R0P78A HPE Sn2010m 24 Ports 25GBE 18SFP Switch.

Overview of the HPE R0P78A SN2010M 25GbE Switch

The HPE R0P78A SN2010M is a half-width, high-performance, low-latency network switch engineered for next-generation data center environments. With a flexible mix of 24 25GbE ports (18 SFP28) and 4 100GbE QSFP28 uplinks, this switch delivers both scalability and throughput optimized for intensive workloads. Supporting front-to-back airflow and featuring ToR (Top of Rack) deployment capabilities, it fits seamlessly into HPE’s broad ecosystem of server and storage solutions.

Key Specifications and Capabilities

Port Configuration

• 24 total ports: 18 × 25GbE SFP28 and 4 × 100GbE QSFP28
• High-density architecture in a compact 1U half-width design
• Ideal for rack-optimized connectivity, especially in HPE Gen10/Gen11 server environments

Form Factor and Deployment Flexibility

Designed as a half-width 1U switch, the SN2010M allows side-by-side deployment in a single 1U rack space, increasing rack density without sacrificing performance. Whether deployed in standalone, stacked, or MLAG (Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation) configurations, it provides excellent physical and operational flexibility.

Airflow and Cooling Efficiency

The R0P78A supports power-to-port airflow (front-to-back), making it optimal for data center configurations that maintain a cold-aisle/hot-aisle layout. This cooling efficiency reduces thermal strain on components, enhances reliability, and complements HPE’s air-optimized infrastructure.

Performance and Throughput Benefits

25GbE and 100GbE Capabilities

By leveraging 25GbE SFP28 ports alongside 100GbE QSFP28 uplinks, the SN2010M enables seamless aggregation and uplink scalability. Organizations can design flexible, high-throughput networks that accommodate a blend of server types, storage arrays, and multi-tier application requirements.

Low Latency Switching for Enterprise Workloads

Featuring latency as low as 300ns, the R0P78A excels in time-sensitive environments such as high-frequency trading, real-time analytics, and VM-intensive workloads. Its hardware acceleration and advanced buffering mechanisms prevent packet loss and optimize data flow.

High Bandwidth for Scalability

With an aggregate throughput exceeding 1.7Tbps and a packet processing rate over 1.2Bpps (billion packets per second), this switch supports growing enterprise demands for virtualization, AI/ML traffic, software-defined infrastructure, and hyper-converged environments.

Deployment Use Cases and Applications

Top of Rack (ToR) Deployments

As a ToR switch, the SN2010M simplifies cabling complexity and minimizes latency between servers in a single rack. Its half-width form factor enables dual ToR configurations for redundancy within the same rack unit, offering cost-effective high availability.

High-Performance Storage Networks

Supporting NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF) and RDMA protocols, the SN2010M integrates seamlessly into storage-dense environments. It supports HPE’s storage servers such as Apollo and DL series with high-speed, low-latency interconnects required for flash-based storage.

Edge and Core Data Center Roles

While its compact design suits edge deployments, its rich feature set also qualifies the SN2010M for core aggregation in mid-size data centers. Its programmability and automation support make it future-ready for intent-based networking and telemetry-driven operations.

Hardware Design and Build Quality

Robust Chassis Engineering

The SN2010M chassis is built with enterprise-grade materials that enhance heat dissipation, electromagnetic shielding, and physical endurance. Rack ears and optional rail kits offer tool-less installation and alignment with HPE 10000 and 8000 series racks.

Fan Modules and PSU Redundancy

The switch supports redundant, hot-swappable fans and power supply units (PSUs) that align with enterprise availability requirements. Dual PSUs with intelligent power management safeguard operations during power anomalies.

Software Compatibility and Network Operating System

SONiC and Cumulus Linux Compatibility

As a component of HPE’s disaggregated networking strategy, the SN2010M is compatible with popular open-source and commercial NOS platforms like SONiC (Software for Open Networking in the Cloud) and NVIDIA Cumulus Linux. This decoupling allows administrators to implement software-defined functionality with vendor-agnostic flexibility.

Advanced L2/L3 Networking Features

• VLANs, Trunking, and Link Aggregation (LACP)
• OSPF, BGP, IS-IS, and EVPN routing protocols
• Multicast support via IGMP and PIM protocols
• ACLs and flow-based telemetry

Automation and DevOps Integration

Support for RESTful APIs, Python scripting, and network configuration tools like Ansible, Chef, and Puppet ensures that the R0P78A aligns with agile DevOps workflows. This capability empowers IT teams to automate deployment and configuration at scale.

Security and Compliance Features

TAA Compliance

The R0P78A is TAA (Trade Agreements Act) compliant, making it eligible for procurement under U.S. federal contracts and public sector deployments. This compliance ensures that the switch meets rigorous manufacturing and sourcing requirements.

Enterprise Security Capabilities

• MACsec encryption on selected interfaces
• RADIUS and TACACS+ for secure authentication
• DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, and port security
• Secure Boot and digitally signed firmware updates

Integration with HPE Infrastructure Ecosystem

Synergy with HPE ProLiant and Apollo Servers

The SN2010M switch is fully compatible with HPE’s ProLiant DL, Apollo, and Synergy series, supporting high-throughput interconnects for compute-intensive and storage-rich nodes. Integration with iLO and HPE OneView provides centralized visibility and lifecycle management.

Management with HPE Aruba Fabric Composer

When deployed alongside HPE Aruba software platforms, the SN2010M benefits from intent-based orchestration using Fabric Composer and Central. These tools simplify provisioning, monitoring, and topology awareness.

Open Standards and Interoperability

The switch conforms to IEEE standards including 802.3by, 802.1Q, and 802.1AB, ensuring seamless interoperability with third-party devices and legacy networks. Whether in hybrid or fully open environments, the SN2010M delivers unmatched flexibility.

Cost Efficiency and Total Cost of Ownership

Energy Efficiency and Thermal Optimization

Through adaptive power consumption and low heat generation, the SN2010M minimizes operational costs while maintaining peak performance. Dynamic fan speeds and intelligent thermal zoning extend component longevity.

Licensing Simplicity

HPE’s streamlined licensing model ensures predictable costs. Essential features such as Layer 2/3 routing, telemetry, and virtualization support are available without hidden charges or multiple SKUs, helping customers reduce CapEx and OpEx.

Maintenance, Support, and Warranty

HPE Foundation Care and Services

The SN2010M is backed by HPE’s Foundation Care services, providing proactive support, firmware updates, and global replacement options. Enhanced services include 24x7 onsite support and advanced configuration assistance.

Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Hot-swappable fans, transceivers, and PSUs ensure minimal downtime and easy serviceability. The modular design empowers IT teams to perform upgrades and replacements without vendor intervention.