HPE Storage Fibre Channel Switch C-series SN6720C
In today's data-intensive environments, SAN performance is not a luxury—it's a necessity. The HPE Storage Fibre Channel Switch C-series SN6720C is a Gen7 switch engineered to eliminate I/O bottlenecks and accelerate mission-critical applications. Designed for enterprises deploying all-flash arrays, dense virtualized servers, and cloud-scale applications, this switch provides consistent, low-latency 32 or 64 Gbps performance to connect your server racks to the SAN core.
With an aggregate bandwidth of 3 Tbps in a compact 1U form factor, the SN6720C delivers the raw throughput required to support your most demanding workloads. Its non-oversubscribed architecture ensures that every port operates at full line-rate speed, providing predictable performance for transactional and analytical tasks. Whether you are building a new SAN or scaling an existing one, the SN6720C provides a powerful, reliable, and future-proof foundation.
The HPE C-series SN6720C switch is built on a state-of-the-art, custom ASIC platform that integrates advanced analytics and telemetry capabilities directly into the hardware. This provides deep, real-time visibility into I/O traffic without impacting performance, allowing you to proactively monitor, diagnose, and optimize your storage network. The switch offers exceptional flexibility, available in partially populated (24 active ports) or fully populated (48 active ports) configurations, with the ability to use either 32 Gb or 64 Gb transceivers to match your current needs and budget.
This design protects your investment by providing a clear upgrade path as your performance requirements grow. Reliability is central to its design, with optional redundancy for critical components like power supplies and fans. The SN6720C also features robust onboard hardware security that protects the bootloader and other critical system components from malicious attacks, making it a dependable choice for environments where uptime and data integrity are paramount.
Selecting the right SAN switch is critical for ensuring your storage infrastructure can meet performance, scalability, and budget requirements. Nexus ITX helps organizations navigate the complexities of modern SAN architecture by providing clear, data-driven insights into how products like the HPE C-series SN6720C align with specific business and technical goals.
Our approach focuses on a thorough evaluation of your existing environment and future growth plans. We assist in translating your workload characteristics into concrete fabric requirements, ensuring the chosen solution delivers sustained value and performance.
Q: What is the maximum performance of the HPE SN6720C switch?
A: The SN6720C is a Gen7 Fibre Channel switch that supports port speeds of 32 Gbps and 64 Gbps. It provides an aggregate bandwidth of 3 Tbps (end-to-end full duplex), ensuring line-rate, non-blocking performance across all ports.
Q: What are the primary configuration options available for the SN6720C?
A: The switch is available in two main hardware configurations: a partially populated model with 24 active ports and a fully populated model with 48 active ports. This allows organizations to choose a model that best fits their current port density requirements and budget.
Q: Can I upgrade the switch from 32 Gbps to 64 Gbps?
A: Yes. The switch hardware is 64 Gbps capable. You can deploy it with 32 Gbps SFP+ optics and later upgrade to 64 Gbps performance by installing 64 Gbps SFP+ optics, providing significant investment protection and a seamless path for future performance enhancements.
Q: What management software is used for the HPE C-series switches?
A: The SN6720C is managed using the Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC) software. NDFC provides centralized management, task-based wizards, and automation capabilities for simplified SAN administration.
Q: Does this switch offer built-in analytics capabilities?
A: Yes, the switch has state-of-the-art analytics and telemetry capabilities built directly into its custom ASIC platform. This provides deep visibility into I/O traffic for diagnostics and performance monitoring. Advanced analytics are available with the optional HPE C-series SAN analytics Premier license.
Q: How does the SN6720C ensure high availability and reliability?
A: The switch is designed for mission-critical environments with features like optional hot-swappable, redundant power supplies and fans. It also supports intelligent diagnostics, slow-drain detection and isolation, and VSAN technology for creating a highly resilient SAN fabric.
Q: Which model of the SN6720C is right for my organization?
A: The choice between the 24-port and 48-port models depends on your immediate port density needs and projected growth. The 24-port model is a cost-effective starting point, while the 48-port model is ideal for higher-density server racks or aggregation. Nexus ITX can help evaluate your specific requirements to determine the most suitable configuration.
Contact us to analyze your SAN performance needs and evaluate the right C-series switch configuration for your environment.
