855073-001 HPE B-Series 32GB 32GBase-SW Multi-Mode Fibre Transceiver

Key Details of HPE 855073-001 B-Series 32GB 32GBase-SW SFP28 Transceiver

The HPE 855073-001 B-Series 32GB 32GBase-SW Multi-Mode Fibre SFP28 transceiver module is a dependable networking component engineered for fast and secure data transmission. Designed with advanced optical technology, it ensures exceptional reliability across enterprise-grade switching environments.

Essential Product Information

• Manufacturer: HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise)
• Part Number (SKU): 855073-001
• Series: B-Series
• Device Type: Transceiver / Switching Module

Performance and Technical Specifications

Built to support high-bandwidth applications, this optical module delivers reliable performance in demanding networking systems. Its efficiency helps organizations enhance scalability while maintaining consistent throughput.

Data Transmission & Connectivity

• Maximum Data Transfer Rate: 40 Gb/s
• Supported Standard: Gigabit Ethernet
• Fiber Type: Multi-Mode
• Optical Wavelength: 850nm
• Interface: LC Connector, 32GBase-SW Network SFP+
• Expansion Slot Compatibility: SFP28

Platform & Usage

• Operating System Support: PC platforms
• Primary Application: Switching network environments
• Quality of Service (QoS): Supported

Environmental and Compliance Features

The HPE 855073-001 module aligns with eco-friendly initiatives and global standards, ensuring safe deployment in sustainable IT infrastructures.

Certifications & Green Standards

• RoHS Compliant
• WEEE Directive Approved
• REACH Certified
• Eco-Friendly: Yes
• Assembly Requirement: Yes

HPE 855073-001 B-Series 32GB SFP28 Transceiver Module

The HPE 855073-001 B-Series 32GB 32GBase-SW Multi-Mode Fibre 850nm LC Connector SFP28 transceiver module represents a high-performance, hot-pluggable optical interface designed for modern data center fabrics, SAN (Storage Area Network) infrastructures, and high-speed networking equipment. This category encompasses SFP28-class optics optimized for 32G Fibre Channel and 32GBase-SW applications, focusing on short-range multi-mode fibre (MMF) connectivity using an 850nm VCSEL light source and a duplex LC connector. Customers searching within this category expect compatibility with HPE and HPE-certified switching, routing, and storage hardware, along with strong interoperability across major OEMs in mixed-vendor environments. The category therefore highlights reliability, low latency, backwards compatibility with SFP+ ports in certain cases, and the thermal and signal integrity required by enterprise SAN fabrics.

Key Technical Identity and Typical Use Cases

At the core of this category is the 32GBase-SW standard implemented in an SFP28 form factor. The HPE 855073-001 module is engineered for short-wave multi-mode fibre runs commonly found in data center topologies: server-to-switch links within a rack, switch-to-switch aggregation inside a row, and SAN top-of-rack fabrics connecting Fibre Channel directors and host bus adapters (HBAs). Use cases include high-throughput storage clusters, virtualization hosts with heavy I/O, backup and replication networks requiring predictable latency, and converged infrastructure deployments where Fibre Channel and Ethernet optics co-exist. The category therefore appeals to network architects, storage administrators, and procurement teams who require enterprise-grade optics that deliver repeatable performance and predictable Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF).

Form Factor, Interface and Physical Characteristics

Modules in this category adopt the SFP28 mechanical standard, which is physically similar to SFP and SFP+ but rated for the higher electrical speed and thermal dissipation associated with 25Gbps/28Gbps-class optics. For 32G Fibre Channel applications using 32GBase-SW, the SFP28 form factor houses the VCSEL driver, receiver transimpedance amplifier (TIA), laser and photodiode assemblies, and a small printed circuit board with digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM) capability. The duplex LC connector supports multi-mode fibre patching practices common in modern patch panels and MPO-to-LC breakout designs. Structural robustness, secure latch mechanisms, and compatibility with hot-swap slots are essential to avoid accidental disconnects and to simplify field replacement during maintenance windows.

Power, Temperature, and Environmental Considerations

HPE-class optics in this category are specified to operate within strict power and temperature envelopes to maintain signal integrity and device longevity. Typical power consumption profiles for 32G SFP28 transceivers are engineered to be low enough to accommodate dense port counts on modern switches while providing the optical power necessary for short-reach MMF links. Thermal management is a critical selection criterion: data center racks with high port density can create thermal hotspots, and optics designed for efficient heat dissipation help maintain link stability. The product category notes compliance with common environmental standards such as RoHS and relevant EMC regulations; this ensures consistent operation in enterprise rack environments.

Performance Characteristics and Link Behavior

Performance expectations for the HPE 855073-001 and its category peers center on consistent 32G Fibre Channel link rates, minimal bit error rates (BER), and robust diagnostics. The module supports 32GBase-SW signalling over OM3/OM4 multi-mode fibre for typical short-range distances—exact reach varies with fibre grade and channel loss but commonly covers intra-rack and intra-row runs. The transceiver implements features to ensure low optical jitter and stable rise/fall times, which are crucial for Fibre Channel’s stringent timing and frame integrity. In SANs, predictable latency and low frame loss are essential for maintaining application-level SLAs, particularly for latency-sensitive storage workloads like databases and virtualization platforms.

Digital Diagnostics and Management

Most data center-grade SFP28 transceivers supporting 32G Fibre Channel include digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM), enabling real-time health information such as optical transmit power, receive power, laser bias current, temperature, and supply voltage. This category emphasizes availability of SFF-8472 style diagnostics or equivalent management support so that networking and storage teams can proactively monitor link health, detect pre-failure conditions, and expedite fault isolation. Integrating these diagnostics with network management systems and SNMP-based monitoring suites is common practice, and the category content explains how telemetry can be leveraged for predictive maintenance and capacity planning.

Compatibility and Interoperability Considerations

Compatibility is a frequent concern for procurement teams: the HPE 855073-001 belongs to an HPE-validated optoelectronic ecosystem, but many environments are mixed-vendor. The category therefore addresses interoperability across leading Fibre Channel switches, directors, host bus adapters, and converged network adapters from vendors such as Brocade (now part of Broadcom), Cisco, and various server OEMs. It explains how vendor acceptance lists and firmware revisions affect compatibility and why certified or OEM-branded modules are sometimes favored by larger enterprises for predictable vendor support. Where third-party optics are used, attention to firmware, EEPROM identification, and link negotiation quirks is important to avoid forced downshifts or port errors during link initialization.

Backward and Forward Compatibility

While the SFP28 mechanical form factor supports higher speed optical PHYs, note that not all switches will automatically accept 32G Fibre Channel optics in every online scenario. This section of the category clarifies that while many modern HPE switches and storage directors support SFP28 32G transceivers natively, administrators should confirm hardware release notes and compatibility matrices before deploying new transceivers into older chassis. Conversely, the SFP28 chassis often supports future optics upgrades, providing an investment-protected platform for growing throughput demands. The text also covers how auto-negotiation or manual configuration may be used when mixing different generations of optics and ports.

Buyer Guidance: Selecting the Right 32G SFP28 Transceiver

Choosing an HPE 855073-001 or equivalent module requires balancing technical requirements, budget, vendor policies, and total cost of ownership. The category guidance walks buyers through assessing link distance, fibre type, port compatibility, vendor interoperability, and support preferences. For mission-critical SAN links, buyers often choose OEM-branded optics to guarantee vendor-supported replacements and reduce the time required for troubleshooting vendor interactions. For more price-sensitive or testbed environments, validated third-party modules that meet HPE compatibility lists can provide cost savings. The content explains how to evaluate vendor datasheets, third-party compatibility reports, and warranty terms when making procurement choices.

Stocking Strategy and Inventory Recommendations

Data center operators need a clear stocking strategy: maintain a small pool of spares per data hall or rack row, record serial numbers and installation dates for lifecycle tracking, and align spares with the most common link types (e.g., LC duplex on OM3 for short-range Fibre Channel). The category emphasizes that keeping a documented spare pool reduces MTTR and helps teams meet internal service-level objectives. It also covers serial number traceability for warranty RMA claims and the importance of segregating spares by optical type to avoid accidental deployment of mismatched modules during emergency replacement.

Cost Considerations and Total Cost of Ownership

While per-unit price of SFP28 modules is a clear procurement metric, the category explains how to calculate total cost of ownership including logistics, warranty, support, replacement risk, and potential interoperability-induced downtime. For example, a slightly higher priced OEM-branded module may reduce support time and speed RMA resolution, paying off over several years. Conversely, bulk purchases of compatible third-party modules can reduce procurement expenses for less critical links. The guidance includes evaluation of vendor discounts, lifecycle replacement schedules, and potential trade-in programs that affect long-term costs.