691369-001 HPE Virtual Connect FlexFabric 20/40 F8 Module

HPE 691369-001 FlexFabric-20/40 F8 Module Overview

The HPE 691369-001 BLc VC FlexFabric-20/40 F8 Module is a high-performance switching module designed for blade chassis and converged server environments. Built by HPE, this compact network interface module provides 20/40 Gbps FlexFabric connectivity, delivering low-latency, high-throughput data paths for virtualization, storage traffic, and cloud-ready infrastructures. Ideal for data centers, enterprise campuses, and service providers, the module is a reliable expansion option for blade systems that require scalable, multi-protocol switching.

Brand and Part Identification

Brand: HPE
Part Number: 691369-001
Product Type: Switch Module / Networking Adapter / Blade Network Module

Key Features and Advantages

The 691369-001 FlexFabric module combines flexible port speeds with advanced traffic management to support demanding workloads. Below are the primary features and advantages that make this module a solid choice for modern networks:

• High bandwidth: Supports 20/40 Gbps lanes enabling rapid east-west traffic flow in virtualized environments.
• FlexFabric capability: Multi-protocol support for converged networking (Ethernet, FCoE, iSCSI) to reduce adapter count and simplify cabling.
• Low latency: Optimized for performance-sensitive applications and clustered workloads.
• Scalability: Modular design allows you to expand port density as your infrastructure grows.
• Energy efficient: Engineered for improved power profiles compared to older generation adapters.
• Vendor compatibility: Designed for integration with HPE blade enclosures and supported HPE switches for seamless end-to-end management.

Technical Specifications (At-a-glance)

• Form Factor: Blade switch / mezzanine switch module
• Ports: 20/40 Gbps lanes (FlexFabric ports)
• Protocols: Ethernet, FCoE, iSCSI, Converged Fabric
• Use Case: Server-to-switch connectivity, converged infrastructure, virtualization
• Compatibility: HPE blade chassis and supported Virtual Connect environments
• Part Number: 691369-001

Ideal Use Cases

This FlexFabric module is especially effective in environments that demand consolidated networking and optimized resource utilization. Typical deployments include:

• Virtualized server farms and hyperconverged clusters
• Enterprise data centers implementing converged I/O
• Storage networks using FCoE or iSCSI alongside regular Ethernet traffic
• Service provider environments requiring predictable performance and high port density

Performance and Optimization Tips

• Use flow-control and QoS settings on connected switches to prioritize latency-sensitive workloads.
• Aggregate links where appropriate to increase throughput and provide redundancy.
• Ensure firmware and device drivers are up to date to gain the latest performance enhancements and protocol fixes.
• Partition traffic (VLANs / VSANs) to isolate storage and management traffic from normal Ethernet data streams.

Keywords & Semantic Variations

To improve search discoverability, this product content uses relevant keyword variations and synonyms such as:

• HPE FlexFabric module
• 691369-001 blade switch
• 20/40Gbps network adapter
• converged fabric interface
• blade chassis expansion module
• HPE network mezzanine card

HPE 691369-001 BLc VC FlexFabric

The HPE 691369-001 BLc VC FlexFabric-20/40 F8 Module is a high-performance network adapter module designed for HPE blade systems and converged infrastructure platforms. This category description focuses on the module itself as well as the broader family of FlexFabric I/O modules, related mezzanine cards, and compatible Virtual Connect fabrics. Buyers, system integrators, and IT administrators will find detailed technical information, deployment guidance, compatibility notes, and procurement best practices in this continuous category page description.

Positioning within HPE Server Ecosystems

The BLc VC FlexFabric-20/40 F8 Module sits within the HPE BladeSystem and Synergy lineups as a mezzanine-style, hot-pluggable I/O option intended to consolidate multiple network functions into a single physical adapter. It is optimized for environments that require flexible bandwidth allocation, converged Ethernet fabrics, and virtualization-friendly offloads. The module is often grouped with:

• HPE Virtual Connect modules and enclosures
• FlexFabric adapters and Virtual Connect Flex-10/20/40 families
• Ethernet and converged network interface controllers (CNAs)
• Compatible server blades (ProLiant BL-series, Synergy Composer-managed systems)

Key Technical Capabilities

Flexible Bandwidth and Port Partitioning

One of the defining features of the FlexFabric family is the ability to logically partition physical ports into multiple flexible NICs (fNICs) or virtual functions. The BLc VC FlexFabric-20/40 F8 Module typically allows the creation of multiple independent network functions and the dynamic allocation of bandwidth among those functions—ideal for multi-tenant, multi-tier application stacks and virtualized infrastructures.

High Throughput and Low Latency

Engineered to deliver 10Gb/20Gb and aggregated 40Gb capacity depending on manufacturer configuration and host backplane support, the module reduces latency and maximizes throughput for east-west traffic inside the data center. It is commonly used where low-latency inter-VM and inter-blade communications are critical.

Convergence and Protocol Offloads

The module supports converged Ethernet operation—consolidating LAN and SAN traffic—through protocol offloads and iSCSI/FCoE-ready features (where supported). Offloading tasks to the adapter decreases CPU utilization on the host and increases overall application efficiency.

Common Use Cases and Workloads

HPE FlexFabric modules address a range of enterprise workloads:

• Virtualized servers and VDI: Fine-grained bandwidth controls and support for virtual functions make the module suitable for dense virtualization environments.
• Converged infrastructure: Combine LAN and storage traffic on a single fabric to simplify cabling and switching topologies.
• High-availability clusters: Low-latency links and redundant pathing support cluster communication and live migration tasks.
• Data analytics and HPC: Aggregated bandwidth supports data-intensive operations and inter-node communication.

Hardware and Physical Characteristics

Form Factor and Interface

As a blade mezzanine module, the BLc VC FlexFabric-20/40 F8 conforms to the mechanical and electrical specifications used by HPE blade chassis. It interfaces with the server blade via the blade backplane and maps to external fabrics through the chassis interconnect modules (Virtual Connect modules or FlexFabric interconnects).

Port Layout and Connector Types

Typical port configurations include multiple 10Gb/20Gb/40Gb lanes aggregated into external QSFP or SFP+ style connections depending on the module revision. When assessing a purchase, confirm whether the module exposes:

• QSFP+ or QSFP28 ports (for 40Gb or greater)
• SFP+ ports (10Gb) that can be grouped logically
• Onboard LEDs indicating link/activity

Thermal and Power Considerations

Blade modules draw power from the host blade and contribute to the chassis thermal load. Administrators should verify that the blade chassis has adequate power and cooling capacity when installing FlexFabric modules alongside high-density processors or GPUs.

Security, Segmentation, and Compliance

Network Isolation and Microsegmentation

Use VLANs, private VLANs, and microsegmentation techniques (firewall rules, host-based security) to isolate sensitive workloads. FlexFabric modules facilitate logical separation on physical hardware, which can be combined with software-defined networking policies for defense-in-depth.

Secure Boot and Firmware Integrity

Keep firmware updated and validate integrity using vendor-supplied tools. For compliance-focused deployments, maintain a firmware baseline and change-control records to satisfy audit requirements.

Procurement, Part Numbers, and Variants

Understanding the Part Number: 691369-001

The specific part number (691369-001) identifies the BLc VC FlexFabric-20/40 F8 Module SKU with particular hardware, firmware baseline, or accessory combination. When sourcing:

• Confirm that the SKU corresponds to the required port count and physical connector type.
• Check for any country- or region-specific regulatory markings or power/thermal variations.
• Compare new, refurbished, and third-party refurbished units against warranty and support requirements.

Related SKUs and Upgrade Paths

Adjacent SKUs may provide different speed capabilities, additional offload features, or newer silicon. When upgrading, evaluate the following:

• Whether the chassis backplane and Virtual Connect modules support the higher-speed SKU.
• If firmware or ROM updates are required on the server blades.
• Potential licensing requirements for advanced management features.

Comparisons and Alternatives

Comparing FlexFabric to Traditional NICs and CNAs

FlexFabric modules differ from standard NICs and conventional converged network adapters (CNAs) in their tight integration with Virtual Connect and blade chassis management. Advantages include:

• Profile-based port management and consistent provisioning.
• Dynamic bandwidth allocation without physical re-cabling.
• Better lifecycle alignment with HPE management tools.

Traditional NICs may be more portable between rack servers, while FlexFabric modules are chassis-optimized.

Alternative Products to Evaluate

Consider alternative adapters and interconnects based on these priorities:

• For higher raw speed: newer 25Gb/40Gb/100Gb FlexFabric or Ethernet adapters.
• For simpler environments: standard SFP+/10Gb NICs or PCIe-based adapters in rack servers.
• For software-defined overlays: adapters certified for VXLAN/NVGRE or VTEP offloads.