AM866A HPE E-Port 8/8 Base SAN Rack-Mountable Switch

Enhanced Storage Area Network Connectivity with HPE AM866A 8/8 Base SAN Switch

The HPE AM866A 8/8 Base SAN Switch delivers high-performance Fibre Channel connectivity designed for small and mid-sized businesses as well as enterprise edge environments. It optimizes data traffic, streamlines storage management, and helps organizations maximize the return on virtualized server infrastructures.

Technical Attributes and Specifications

• Brand: Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
• Model: 8/8 Base (0) E-Port SAN Switch
• MPN: AM866A
• UPC: 0884420117933, 0884420064602
• eBay Product ID (ePID): 74147370
• Data Transfer Rate: 8.5 Gbps Fibre Channel
• Power Source: AC 120/230V (50/60Hz)
• Full-Duplex Communication Mode
• Number of Ports: 8
• Enclosure Type: Rack-Mountable 1U

Key Advantages at a Glance

• High-speed 8.5Gbps Fibre Channel performance
• Eight ports for flexible connectivity
• Multiple Fibre Channel protocol compatibility
• Internal power supply with AC 120/230V support
• Operating temperature up to 104˚F with 20–85% humidity range

Specifications of HPE AM866A E-Port 8/8

Port Configuration

• 8 Fibre Channel ports
• Support for 8Gbps speed on each port
• Auto-sensing for backward compatibility with 4Gbps and 2Gbps Fibre Channel devices
• Full-duplex operation across all ports

Advanced Networking and Fibre Channel Compatibility

The switch supports multiple Fibre Channel standards such as FC-AL, FC-AL-2, FC-FG, FC-FLA, FC-GS-2, FC-PH, FC-PH-2, FC-PH-3, FC-PLDA, FC-SW, FC-VI, and FC-FH, ensuring broad interoperability with a range of storage devices and SAN infrastructures.

Performance Benefits for Modern Data Centers

This high-bandwidth SAN switch enables organizations to:

• Improve throughput for demanding workloads
• Reduce bottlenecks and latency in storage traffic
• Increase operational efficiency through simplified management
• Maximize the value of virtual server deployments
• Lower total cost of ownership for storage environments

Flexible Deployment Scenarios

The HPE AM866A is ideal for entry-level SANs, remote branch locations, or as an edge switch in a larger core-to-edge architecture. It seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructures and offers scalability to grow with business demands.

Rack-Mounting Kit Included

The package includes a rack-mounting kit for quick and secure installation in standard server racks, ensuring neat cabling and optimal airflow.

Stackable Switch Type for Expanding Networks

Designed as a stackable switch, the 8/8 Base SAN Switch allows IT administrators to expand port counts and bandwidth without replacing existing infrastructure. This makes it a cost-effective choice for growing organizations.

Energy Efficiency and Power Management

With an internal power supply, the switch consumes less power compared to external units and supports full-duplex operation with auto-sensing per device, contributing to reduced energy costs.

Highlights for Buyers and Integrators

• Cost-effective entry point into enterprise-grade SAN infrastructure
• Scalable architecture to grow with business needs
• Comprehensive management tools for simplified administration
• Supports multiple remote management protocols
• Compact 1U rack-mountable design with included mounting kit

Ideal Use Cases

• Small to mid-sized enterprises looking to consolidate storage
• Edge deployment in core-to-edge SAN environments
• Remote branch connectivity for distributed data centers
• Virtual server environments demanding high I/O throughput

The HPE AM866A 8/8 Base SAN Switch

By combining advanced Fibre Channel technology, intuitive management, and robust reliability, the HPE AM866A 8/8 Base SAN Switch provides a strong foundation for data-intensive operations. It supports today’s virtualization needs and positions organizations for future growth.

HPE AM866A E-Port 8/8 Base SAN Rack-Mountable Switch Overview

The HPE AM866A E-Port 8/8 Base SAN Rack-Mountable Switch is an enterprise-grade Fibre Channel networking device engineered to deliver high-performance connectivity and reliable data traffic management within Storage Area Networks (SANs). Built specifically for mission-critical environments, it supports secure communication between servers and storage arrays, ensuring optimized bandwidth utilization and seamless integration into data center infrastructures. With its rack-mountable design, the switch offers space-saving deployment while maintaining flexible scalability options for growing organizations.

Key Features of the HPE AM866A SAN Switch

• 8-port Fibre Channel architecture designed for optimal throughput
• Rack-mountable form factor for efficient space management
• High-speed data transfer rates supporting 8Gbps Fibre Channel connections
• Redundant, resilient design to minimize downtime
• Advanced security features to protect sensitive enterprise data
• Scalable configuration to support evolving storage requirements

Performance-Centric Design

This switch ensures streamlined Fibre Channel traffic with 8Gbps performance on each port, reducing latency and delivering predictable data flow. Enterprises benefit from reduced bottlenecks in high-density storage environments and improved throughput for virtualization, big data applications, and cloud-based workloads.

Resilient Rack-Mountable Build

Designed for rack installations, the HPE AM866A provides an optimal footprint for enterprise data centers. Its rack-mountable structure allows IT administrators to easily integrate the switch into existing infrastructure while maintaining organized cabling and simplified maintenance.

Connectivity and Protocols

The switch provides versatile Fibre Channel connectivity options, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of HPE storage arrays, SAN environments, and enterprise-class servers. It adheres to industry-standard protocols, making integration with heterogeneous infrastructures seamless.

Deployment Scenarios

Data Centers

In modern data centers, where high-volume data traffic requires secure and uninterrupted connectivity, the HPE AM866A excels in providing stable SAN networking to reduce latency, optimize workloads, and enhance virtualization platforms.

Enterprise Workloads

Enterprises leveraging ERP, CRM, or large-scale database applications require continuous, high-speed access to storage. This SAN switch ensures that mission-critical workloads remain responsive and reliable even during peak usage.

Cloud and Virtualized Environments

Virtualized infrastructures and hybrid cloud deployments demand consistent high-performance SAN solutions. With multi-port Fibre Channel architecture and support for scalable storage integration, the HPE AM866A is highly suited for VMware, Hyper-V, and other virtualization platforms.

Enhanced Security Features

• Zoning and partitioning for traffic segmentation
• Role-based administrative controls
• Encryption support for data integrity
• Access control lists (ACLs) for user-level security

Advantages of Using HPE AM866A in SAN Environments

• High performance for mission-critical workloads
• Scalable design supporting business growth
• Strong security and traffic segmentation
• Rack-efficient deployment saving valuable data center space
• Reduced downtime with enterprise-grade reliability
• Seamless compatibility with HPE and third-party infrastructure

Scalability and Future-Proofing

The HPE AM866A provides businesses with the flexibility to scale SAN infrastructure in line with expanding workloads. By accommodating additional Fibre Channel devices and supporting next-generation storage solutions, organizations can safeguard their IT investments for long-term infrastructure needs.

Comparisons with Other SAN Switches

HPE AM866A vs Entry-Level Switches

Compared to entry-level SAN switches, the AM866A provides faster 8Gbps connectivity, superior reliability, and enterprise-level security features. Its rack-mountable design ensures streamlined integration that smaller alternatives cannot deliver.

HPE AM866A vs Modular SAN Switches

While modular SAN switches may offer more extensive scalability, the HPE AM866A provides a balanced mix of performance, manageability, and cost-efficiency, making it an ideal option for medium to large enterprises requiring dependable Fibre Channel connectivity without overinvesting in excess capacity.

Use Cases for the HPE AM866A SAN Switch

Database-Driven Applications

Enterprise applications relying on real-time database transactions benefit from the low-latency, high-throughput capabilities of the HPE AM866A, ensuring that mission-critical systems perform efficiently.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

For organizations running virtual desktop solutions, seamless storage communication is essential. The AM866A switch ensures high availability for VDI users with reliable SAN backbone connectivity.

Disaster Recovery Solutions

As part of disaster recovery strategies, businesses need secure and uninterrupted storage replication between sites. The HPE AM866A enables consistent connectivity, ensuring business continuity during outages.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Designed with modern efficiency standards, the HPE AM866A operates with low power consumption, reducing operational costs while contributing to environmentally sustainable IT practices. Its compact form factor further enhances airflow management within data center racks, minimizing cooling requirements.

Compatibility with HPE Ecosystem

As part of HPE’s enterprise ecosystem, this SAN switch integrates seamlessly with HPE storage arrays, ProLiant servers, and management software. Such integration reduces complexities in deployment, improves system stability, and supports unified IT infrastructure strategies.

Benefits for IT Administrators

Ease of Deployment

The rack-mountable design and preconfigured defaults simplify installation for IT administrators. Whether integrating into new SAN setups or upgrading existing networks, deployment is fast and efficient.

Maintenance and Upgrades

The switch supports firmware upgrades and hot-swappable components, reducing interruptions during maintenance windows and ensuring business continuity.

Future-Ready Infrastructure with HPE AM866A

Investing in the HPE AM866A SAN switch equips organizations with reliable enterprise-class Fibre Channel infrastructure designed to handle evolving workloads, virtualization, and hybrid cloud environments. Its balanced mix of scalability, performance, and security establishes it as a long-term solution for businesses aiming to strengthen their data networking architecture.