFabric 16 GBPS 2 Ports PCI Express Fibre Channel HBA.