R4D50A HPE 32Gb Fibre Channel SFP28 Transceiver Module

HPE R4D50A SFP28 Fibre Channel Transceiver Module Details

The HPE R4D50A is a high-performance transceiver designed for enterprise networking environments requiring reliable, long-distance Fibre Channel connectivity. Engineered for seamless integration with HPE networking equipment, this plug-in module offers exceptional data transfer speeds and robust connection stability.

Highlighted Technical Specifications

• Product Category: Fibre Channel Transceiver
• Brand: HPE
• Part Number: R4D50A
• Form Factor: Plug-in SFP28 Module

Performance and Data Transmission Capabilities

With advanced networking technology, this transceiver delivers high-speed data communication for data centers and enterprise storage networks.

• Connectivity Method: Wired interface
• Cabling Type Supported: Fibre Channel
• Protocol Standard: 32Gb Fibre Channel (long wave)
• Maximum Data Link Distance: Up to 6.2 miles (10 kilometers)

Expansion and Connection Features

Designed for flexible deployment and scalability in fibre networks, the HPE R4D50A ensures dependable communication through LC multi-mode connections.

• Available Interface: 1 x 32Gb Fibre Channel via LC multi-mode connector
• Hot-pluggable for convenient installation and replacement

Advantages of Deploying the HPE R4D50A

Ideal for data center architects and IT managers aiming to optimize their Fibre Channel infrastructure, this module offers multiple operational benefits:

• Supports long-distance fibre channel connections, extending up to 10 km
• Enhances network reliability and minimizes latency
• Compatible with high-speed 32Gb Fibre Channel networks
• Compact, plug-in design allows for rapid deployment and easy maintenance

Reliable Networking with Wired Stability

This SFP28 module ensures consistent data transfer rates and secure wired connections, vital for mission-critical enterprise applications and storage systems.

Key Takeaways

• Plug-and-play functionality with SFP28 form factor
• LC connector interface supporting multi-mode fibre channels
• Optimized for enterprise-grade storage and networking infrastructure
• Maximized operational uptime with hot-swappable design

Versatile Enterprise Application Scenarios

The HPE R4D50A transceiver is perfectly suited for:

• Data center networking environments
• High-performance Fibre Channel SAN storage systems
• Enterprise backbone network solutions
• Mission-critical applications requiring uninterrupted data flow

High-Performance Fibre Channel Networking with HPE R4D50A 32Gb LW LC Multi-mode SFP28 Transceiver Module

The HPE R4D50A 32Gb Fibre Channel (LW) LC Multi-mode SFP28 Transceiver Module stands as a crucial component in modern enterprise storage area networks (SANs), delivering exceptional data throughput, reliable connectivity, and robust compatibility. Engineered for high-bandwidth applications and mission-critical data center environments, this transceiver ensures seamless interoperability between Fibre Channel switches, servers, and storage arrays. Its advanced optical networking capabilities make it indispensable for enterprise IT infrastructures requiring high availability and performance.

Key Features of HPE R4D50A 32Gb Fibre Channel SFP28 Transceivers

The HPE R4D50A is designed to meet the growing demands of data-driven organizations. Its standout features include:

• 32Gbps Fibre Channel speed for rapid data transmission and reduced latency
• LC duplex connector interface for secure, high-density fiber connections
• Multi-mode fiber (MMF) compatibility, ideal for short-to-medium range data center applications
• Long-wavelength (LW) operation for optimized signal integrity
• Compliance with Fibre Channel standards and interoperability with existing HPE networking hardware
• Hot-pluggable SFP28 form factor for easy installation and maintenance

Applications of HPE R4D50A SFP28 Transceivers

These transceivers play an essential role in connecting enterprise servers to storage systems and SAN switches, supporting:

• High-performance storage area networks (SANs)
• Enterprise-class data centers requiring rapid backup and recovery solutions
• Latency-sensitive transactional systems
• Business continuity and disaster recovery environments
• Large-scale virtualization and cloud storage infrastructures

Compatibility and Interoperability

The HPE R4D50A module is purpose-built for seamless integration with HPE Fibre Channel switches, directors, and host bus adapters (HBAs). It also supports backward compatibility with 16Gb and 8Gb Fibre Channel networks, ensuring a smooth transition to higher speeds without full infrastructure replacement. Certified to function within mixed vendor ecosystems, it complies with MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) standards, providing reliable performance across diverse networking setups.

Technical Specifications of the HPE R4D50A 32Gb Fibre Channel Transceiver

Optical Performance and Range

The HPE R4D50A operates over multi-mode fiber at long wavelengths, typically around 850nm to 1310nm. Designed for optimal performance over short and medium distances, it offers transmission capabilities suitable for:

• 100 meters over OM4 MMF
• 70 meters over OM3 MMF

Such range specifications enable the transceiver to support intra-rack, inter-rack, and intra-data center fiber connections with exceptional reliability and minimal signal degradation.

Data Rate and Encoding

Supporting a maximum data rate of 28.05 Gbps line rate (32Gbps FC), the R4D50A utilizes advanced encoding mechanisms such as 64b/66b encoding, enhancing throughput while minimizing overhead. The transceiver ensures precise, efficient data delivery in Fibre Channel environments handling intensive workloads, including database operations and high-frequency trading systems.

Connector and Form Factor

The module employs a LC duplex connector, enabling secure and compact fiber connections that are easy to manage in high-density environments. Its SFP28 (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) design promotes hot-pluggability, reducing downtime and simplifying maintenance.

Benefits of Deploying HPE R4D50A SFP28 Fibre Channel Modules

Enhancing Data Center Scalability

The 32Gbps capability of the HPE R4D50A enables organizations to scale their storage infrastructure seamlessly. As data volume grows, upgrading to higher throughput transceivers like the R4D50A mitigates bottlenecks, ensuring uninterrupted performance across virtualized and cloud-based environments.

Improving Network Reliability

By delivering long-wavelength, multi-mode support, the R4D50A ensures consistent optical signal quality, minimizing error rates and link failures. Its reliability reduces the risk of costly outages and maintains continuous access to critical applications and storage resources.

Reducing Operational Complexity

The hot-swappable nature of the transceiver simplifies installation, upgrades, and troubleshooting. This operational flexibility is especially valuable in enterprise data centers where maintaining service continuity is essential. The R4D50A supports automated link detection and diagnostics, streamlining network management tasks.

Integrating HPE R4D50A Transceivers into Existing SAN Infrastructure

Upgrading Legacy Storage Networks

Organizations operating on legacy 8Gb and 16Gb Fibre Channel networks can incrementally enhance their infrastructure by deploying HPE R4D50A transceivers in conjunction with backward-compatible switches and HBAs. This phased approach protects existing investments while preparing for higher-speed applications.

Supporting Hyper-Converged and Virtualized Environments

Modern hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) solutions demand high-throughput, low-latency storage networks. The R4D50A’s 32Gbps bandwidth meets these requirements, supporting storage traffic for multiple virtual machines and storage pools simultaneously. It is an ideal fit for environments leveraging VMware vSAN, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Nutanix clusters.

Enabling Enterprise Data Backup and Disaster Recovery

High-speed Fibre Channel links powered by HPE R4D50A modules enhance the performance of enterprise backup systems and disaster recovery sites. Rapid data replication and snapshot operations ensure business continuity, minimize recovery point objectives (RPO), and meet stringent compliance standards.

Environmental and Compliance Certifications

Energy Efficiency and Heat Dissipation

The HPE R4D50A transceiver is designed with energy efficiency in mind. It consumes minimal power, reducing the overall thermal load in data centers and lowering cooling requirements. Its efficient heat dissipation capabilities help maintain optimal operating conditions for sensitive networking equipment.

Industry Certifications

The transceiver complies with multiple international standards, including:

• RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliance for environmentally friendly operation
• MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) compliance for cross-platform interoperability
• FCC Class A certification for electromagnetic compatibility

These certifications ensure the transceiver’s reliability, safety, and compatibility in global enterprise deployments.

HPE Fibre Channel Transceiver Product Line Overview

SFP, SFP+, SFP28, QSFP+, and QSFP28 Options

HPE offers a comprehensive range of Fibre Channel transceivers to suit diverse network needs:

• SFP and SFP+ modules for 4Gb, 8Gb, and 16Gb Fibre Channel networks
• SFP28 modules like the R4D50A for 32Gb Fibre Channel applications
• QSFP+ and QSFP28 modules for high-density, high-speed uplinks in directors and switches

Optimized for HPE StoreFabric and Brocade-Based Switches

The R4D50A integrates effortlessly with HPE StoreFabric B-series (Brocade-based) and C-series (Cisco-based) Fibre Channel switches. It also supports interoperability with third-party Fibre Channel switches and directors, providing organizations with flexible deployment options and investment protection.

Purchasing and Deployment Considerations

Evaluating Network Bandwidth Requirements

Before upgrading to 32Gb Fibre Channel transceivers, organizations should assess current and projected storage workloads, SAN traffic patterns, and future scalability needs. This ensures the new transceivers provide measurable performance improvements and justify the investment.

Compatibility with Optical Fiber Cabling

The R4D50A requires OM3 or OM4 multi-mode fiber cabling to achieve maximum transmission distances. Upgrading existing cabling infrastructure may be necessary for optimal results, particularly in environments still operating on legacy OM1 or OM2 fibers.

Considering Redundancy and Failover Paths

Enterprise SAN designs should incorporate redundant transceiver links and failover paths to maximize availability and resilience. Deploying multiple HPE R4D50A modules across different switches and physical paths helps maintain continuous storage access during maintenance or hardware failures.