Q2F21-63001 HPE SN2700M 100GbE 32 Ports Switch

HPE Q2F21-63001 SN2700M 32 Ports 1U Switch Overview

The HPE Q2F21-63001 StoreFabric SN2700M 32 x QSFP28 Ports 1U Rack-Mountable Power To Connector Airflow Switch is engineered to deliver ultra-low latency, high-throughput, and scalable performance for modern data center networking environments. As part of the HPE StoreFabric portfolio, this high-density Ethernet switch is purpose-built for software-defined data centers, hyperconverged infrastructure, high-performance computing clusters, and large-scale enterprise cloud deployments. Designed in a compact 1U form factor, it provides exceptional port density, flexible airflow design, and high-speed connectivity through 32 QSFP28 ports supporting 100GbE, making it a powerful core or leaf switch in spine-leaf architectures.

High-Performance 100GbE Connectivity

Optimized for High-Bandwidth Workloads

Equipped with 32 QSFP28 ports, this StoreFabric SN2700M switch supports 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity across all ports. This configuration allows organizations to handle bandwidth-intensive workloads such as virtualization clusters, distributed storage platforms, artificial intelligence processing, and big data analytics. Each QSFP28 interface delivers consistent line-rate performance, enabling predictable throughput across east-west and north-south traffic flows in enterprise and cloud data centers.

Flexible Port Configuration Options

The QSFP28 ports can be configured for multiple speed options depending on the transceiver and breakout cable used. This flexibility enables network architects to design scalable and cost-efficient infrastructures. Administrators can deploy native 100GbE uplinks or break out ports into multiple 25GbE connections for server access, providing adaptable connectivity options for diverse deployment requirements.

Support for Modern Ethernet Standards

The SN2700M supports industry-standard Ethernet protocols and integrates seamlessly into existing IP-based network environments. It ensures compatibility with data center networking standards, offering interoperability with a wide range of optics, DAC cables, and fiber infrastructure.

Ultra-Low Latency Architecture for Mission-Critical Environments

Cut-Through Switching Technology

One of the defining characteristics of the HPE StoreFabric SN2700M switch is its ultra-low latency architecture. Designed for performance-sensitive applications, it leverages advanced switching silicon capable of cut-through packet forwarding. This significantly reduces packet processing delay, ensuring near real-time communication between compute nodes and storage arrays.

High Switching Capacity and Throughput

The switching capacity of this 1U rack-mountable switch is engineered to handle multi-terabit traffic loads. With all 32 ports operating at full 100GbE speeds, the aggregate bandwidth supports high-density server farms and large-scale cloud environments. The robust forwarding rate ensures minimal packet loss and consistent network performance even under peak loads.

Consistent Performance for East-West Traffic

Modern data centers rely heavily on east-west traffic between servers. The SN2700M is optimized for these traffic patterns, providing reliable and deterministic latency to maintain application responsiveness across distributed environments.

1U Rack-Mountable Form Factor for Data Center Efficiency

Compact and Space-Saving Design

The 1U rack-mountable chassis maximizes data center space utilization. By delivering 32 high-speed QSFP28 ports in a single rack unit, the switch enables dense network aggregation without increasing physical footprint. This is particularly valuable for colocation facilities, enterprise data centers, and hyperscale deployments where rack space optimization is critical.

Front-to-Back Power To Connector Airflow Configuration

The Power To Connector airflow design supports efficient thermal management within hot aisle and cold aisle data center layouts. This airflow direction ensures that cool air enters from the power supply side and exits toward the port side, aligning with common rack cooling strategies and helping maintain optimal operating temperatures.

Redundant Power Supplies and Cooling Modules

Enterprise-grade reliability is reinforced through redundant, hot-swappable power supplies and fan modules. This design ensures continuous operation and minimizes downtime during maintenance or component replacement.

StoreFabric Networking for Modern Enterprise and Cloud

Integration with HPE StoreFabric Ecosystem

As a member of the HPE StoreFabric family, the SN2700M switch integrates seamlessly with HPE storage, compute, and networking solutions. It supports high-speed interconnects for hyperconverged infrastructure and distributed storage platforms, making it ideal for scalable data center architectures.

Software-Defined Networking Capabilities

The switch supports advanced software-defined networking features that enable centralized management, automation, and orchestration. These capabilities are essential for dynamic cloud environments where rapid provisioning and configuration changes are common.

Automation and Programmability

Open networking support and programmable interfaces allow administrators to deploy automation tools and APIs for simplified configuration management. This reduces operational complexity and enhances network agility.

Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 Networking Features

Comprehensive Switching Capabilities

The HPE Q2F21-63001 StoreFabric SN2700M supports advanced Layer 2 switching functions such as VLAN segmentation, link aggregation, and spanning tree protocols. These features ensure efficient traffic management and network segmentation within enterprise environments.

Robust Layer 3 Routing Support

Layer 3 routing capabilities provide IP routing, static and dynamic routing protocol support, and enhanced traffic control for large-scale deployments. This allows the switch to operate effectively as both a top-of-rack and aggregation layer device.

Network Virtualization Support

Support for virtual network overlays enables organizations to build multi-tenant environments and isolate traffic for different departments or customers. This functionality is critical for cloud service providers and enterprises operating private cloud infrastructures.

Security and Data Protection Mechanisms

Access Control and Policy Enforcement

Enterprise networks require robust security frameworks. The SN2700M switch supports access control lists and authentication mechanisms to enforce network policies. These controls protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access.

Secure Management Interfaces

Encrypted management protocols ensure secure remote access and configuration. This safeguards administrative operations and protects network integrity.

Segmentation and Traffic Isolation

Through VLANs and advanced network segmentation features, administrators can isolate traffic flows to reduce attack surfaces and enhance compliance with regulatory standards.

Scalable Spine-Leaf Architecture Deployment

Ideal as Leaf or Spine Switch

The 32-port 100GbE configuration allows the SN2700M to function effectively in spine-leaf topologies. As a leaf switch, it connects servers and storage nodes. As a spine switch, it aggregates traffic from multiple leaf devices, ensuring consistent and scalable connectivity.

High-Density Server Connectivity

With breakout capabilities, the switch can support numerous 25GbE or 50GbE server connections, enabling high-density top-of-rack deployments while maintaining simplified cabling structures.

Future-Ready Scalability

The 100GbE infrastructure provides a foundation for future bandwidth growth, ensuring that data center networks remain adaptable to increasing workload demands.