R3B05A HPE M-series 100GBE 32 Ports QSFP28 Switch

HPE R3B05A M-series 100GbE 32-Port QSFP28 Switch

The HPE R3B05A SN2745M 100GbE M-series Switch is a high-capacity, low-latency networking device engineered for demanding enterprise, cloud, and hyperscale environments. Featuring 32 QSFP28 ports capable of delivering blazing-fast 100 Gigabit Ethernet performance per port, this switch is ideal for next-generation data center deployments. With a switching capacity of 6.4 Tbps and a compact 1U form factor, it meets the needs of scalability, density, and speed in modern network architectures.

Core Technical Highlights

• Product Brand: HPE
• Model Number: R3B05A
• Port Count: 32 QSFP28 optical interfaces
• Port Throughput: Up to 100GbE per port
• Total System Bandwidth: 6.4 Terabits per second
• Device Profile: 1U rackmount form factor
• Software Compatibility: Supports ONIE and Onyx software images
• Cooling Strategy: Power-to-connector airflow (front-to-back)
• Power Supply: DC-powered configuration
• Encryption Support: Lacks native encryption functionality
• Communication Protocol: Ethernet-based networking

Performance-Driven Architecture

Ultra-Fast 100GbE Port Design

Each of the 32 QSFP28 interfaces supports line-rate 100Gbps, enabling rapid movement of data across top-of-rack (ToR), spine, and leaf layers. The R3B05A is purpose-built for environments requiring minimal latency and maximum bandwidth efficiency.

Scalable 6.4Tbps Switching Capacity

Delivering a full-duplex switching capacity of 6.4Tbps, this model ensures uninterrupted traffic flow for the most data-intensive workloads. Whether deployed in high-performance clusters or large-scale fabric topologies, the R3B05A offers headroom for growth and future demands.

Line-Rate Packet Forwarding

With non-blocking architecture and cut-through switching technology, the SN2745M guarantees consistent throughput regardless of network traffic conditions. Its hardware ensures that packets are processed and delivered at wire speed, reducing latency spikes and jitter.

Ideal for HPC and AI Workloads

This switch is highly suited for compute-intensive applications such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and scientific simulations where data flow must be constant and ultra-fast to maintain performance.

Design, Build, and Deployment Flexibility

Compact and Rack-Optimized

Housed in a sleek 1U form factor, the R3B05A is engineered for high-density environments, conserving rack space while delivering extensive port connectivity. Its modular design simplifies integration into both spine-leaf and mesh topologies.

Power-to-Connector Airflow Direction

Air is drawn from the power supply side and expelled toward the port side, a configuration well-suited for data centers with hot/cold aisle containment strategies. This ensures efficient thermal management and prolongs component lifespan.

DC Power Integration

The switch supports DC power input, making it ideal for telco and specialized facilities that rely on direct current infrastructure for higher energy efficiency and reduced conversion losses.

Network Protocols and Software Options

Ethernet-Based Communication Protocols

Built entirely on Ethernet technology, the SN2745M ensures compatibility with common data center switching protocols. This allows seamless integration with existing layer 2/layer 3 infrastructure and ease of management.

Software Flexibility: Onyx and ONIE

The switch supports ONIE (Open Network Install Environment), giving administrators the freedom to install third-party or custom operating systems. Additionally, Onyx OS provides advanced Layer 2/3 networking, QoS, and telemetry features for enterprise-grade deployments.

Open Networking Capabilities

The ONIE framework positions the switch within the disaggregated networking model, allowing greater control, agility, and cost savings by separating hardware from software vendors.

Software-Defined Networking Ready

ONIE compatibility supports SDN controller integration for automation and orchestration of network functions, paving the way for programmable data center fabrics.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

Modern Data Center Fabrics

As a building block for next-gen networks, the R3B05A fits seamlessly into leaf-and-spine architectures. It is ideal for top-of-rack aggregation and high-throughput interconnect layers in large-scale facilities.

Cloud and Hyperscale Environments

Its ultra-dense port layout and high switching capacity support cloud workloads requiring massive east-west traffic. Enterprises building private, public, or hybrid clouds will find the switch efficient, reliable, and flexible.

Carrier-Grade Networking

With support for DC power and robust cooling, this unit is perfect for edge, telco, and service provider environments requiring rugged, scalable, and always-on networking equipment.

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

Low-latency switching and high throughput make it suitable for HPC clusters, research networks, and GPU-based processing environments where data flow bottlenecks must be minimized.

Operational Benefits and Infrastructure Impact

Improved Data Path Efficiency

The R3B05A maximizes path efficiency with cut-through architecture, improving application performance and response times across distributed computing resources.

Energy-Conscious Performance

With DC power support and efficient cooling, the switch promotes greener operations, reducing energy consumption and optimizing thermal profiles in data center environments.

Simple Maintenance and Upgrade Path

Featuring ONIE-based provisioning, administrators can quickly deploy and change network operating systems without interrupting physical infrastructure. This ensures long-term adaptability and reduced operational disruption.

Vendor-Neutral Networking Strategy

The disaggregated design lets organizations escape vendor lock-in, fostering a more competitive and customizable infrastructure while managing costs and aligning with open standards.

Competitive Edge and Distinct Value

High-Speed Density in a Compact Profile

Offering 32 high-speed ports in just 1U of rack space, the R3B05A delivers unmatched port density relative to its size. This is particularly beneficial in environments with strict space limitations.

Future-Ready Hardware Foundation

With support for programmable software stacks and forward-looking network protocols, the R3B05A is an ideal choice for evolving IT ecosystems preparing for AI-driven workflows, SDN adoption, and rapid cloud expansion.

Investment Protection with Open Standards

Designed to support industry standards and open networking frameworks, this switch allows organizations to protect their investments while future-proofing their infrastructure for long-term evolution.

High-Speed Data Center Networking with the R3B05A HPE M-series SN2745M Switch

The R3B05A HPE M-series SN2745M 100GbE 32-Port QSFP28 ONIE Power to Connector Airflow DC Switch is engineered for ultra-high performance networking environments. With a compact form factor and advanced switching capabilities, this 100GbE-capable data center switch is optimized for top-of-rack (ToR) deployments and supports a variety of use cases in high-performance computing (HPC), cloud-scale data centers, and enterprise core networks.

Advanced Switching for Modern Infrastructure

The HPE M-series SN2745M leverages a powerful switching architecture designed to meet the latency, bandwidth, and reliability needs of modern applications. With 32 QSFP28 ports delivering up to 6.4Tbps of switching capacity and low-latency performance, it enables organizations to future-proof their infrastructure with minimal complexity.

Purpose-Built for Performance

This switch is built using non-blocking hardware with line-rate Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities across all 32 ports. Each QSFP28 port can support 100GbE, 40GbE, or can be split into 4x25GbE or 4x10GbE configurations, allowing flexible deployments tailored to unique data flow requirements.

Flexible Port Configurations

Administrators can take advantage of the switch’s support for port breakout configurations, enabling up to 128 logical ports per unit. This ensures granular scalability, essential for growing data centers requiring enhanced connectivity without compromising port density or physical footprint.

Designed for Data Center Efficiency

The R3B05A SN2745M incorporates a front-to-back (power to connector) airflow model, making it ideal for rack-based deployments in hot and cold aisle containment systems. This airflow design enhances thermal efficiency and supports a more predictable cooling environment, which helps reduce data center energy costs.

ONIE Bootloader for Open Networking

The switch includes an ONIE (Open Network Install Environment) bootloader, allowing administrators to install and manage network operating systems from various vendors. This open platform support provides freedom of choice and reduces vendor lock-in, promoting long-term network agility.

DC Power Supply Support

With its DC power design, the SN2745M is well-suited for environments where direct current infrastructure is preferred, such as telco or co-location facilities. The redundant power supplies and fan trays provide added reliability for mission-critical networking tasks.

Key Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The HPE M-series SN2745M is a versatile switching platform capable of serving multiple roles across a modern IT ecosystem. Whether used in core, leaf, or spine network layers, it delivers the consistent performance and scalability demanded by digital transformation strategies.

Top-of-Rack Aggregation

In a top-of-rack setup, the SN2745M serves as a high-density aggregation point for rack-mounted servers, storage systems, and other networked devices. Its ultra-low latency and high throughput minimize bottlenecks and improve inter-device communication efficiency.

High-Performance Computing Environments

In HPC clusters, performance and latency are paramount. The SN2745M’s consistent line-rate throughput and large buffer capacity make it ideal for supporting MPI-based workloads, distributed computing models, and data-intensive simulations.

Cloud-Scale and Hyperscale Networks

Modern cloud architectures depend on fast east-west traffic and scalability. The SN2745M accommodates these needs with minimal jitter, making it an ideal building block for hyperscale deployments. Its QSFP28 ports support both 100GbE and 40GbE connectivity, providing flexibility for various cloud application needs.

Carrier-Grade Networking

Thanks to its DC power compatibility and robust design, the SN2745M fits seamlessly into carrier and telecommunications environments. It meets carrier-grade expectations for uptime, hardware redundancy, and scalable routing capabilities.

Technical Specifications Overview

The HPE R3B05A M-series SN2745M switch delivers robust technical specifications that align with demanding network performance goals. Below is a detailed breakdown of its core specifications and features.

Hardware and Connectivity

• Ports: 32 x QSFP28 (supporting 100GbE, 40GbE, 4x25GbE, 4x10GbE)
• Switching Capacity: 6.4Tbps
• Forwarding Rate: Up to 4.77Bpps (billion packets per second)
• Form Factor: 1U rack-mountable
• Airflow: Power-to-connector (front-to-back)
• Power Supply: Redundant DC power supplies
• Fans: Redundant hot-swappable fan trays

Performance and Scalability

The SN2745M's high-speed switching fabric enables efficient throughput even under full load. The support for jumbo frames, buffer optimization, and ECMP ensures that performance scales predictably as the network grows.

Line-Rate Switching and Low Latency

Designed for deterministic performance, the switch processes packets at line rate across all ports, ensuring no packet drops under congestion. Its architecture supports sub-microsecond latency, ideal for latency-sensitive applications.

Open Networking and OS Flexibility

ONIE provides users with the freedom to install network OS options like Cumulus Linux, SONiC, or other compatible platforms. This promotes an ecosystem of innovation, letting users choose based on their operational model and required features.

Management and Automation Capabilities

Beyond hardware, the SN2745M includes a comprehensive set of tools for monitoring, automation, and orchestration. These capabilities support DevOps environments and reduce operational complexity in large-scale networks.

Telemetry and Monitoring

The switch supports real-time telemetry, enabling proactive health and performance monitoring. Administrators can capture flow statistics, port usage, and latency data for analytics and capacity planning.

RESTful API and Automation Tools

Through RESTful APIs, the SN2745M integrates with popular automation frameworks such as Ansible, Puppet, and Chef. This allows teams to implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices and accelerate network provisioning and updates.

Secure and Resilient Architecture

Security is embedded into the SN2745M with features like control plane policing, secure boot, ACLs, and role-based access control (RBAC). Redundant components further ensure continuous availability and seamless failover.

Comparing the SN2745M with Competing Solutions

When evaluating high-density 100GbE switches, the SN2745M stands out for its performance-to-price ratio, open networking flexibility, and enterprise-class features. Compared to traditional vendor-locked solutions, this model offers superior value.

Choose the HPE M-series SN2745M

• Open networking with ONIE support for vendor-agnostic OS installation
• High-density 100GbE ports with port-split capabilities
• DC-powered, energy-efficient design suitable for telco and cloud environments
• Scalable, non-blocking architecture with low latency
• Advanced telemetry, automation, and management capabilities

Comparison with HPE SN2700 and SN2100 Models

While the SN2100 offers a compact 16-port solution and the SN2700 expands to 32 ports with slightly different airflow and power configurations, the SN2745M provides optimal support for power-to-connector airflow environments with a similar feature set, giving organizations flexibility in deployment without sacrificing consistency in performance or manageability.

Optimizing Network Performance with the SN2745M

Enterprises investing in the SN2745M can unlock high-speed networking, granular visibility, and cost-effective scalability. From east-west data traffic in a hyperconverged environment to top-of-rack server aggregation, the SN2745M improves throughput while simplifying network operations.

Low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

The combination of open networking, high port density, and energy-efficient hardware reduces operational and capital expenditures. IT teams can maintain agility and support dynamic workloads without constant hardware refreshes.

Vendor-Agnostic Ecosystem

The ONIE-based design ensures that users are not locked into a single OS or vendor ecosystem. This strategic flexibility enables businesses to adopt emerging technologies faster and more efficiently.

Ideal for Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

The SN2745M is SDN-ready, supporting integration with SDN controllers and virtualized network overlays. This positions the switch as a foundation for future-ready, programmable infrastructure.

Green Networking with Efficient Power Usage

Its DC power supply design and power-to-connector airflow reduce cooling overheads and power losses. These efficiencies contribute to sustainability goals and reduce operational carbon footprint.

Long-Term Investment in Scalable Infrastructure

Deploying the HPE M-series SN2745M switch is a forward-looking move for organizations seeking agility and performance. Its 100GbE scalability, coupled with advanced automation and openness, supports digital infrastructure initiatives across industries.

Future-Proof for 200GbE and Beyond

While the SN2745M delivers 100GbE speeds today, its QSFP28 ports allow for seamless transition to higher speeds like 200GbE via breakout or upgrade paths as networking standards evolve, ensuring your infrastructure remains adaptable.

Investment Protection with Modular Flexibility

The switch’s support for varied transceiver types (SR, LR, DAC, AOC) enables reusability and flexible cabling, reducing hardware churn during network upgrades or topology changes.