649996-001 HPE 3Par V400 4GBIT DC4K Module Fcal

HPE 649996-001 3PAR V400 4Gbit DC4K FCAL Module Overview

The HPE 649996-001 3PAR V400 4Gbit DC4K FCAL Module is a high-performance Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop (FCAL) expansion component designed for enterprise-class storage environments. Built by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), this module enhances backend connectivity, improves disk scalability, and ensures stable high-speed data communication within HPE 3PAR storage systems.

General Information

• Manufacturer: HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise)
• Part Number: 649996-001
• Product Type: Storage Interface Expansion Module
• System Category: Enterprise SAN Storage Component

Technical Specifications

• Device Type: Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop (FCAL) Expansion Module
• Interface Subtype: Fibre Channel Controller
• Architecture: Backend loop communication system

Performance Specifications

• Data Transfer Rate: 4 Gbps per link
• Bandwidth Capacity: 4000 Mbps line speed
• Performance Type: High-speed SAN communication module

HPE 3PAR V400 DC4K FCAL Module

• Up to 4000 Mbps bandwidth per
• Optimized for enterprise storage workloads
• Low-latency Fibre Channel connectivity

Scalable Backend

• Enables large-scale disk expansion
• Slide-mount installation design

• Enterprise-grade build quality
• Secure enclosure connectivity

Physical Design & Form Factor

• Form Factor: Proprietary DC4K slot plugin

• Installation Type: Slide-in module for storage enclosure backplane

Built-in Management Interface

• RS-232 serial management support
• RJ-45 style signaling interface
• Hardware-level monitoring capabilities

Compatibility

• HPE 3PAR P10000 Storage Arrays
• HPE 3PAR V-Class Systems (V400, V800)
• HPE 3PAR T-Class Systems (T400, T800)

Drive Enclosure Compatibility

• HPE 3PAR DC4 40-disk drive expansion enclosure
• Backplane slot integration support
• High-density SAN storage expansion systems

Fibre Channel Optical Support

• Multi-mode fiber support
• SFP-based optical connectivity
• High-speed SAN data transmission

Fiber Cabling Infrastructure

• LC-LC fiber optic patch cables
• Enterprise SAN network cabling
• Low-loss optical transmission paths

Enterprise Storage Efficiency

• Improved data throughput in SAN environments
• Reduced latency for storage operations
• Enhanced scalability for large datasets

Reliable High-Availability Design

• High-availability storage architecture
• Stable backend loop communication
• Reduced risk of system downtime

Summary of Advantages

• 4Gbps Fibre Channel high-speed performance
• Scalable FCAL backend storage architecture
• Compatible with multiple HPE 3PAR systems
• Supports DC4 40-disk expansion enclosures
• Reliable enterprise SAN connectivity module
• Optimized for mission-critical storage environments

HPE 649996-001 3PAR V400 4GBIT DC4K Module FCAL

The HPE 649996-001 3PAR V400 4Gbit DC4K Module FCAL is a specialized storage networking component designed for integration within Hewlett Packard Enterprise 3PAR V400 storage arrays. This module plays a critical role in enabling high-speed Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop (FCAL) connectivity, providing robust and reliable data transfer capabilities across Storage Area Network (SAN) infrastructures. Engineered for enterprise environments, it ensures that mission-critical workloads can access block-level storage resources with consistent performance, low latency, and predictable throughput behavior.

As modern data centers continue to evolve toward highly virtualized and data-intensive architectures, the importance of stable SAN connectivity modules like the HPE 3PAR DC4K FCAL becomes increasingly significant. This module supports 4 Gbit Fibre Channel speeds, offering a balanced combination of legacy compatibility and enterprise-grade performance for organizations maintaining mixed-generation storage environments.

Role of DC4K FCAL Module in HPE 3PAR Architecture

Within the HPE 3PAR V400 storage ecosystem, the DC4K FCAL module functions as a key interface between storage controllers and SAN fabric switches. It enables the array to communicate efficiently with host servers through Fibre Channel protocols, ensuring that block storage traffic is delivered reliably across the network. The modular design allows for flexible expansion and maintenance, enabling data center administrators to scale storage networking capabilities based on workload demand.

This module is particularly important in environments where predictable latency and deterministic performance are required. By utilizing Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop technology, the system maintains structured communication pathways that reduce congestion and improve overall storage efficiency.

Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop

The Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop (FCAL) architecture is a foundational technology used in storage networking to provide shared access to storage devices over a circular communication topology. In the context of the HPE 649996-001 module, FCAL enables multiple nodes within a SAN to communicate over a shared loop while maintaining controlled access through arbitration mechanisms.

This approach ensures that data collisions are avoided and that each connected device receives fair access to the communication channel. The 4 Gbit speed capability of the module allows it to handle significant data throughput while maintaining stability across multi-device storage environments.

4 Gbit Fibre Channel Performance 

The 4 Gbit Fibre Channel interface provides a stable and efficient data transfer rate suitable for enterprise storage systems that require consistent performance without transitioning to higher-cost modern standards. The HPE 3PAR DC4K module ensures compatibility with existing SAN infrastructures, allowing organizations to extend the lifecycle of their storage systems while maintaining operational efficiency.

This level of bandwidth is particularly effective in environments where workloads are predictable and require sustained throughput rather than burst-heavy data transfers. It also supports backward compatibility with earlier Fibre Channel implementations, making it suitable for hybrid SAN deployments.

HPE 3PAR V400 Storage

The HPE 649996-001 DC4K FCAL module is engineered specifically for integration with HPE 3PAR V400 storage arrays. Its hardware and firmware alignment ensures seamless communication between storage controllers and SAN fabrics. This tight integration minimizes compatibility issues and enhances system stability in enterprise deployments.

Within the 3PAR architecture, the module supports efficient block storage operations, enabling applications and virtual machines to access data with minimal latency. This is essential for organizations running high-availability workloads that depend on consistent storage responsiveness.

Multi-Path Storage Network Support

The module supports multi-path storage configurations, allowing data to travel through multiple redundant SAN routes. This ensures that if one path becomes unavailable due to hardware failure or maintenance, alternative routes maintain uninterrupted access to storage resources. This redundancy is a key requirement in enterprise environments where downtime is not acceptable.

By distributing storage traffic across multiple paths, the system also improves load balancing, reducing bottlenecks and ensuring optimal performance across all connected hosts.

Enterprise Storage Performance Optimization

One of the primary advantages of the HPE 3PAR V400 DC4K FCAL module is its ability to deliver low-latency access to block storage resources. This is achieved through optimized data processing pipelines that reduce overhead in command execution and data transfer operations.

In enterprise workloads such as databases, virtualization platforms, and transactional systems, low latency is essential for maintaining application performance. The module ensures that read and write operations are processed efficiently, reducing delays and improving responsiveness.

Virtualization and Cloud Infrastructure Support

In virtualized environments, shared storage is essential for enabling features such as live migration, high availability, and distributed resource management. The HPE 3PAR V400 FCAL module provides the reliable connectivity required to support these functions by ensuring consistent access to shared storage volumes.

Virtual machines rely heavily on stable storage performance, and any disruption in SAN connectivity can lead to application downtime. The FCAL module minimizes this risk by providing redundant and stable communication paths.

Data Integrity, Reliability, and Fault Tolerance Engineering

Data integrity is a core requirement in enterprise storage systems, and the HPE DC4K FCAL module incorporates advanced error detection and handling mechanisms to ensure reliable data transmission. These mechanisms help detect transmission errors and initiate recovery processes to prevent data corruption.

This ensures that critical business data remains consistent and accurate, even in high-traffic storage environments where multiple hosts are accessing the system simultaneously.

Enterprise Virtualization Platforms

Virtualization platforms depend heavily on shared storage systems to support features such as clustering, migration, and failover. The FCAL module ensures that storage connectivity remains stable and responsive, even under heavy virtual machine workloads.