E7Y42A HPE Brocade 8G LWL SFP+ Transceiver

Overview of HPE E7Y42A 8GB Long Wave SFP+ Transceiver 

The HPE E7Y42A Brocade XBR-000172 Long Wave SFP+ Transceiver is a high-performance optical networking module engineered to support enterprise-class Fibre Channel storage networking environments. Designed for reliable long-distance connectivity, this 8Gb Fibre Channel transceiver delivers exceptional data transmission speeds and stable network performance for storage area networks (SANs), data centers, and mission-critical business infrastructures. This plug-in transceiver module is optimized for long-wave optical communication, enabling organizations to extend Fibre Channel connections across significant distances while maintaining low latency and superior signal integrity.

General Information

• Manufacturer: HPE
• Part Number: E7Y42A
• Product Type: Transceiver Module

Technical Specifications

• Form Factor: Plug-In Module
• Packaged Quantity: 8 Units
• Connectivity Technology: Wired
• Cabling Type: Fibre Channel
• Data Link Protocol: 8Gb Fibre Channel (LW)
• Data Transfer Rate: Up to 8.5 Gbps
• Maximum Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)

Interface Details

• 1 x 8Gb Fibre Channel Long Wave Interface
• Optical Fiber Connectivity
• Enterprise Storage Networking Support
• High-Speed SAN Communication

The HPE E7Y42A Long Wave Length SFP+ Transceiver Details

The HPE E7Y42A Brocade 8G Fibre Channel Long Wave Length SFP+ Transceiver is designed to deliver dependable, high-performance optical connectivity for modern Storage Area Network environments. Organizations that rely on uninterrupted data access, rapid storage communications, and scalable infrastructure require transceiver modules that can maintain stable signal integrity over extended distances. This long-wave Fibre Channel transceiver provides the optical interface necessary to support enterprise-class SAN deployments where performance, reliability, and compatibility remain critical operational requirements.

As data centers continue to expand and storage architectures become increasingly distributed, optical transceivers play a significant role in maintaining seamless communication between storage arrays, Fibre Channel switches, directors, and host bus adapters. The HPE E7Y42A module enables organizations to support demanding workloads while preserving low latency and high throughput characteristics expected within mission-critical environments.

Advanced 8 Gigabit Ethernet Performance

As organizations migrate from traditional Gigabit Ethernet to 8 Gigabit Ethernet infrastructures, network administrators require components capable of supporting significantly higher throughput without compromising reliability. The HP SFP+ transceiver delivers a data transfer rate of 8Gbps, enabling rapid movement of data between servers, storage systems, switches, and routers.

This enhanced bandwidth capacity supports modern business applications that rely heavily on real-time data exchange. Virtualized server environments, cloud-hosted workloads, multimedia content distribution, database synchronization, and large-scale backup operations all benefit from the increased transmission speed offered by this optical module. The transceiver helps eliminate network bottlenecks while maintaining consistent performance under demanding workloads.

Optical Technology for Fibre Channel Networks

Enterprise storage networks require dedicated technologies capable of handling large volumes of transactional and application data. Fibre Channel remains one of the most trusted storage networking standards because of its ability to provide predictable performance and highly reliable transport mechanisms. The HPE E7Y42A Brocade 8G Fibre Channel Long Wave Length SFP+ Transceiver is engineered specifically to support these requirements.

The module utilizes long-wave optical transmission technology that enables communication across greater distances than short-wave alternatives. This capability is especially valuable for organizations operating multiple data halls, geographically separated equipment rooms, disaster recovery sites, or campus-wide storage infrastructures. By supporting extended optical links, the transceiver helps maintain consistent storage connectivity while reducing the limitations associated with shorter-distance networking components.

Multi-mode Fiber Connectivity

Multimode fiber remains one of the most widely deployed cabling technologies in enterprise and data center environments. The transceiver is specifically engineered to support multimode fiber networks, allowing businesses to maximize existing infrastructure investments while achieving higher network speeds.

The compatibility of the transceiver with multimode fiber cabling makes it suitable for connecting switches, routers, blade servers, storage systems, network appliances, and virtualization platforms. Its ability to support distances up to 300 meters provides flexibility for a wide range of deployment scenarios.

Optimized for High-Availability Storage

High availability remains a core objective within enterprise storage infrastructures. Downtime can negatively impact business continuity, operational efficiency, customer experience, and revenue generation. The HPE E7Y42A transceiver contributes to infrastructure resilience by providing dependable optical communication pathways between critical SAN components.

Storage administrators frequently deploy redundant fabrics to eliminate single points of failure. Within these architectures, transceivers serve as the physical interface responsible for transmitting and receiving optical signals. The reliability of each optical module directly affects the overall health of the storage network. The HPE E7Y42A is designed to support continuous operation in environments where uninterrupted access to storage resources is essential.

Long Wave Optical Transmission Advantages

Long-wave Fibre Channel transceivers offer significant advantages when compared with traditional short-range optical modules. The extended reach capabilities provide organizations with greater flexibility when designing storage infrastructures and planning future expansions.

Data center architects often face physical constraints when positioning storage arrays, backup systems, and switching equipment. Long-wave optics allow these components to be located farther apart while maintaining reliable Fibre Channel connectivity. This flexibility can simplify infrastructure planning and improve overall resource utilization within the facility.

Compatibility with Brocade Fibre Channel

Brocade Fibre Channel solutions have established a strong reputation within enterprise storage networking environments. Many organizations rely on Brocade switches and directors to support mission-critical workloads and storage traffic. The HPE E7Y42A Brocade 8G Fibre Channel Long Wave Length SFP+ Transceiver is developed to integrate seamlessly within compatible Brocade Fibre Channel infrastructures.

Compatibility plays a critical role in maintaining SAN stability and ensuring predictable performance. Administrators often prefer validated transceiver solutions that align with vendor specifications and interoperability requirements. Utilizing supported optical modules helps reduce deployment complexity and minimizes the potential for operational issues related to unsupported hardware components.

Enhanced Data Integrity Across Optical Links

Data integrity is one of the most important considerations in storage networking. Enterprise applications depend on accurate data transmission between servers, storage arrays, and backup systems. Even minor communication errors can affect application performance and storage operations.

The HPE E7Y42A Brocade 8G Fibre Channel Long Wave Length SFP+ Transceiver supports high-quality optical signaling designed to preserve data accuracy throughout the transmission process. Maintaining strong signal integrity becomes increasingly important as transmission distances increase and storage workloads become more demanding.

Flexible Network Expansion

Organizations can easily scale network infrastructures by adding additional transceivers as bandwidth requirements increase. The modular nature of SFP+ technology allows businesses to adapt their networks without replacing entire switches or routers.

Consistent Network Availability

Organizations require networking components capable of maintaining performance around the clock. The E7Y42A module supports continuous operation and helps ensure that critical infrastructure remains connected and accessible.