HPE 400GbE 32QSFPDD Power to Connector Airflow Switch SN4700M with NVIDIA Cumulus
As data volumes explode and applications demand faster response times, legacy network infrastructure can become a critical bottleneck. Modern workloads built on flash storage, hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI), and AI/ML require a network fabric that delivers predictable, high-bandwidth, and low-latency performance without compromise.
The HPE M-series SN4700M is engineered to meet these challenges head-on. This high-density switch provides a staggering 12.8 Tbps of non-blocking throughput in a compact 1U form factor, ensuring wire-rate performance with zero packet loss across all 32 of its 400GbE ports. It serves as a powerful foundation for building scalable, efficient, and resilient data center fabrics capable of supporting your most mission-critical applications today and in the future.
The HPE SN4700M is more than just a collection of high-speed ports; it's a platform built for operational consistency and flexibility. By delivering predictable throughput and ultra-low latency, it eliminates network-induced performance issues that can hinder flash storage arrays and real-time applications. This allows organizations to realize the full return on their storage and compute investments.
Powered by the open and flexible NVIDIA Cumulus Linux Network Operating System, the SN4700M offers robust management capabilities and seamless integration into modern data center automation workflows. Its 'Power to Connector' airflow design is optimized for efficient cooling in top-of-rack deployments. With the ability to break out 400GbE ports into numerous lower-speed connections, the switch provides unparalleled investment protection, allowing the fabric to adapt as your connectivity requirements evolve.
Selecting the right core networking components is critical for data center performance and scalability. The HPE SN4700M offers extensive capabilities, and navigating its configuration options to match specific workload requirements demands careful consideration. Nexus ITX helps organizations evaluate this technology in the context of their unique technical and business objectives.
Our approach is focused on aligning the switch's features with your specific use cases. We facilitate a detailed analysis of your infrastructure to help you determine how the SN4700M can address your performance, density, and scalability goals, ensuring you can make a well-informed architectural decision.
Q: What is the total switching capacity of the HPE SN4700M?
A: The HPE SN4700M provides a total of 12.8 Tbps of non-blocking switching capacity, delivering wire-rate performance across all ports simultaneously.
Q: How many 400GbE ports does the SN4700M support?
A: The switch features 32 physical QSFPDD ports, each capable of operating at 400 GbE.
Q: Can the 400GbE ports be used for lower-speed connections?
A: Yes. The SN4700M is highly flexible. Using breakout cables, the 32 ports can be configured to support up to 128 connections at 100GbE, 64 connections at 200GbE, or a mix of other speeds including 1/10/25/50GbE.
Q: What network operating system does this switch use?
A: This model of the HPE SN4700M comes bundled with NVIDIA Cumulus Linux, an open and flexible network operating system designed for large-scale data center automation and management.
Q: What makes the SN4700M suitable for storage networks?
A: Its key benefits for storage are its ultra-low latency, which minimizes delays between servers and flash arrays, and its lossless fabric design, which prevents packet drops that can degrade the performance of storage protocols.
Q: What is the airflow direction for the S2T81A model?
A: The S2T81A model features a 'Power to Connector' airflow design, where air is pulled from the power supply side and exhausted on the port (connector) side. This is a common configuration for top-of-rack switches in modern data centers.
Q: How can Nexus ITX help me determine if this is the right switch for my environment?
A: Nexus ITX can assist by helping you evaluate your specific technical requirements for latency, throughput, and port density against the capabilities of the SN4700M. We can also help you compare its features with other potential solutions to support your architectural decisions.
Contact us to discuss your technical requirements and determine if this high-density 400GbE switch is the right foundation for your network.
