638528-001 HPE Virtual Connect Flex-10 10D Module for c-Class Blade System

Design and Architecture

The design of the HP Virtual Connect Flex-10 10D Module emphasizes streamlined integration into c-Class enclosures. With a compact and modular form factor, it installs directly into the blade chassis, eliminating the need for multiple network interface cards (NICs) and external switches. The architecture is built to handle intensive workloads by offering dual 10Gb connections with Flex-10 technology, which allows administrators to split physical 10Gb Ethernet ports into multiple logical NICs for more efficient bandwidth allocation.

Space Optimization

By consolidating I/O modules, the 638528-001 maximizes rack space and reduces clutter, enabling organizations to achieve higher density computing without sacrificing performance. This design supports a cleaner data center environment, minimizes energy consumption, and contributes to lower total cost of ownership (TCO).

High Availability

The module supports redundant configurations to ensure uninterrupted networking services. Paired modules can be deployed for failover protection, offering resilience against network downtime and ensuring continuous availability for mission-critical applications.

Features of HP Virtual Connect Flex-10 10D Module

• Supports HP c-Class BladeSystem enclosures with simplified I/O architecture.
• Virtual Connect technology reduces cables and streamlines connectivity management.
• Flex-10 capabilities allow up to four virtual NICs per physical 10Gb connection.
• Improved bandwidth allocation for diverse workloads and applications.
• Integrated network virtualization to support server mobility and provisioning.
• Redundant architecture for high availability and fault tolerance.
• Scalability to adapt to growing data center needs and dynamic workloads.

Performance and Bandwidth Management

One of the defining capabilities of the 638528-001 module is the use of Flex-10 technology. This innovation enables administrators to divide a single 10Gb Ethernet port into multiple virtual adapters, assigning bandwidth levels according to workload requirements. As a result, mission-critical applications can be allocated more bandwidth, while secondary workloads receive appropriate resources without overprovisioning.

Workload Optimization

With workload-specific bandwidth allocation, businesses can ensure smooth operations for database systems, virtualization clusters, and application servers. Flex-10 ensures optimized throughput and reduces network congestion across the blade environment.

Scalable Throughput

The dual 10Gb connections allow the module to scale to high-demand environments. As enterprise applications grow in complexity, the module ensures servers maintain consistent access to network resources without degradation in performance.

Management and Virtualization Capabilities

Management efficiency is a key advantage of deploying the HP Virtual Connect Flex-10 10D Module. Administrators can utilize a centralized interface to provision, configure, and monitor networking resources across the blade chassis. With embedded Virtual Connect Manager, routine tasks like profile management and server reassignments become streamlined.

Virtual Connect Manager

This embedded management tool provides a browser-based console for configuring server profiles, allocating MAC addresses, and managing SAN and LAN connections. It reduces reliance on traditional network teams by empowering server administrators with networking control at the enclosure level.

Server Mobility

By decoupling the server identity from physical hardware, the module enhances server mobility. IT teams can move workloads or replace hardware without complex network reconfiguration. This capability accelerates disaster recovery, hardware refreshes, and scaling operations in cloud or hybrid environments.

Compatibility with HP c-Class BladeSystem

The 638528-001 module is purpose-built for HP c-Class BladeSystem enclosures, offering seamless integration and interoperability. It is fully compatible with a wide range of ProLiant blade servers, ensuring enterprises can standardize on a unified networking architecture.

Supported Servers

Compatibility extends to multiple ProLiant G6, G7, and Gen8 blades, making the module an excellent choice for organizations running diverse workloads. The module ensures backward compatibility for existing infrastructure while also supporting forward-looking upgrades.

Enclosure Integration

As part of the HP BladeSystem ecosystem, the module works in conjunction with Onboard Administrator and other system management tools, delivering unified visibility and control. Integration is designed to be plug-and-play, minimizing setup times and reducing IT overhead.

Benefits for Enterprise IT

Deploying the HP Virtual Connect Flex-10 10D Module offers a wide range of business and technical benefits for enterprise IT operations.

• Reduced Complexity: Eliminates the need for external switches and multiple NICs, lowering cabling costs and reducing points of failure.
• Agility: Simplifies server provisioning and workload mobility to support fast-changing business needs.
• Scalability: Supports large enterprise growth through flexible bandwidth management and virtualization capabilities.
• Cost Savings: Cuts down on hardware, cabling, and management overheads, leading to improved ROI.
• Resilience: Provides high availability configurations with redundancy options.

Use Cases

The 638528-001 HP Virtual Connect Flex-10 10D Module is versatile and supports multiple enterprise scenarios.

Data Center Consolidation

Organizations seeking to consolidate infrastructure benefit from the simplified architecture, reducing the number of required interconnects and optimizing rack space utilization.

Cloud Deployments

With network virtualization and server profile management, the module is ideal for private cloud and hybrid cloud deployments where scalability and flexibility are essential.

High-Performance Applications

Applications demanding consistent, high-speed connectivity, such as virtualization clusters, database servers, and analytics platforms, thrive on the bandwidth management capabilities of Flex-10.

Disaster Recovery

The ability to reassign server profiles and move workloads without re-cabling accelerates disaster recovery processes and ensures business continuity in critical scenarios.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Modern data centers must balance performance with energy efficiency. The HP Virtual Connect Flex-10 10D Module contributes to sustainability goals by reducing the number of physical network adapters and switches required. Fewer devices translate into reduced power consumption, lower cooling demands, and decreased carbon footprint, aligning IT operations with corporate sustainability initiatives.

Future-Proof Networking

The 638528-001 module is designed to meet current enterprise needs while preparing organizations for the future. With virtualization-ready features, bandwidth flexibility, and compatibility with evolving blade generations, it ensures long-term value and adaptability in rapidly changing IT landscapes.