HPE SN6720C 64Gb 48/48 32Gb Short Wave SFP+ Fibre Channel Switch

Experience uncompromising speed, reliability, and scalability with the HPE SN6720C, a flagship Fibre Channel switch designed for modern SAN environments. This switch delivers 64 Gbps per port (with support for 32 Gbps as well) to move data seamlessly from servers to storage arrays in enterprise, midrange, and large data centers. Featuring 48 high-density FC ports and support for Short Wave SFP+ optics, the SN6720C is engineered to reduce latency, maximize throughput, and simplify storage network management across demanding workloads such as databases, virtualization, backups, and disaster recovery. Built for resilience and future-proofed growth, it aligns with the broader HPE Storage ecosystem to deliver a robust, scalable fabric solution that keeps your data center running smoothly.

• 64Gb/32Gb Fibre Channel performance — The SN6720C provides line-rate 64 Gbps FC switching with auto-negotiation to 32 Gbps, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of servers and storage arrays while maintaining extremely low latency for mission-critical workloads.
• Dense 48-port front-end design — A high-density port configuration delivers substantial SAN connectivity within a compact footprint, reducing cabling complexity and enabling scalable growth as your storage needs expand.
• High availability and reliability — Engineered for data center resilience with features such as redundant power delivery and, where configured, hot-swappable components, plus persistent fabric state to minimize downtime during maintenance or upgrades.
• Comprehensive SAN features and intuitive management — Includes zoning, NPIV, and fabric virtualization alongside robust management tools (CLI/GUI, SNMP) to provision, monitor, and secure your SAN fabric. Seamless integration with HPE storage arrays and third-party storage solutions helps streamline administration.
• Seamless integration and future-proof scalability — Designed to work within the HPE storage ecosystem and broader SAN environments, enabling smooth upgrades, multi-vendor interoperability, and scalable growth as workloads evolve and data volumes rise.

Technical Details of HPE SN6720C 64Gb 48/48 32Gb Short Wave SFP+ Fibre Channel Switch

• Product family: HPE Storage Fibre Channel Switch C-Series
• Ports: 48 front-end Fibre Channel ports with 32 Gbps/64 Gbps speeds
• Transceivers: Short Wave SFP+ optics supported for 32 Gbps and 64 Gbps operation
• Performance characteristics: Non-blocking, low-latency Fibre Channel switching designed for enterprise workloads
• Fabric management: Integrated CLI and GUI management with SNMP support for monitoring and automation
• Availability features: Redundant power options and support for hot-swappable components to maximize uptime
• Form factor: Rack-mountable chassis suitable for dense data center deployments
• Protocols and features: Fibre Channel Switched Fabric capabilities with zoning and NPIV for flexible server virtualization

How to install HPE SN6720C 64Gb 48/48 32Gb Short Wave SFP+ Fibre Channel Switch

• Prepare the data center space: verify a compliant 19-inch rack layout, adequate cooling, and available power sources. Ensure you have compatible Short Wave SFP+ transceivers and Fibre Channel cabling for your servers and storage targets.
• Install the switch: mount the SN6720C in the rack and secure it using appropriate hardware. Connect any redundant power supplies and ensure the cooling fans are properly seated for optimal airflow.
• Connect to the SAN fabric: run high-quality Fibre Channel cables from server HBAs and storage arrays to the 48 FC ports. Use the correct SFP+ optics for your speed requirements (32 Gbps or 64 Gbps).
• Initial access and configuration: connect to the switch's management interface (CLI or GUI) and configure network access, IP address, DNS, and administrative credentials. Establish the basic fabric parameters and ensure devices can discover the switch.
• Fabric provisioning: create zones to control which hosts can access which storage targets, configure aliasing for easier management, and set up any required NPIV and virtual fabric features to support virtualization workloads.
• Monitoring and validation: enable SNMP and logging, run fabric health checks, verify port states, and measure baseline performance. Schedule non-disruptive updates and test failover scenarios to validate high availability configurations.
• Ongoing maintenance: establish a monitoring plan with alerts for port errors, temperature, and power status. Periodically review zoning configurations and perform firmware or software updates following vendor guidance to maintain compatibility and security.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What workloads benefit most from the SN6720C? A: High-performance Fibre Channel fabrics are ideal for databases, virtualization, large-scale backups, and data-intensive applications that require fast, reliable access to shared storage across multiple servers.
• Q: What speeds does the SN6720C support? A: It supports 32 Gbps and 64 Gbps Fibre Channel per port, with auto-negotiation to ensure compatibility with a wide range of hosts and storage targets.
• Q: How many ports does it have? A: The SN6720C model features 48 front-end Fibre Channel ports, providing dense connectivity for SAN environments while keeping cabling manageable.
• Q: Is it compatible with non-HPE storage systems? A: Yes. Fibre Channel switches are designed to interoperate with a broad ecosystem of storage arrays and servers that support standard FC protocols, provided compatible transceivers and cabling are used.
• Q: How do I manage the SN6720C? A: Management is available through a web-based GUI and a CLI, with SNMP monitoring support. It can also integrate with HPE management tools for provisioning, zoning, and health monitoring of the SAN fabric.
• Q: Where can I find the latest specifications? A: Official specifications are published by the vendor and distributors. For precise SKU-level details, refer to the product page or the supplier's catalog referencing the relevant UPC/SKU.