HPE StoreFabric C-Series 16 Gb Fibre Channel SW SFP+ Transceiver

Designed for data networking and optical networking environments, the HPE StoreFabric C-Series 16 Gb Fibre Channel SW SFP+ Transceiver delivers fast, dependable connectivity for Fibre Channel SANs. This compact, hot-swappable module fits standard SFP+ slots and supports 16 Gb/s Fibre Channel performance, enabling high-throughput data transfers, low latency, and robust reliability in modern data centers. Whether you’re expanding your SAN, upgrading to 16 Gb FC, or deploying a virtualized storage environment, this transceiver provides the essential link between servers and storage with precise optical performance and efficiency. Engineered to maximise uptime and minimise complexity, it blends HPE reliability with broad compatibility to support your most demanding storage workloads and data-intensive applications.

• Unmatched 16 Gb/s Fibre Channel performance: This SFP+ transceiver is purpose-built to deliver 16 gigabits per second of Fibre Channel throughput, helping SANs achieve higher IOPS, faster backups, and smoother multimedia and database replication. With optimized encoding efficiency and low bit-error rates, you’ll experience consistent, dependable data transfer even under peak workloads. It’s ideal for virtualization environments, large-scale backups, and mission-critical storage arrays where every millisecond of latency matters. By supplying the bandwidth needed for modern storage fabrics, this transceiver supports scalable growth without compromising performance.
• Seamless interoperability and broad compatibility: The HPE StoreFabric C-Series SFP+ transceiver adheres to industry standards for Fibre Channel and SFP+ modules, enabling straightforward integration with HPE StoreFabric switches and a wide range of SAN devices. It’s designed to work in heterogeneous environments, delivering reliable connectivity across diverse storage arrays, servers, and network fabric components. Whether your data center relies on HPE infrastructure or a mixed-vendor ecosystem, this transceiver helps you maintain consistent connection quality and predictable performance.
• Robust reliability for data centers: Engineered for continuous operation in demanding environments, the transceiver features a sturdy housing and precision optical alignment to minimise insertion loss and maximize link stability. Its build quality supports extended service life in rack-dense data centers, with resilience against ambient conditions and routine handling. By delivering dependable signal integrity, it reduces retransmissions and helps maintain steady storage throughput during peak business hours.
• Easy deployment and plug-and-play management: As a standard SFP+ module, installation is straightforward—simply insert it into an available SFP+ port in a compatible switch or storage controller, connect the fiber optic link, and power up. No complex driver installation is required for basic operation, and many modern switches automatically detect the transceiver and configure essential parameters. This simplicity accelerates upgrades and expansions, reduces downtime, and enables quicker time-to-value for new SAN deployments or capacity refresh cycles.
• Cost efficiency and lifecycle support: By enabling high-speed 16 Gb FC connectivity in a compact, standardized form factor, this transceiver helps optimize SAN bandwidth without overhauling your entire fabric. Its long-term availability, compatibility with HPE StoreFabric C-Series ecosystems, and broad market support contribute to lower total cost of ownership. With reliable performance and a track record of compatibility across enterprise storage environments, it’s a cost-effective choice for future-proofing your data center’s Fibre Channel fabric.

Technical Details of HPE StoreFabric C-Series 16 Gb Fibre Channel SW SFP+ Transceiver

• Product type: SFP+ transceiver for Fibre Channel networks
• Interface: 1 x Fibre Channel network
• Data rate: 16 Gb/s Fibre Channel
• Form factor: SFP+
• Connector: LC duplex
• Optical fiber type: Optical fiber SFP+ module designed for Fibre Channel applications
• Compatibility: Designed for HPE StoreFabric C-Series and compatible Fibre Channel SAN environments
• Hot-swappable: Yes, in standard SFP+ slots
• Standards: Compliant with Fibre Channel SFP+ specifications and industry interoperability expectations

How to install HPE StoreFabric C-Series 16 Gb Fibre Channel SW SFP+ Transceiver

Follow these straightforward steps to install the transceiver quickly and safely:

• Power down the device only if required by your hardware policy; in many cases, SFP+ modules are hot-swappable, but always consult your equipment’s maintenance guidelines.
• Identify an available SFP+ port on your switch, router, or storage controller that supports Fibre Channel modules.
• Orient the transceiver correctly with the module’s top facing up and the label readable. Align it with the slot and insert firmly until the latch engages and the module is seated.
• Connect the optical fiber cable to the transceiver’s LC duplex connectors, ensuring the correct polarity and fiber type (MMF or SMF) per your network design. Use a high-quality patch cord and verify clean, undamaged connectors.
• Power on the device (if powered down) and verify link activity. Check the status LEDs on the transceiver and the switch to confirm a stable connection. If applicable, run fabric or zoning checks on your SAN to ensure the new link is recognized and properly integrated.
• Document the installation for future reference and monitor performance. If you experience issues, verify compatibility, check for firmware or software updates on the host and switch, and consult your storage administrator for zoning and masking configurations.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the HPE StoreFabric C-Series 16 Gb Fibre Channel SW SFP+ Transceiver? It is a standard SFP+ optical transceiver designed for 16 Gb/s Fibre Channel SAN environments, enabling high-speed connectivity between servers and storage devices within data centers and SAN fabrics.
• Is this transceiver hot-swappable? Yes. It is intended for hot-swapping in compatible SFP+ ports on Fibre Channel switches and storage controllers, allowing fault-tolerant upgrades with minimal downtime.
• What cable type and connector does it use? It uses LC duplex optical connectors and is compatible with Fibre Channel optical fiber links. The exact fiber type (MMF/SMF) and link length depend on your SAN topology and the specific installation requirements.
• Will this transceiver work with non-HPE equipment? It is designed to meet industry standards for SFP+ Fibre Channel modules and should operate in many compatible SAN environments. Always verify vendor compatibility and recommended use with your switch or storage vendor.
• What should I consider for installation and maintenance? Ensure the transceiver is supported by your hardware, confirm firmware/driver compatibility when applicable, and follow proper clean-fiber handling procedures. Regularly inspect connectors, monitor link status, and keep spare transceivers on hand for quick replacements to minimize downtime.