HPE FlexFabric 12900E 36-port 100GbE QSFP28 HB Module

The HPE FlexFabric 12900E 36-Port 100GbE QSFP28 HB Module is the backbone of high-density data-center networks, purpose-built to expand the capabilities of the HPE FlexFabric 12900E Switch Expansion Module. Engineered for performance, scalability, and reliability, this high-bandwidth module delivers the speed you need for modern workloads—from large-scale virtualization and AI workloads to cloud-scale storage and big data analytics. With 36 ports of 100GbE QSFP28 connectivity and 100GBase-X technology, you can unlock substantial uplink and inter-switch bandwidth while preserving the simplicity of a single, integrated fabric. This module is designed to fit seamlessly into enterprise-grade deployments, offering a plug-and-play upgrade path that minimizes downtime and maximizes return on investment. Whether you’re building a dense spine-leaf topology or enhancing an existing 100GbE fabric, the HB module provides the performance and density required for today’s data-centric environments.

• 36-port 100GbE QSFP28 HB Module for dense deployment — Harness 36 high-speed QSFP28 ports in a single module designed for the HPE FlexFabric 12900E Switch Expansion Module. Each port supports 100Gigabit Ethernet, enabling exceptionally high port density per module and enabling you to scale your data center fabric without compromising space or power efficiency. With 100GBase-X technology, this module delivers robust, scalable connectivity for your most demanding workloads and future-proofed network designs. The result is a compact, high-throughput solution that reduces the number of devices required to achieve your target performance, while simplifying management and cabling.
• High-density 100GbE performance for modern workloads — This module is built to handle bandwidth-intensive applications, including data-intensive analytics, virtualization, AI inference, and cloud-native services. By providing 36 dedicated 100GbE ports, it enables massive parallelism and low-latency paths between servers, storage arrays, and core/aggregation layers. The 100GbE interface supports large data transfers with minimal jitter, giving you predictable performance for time-sensitive workloads and a smoother experience for enterprise applications, virtual machines, and high-performance computing clusters.
• Optimized for the HPE FlexFabric 12900E ecosystem — Engineered to complement the FlexFabric 12900E Switch Expansion Module, this HB (High Bandwidth) module integrates tightly with HPE’s management tooling, firmware, and lifecycle workflows. The compatibility ensures straightforward installation, reliable operation, and consistent firmware support across your network fabric. With a single-solution approach, you can manage bandwidth, policy, and telemetry through familiar HPE interfaces, reducing operational complexity while expanding capacity and resilience of your network.
• Low-latency, scalable connectivity with 100GBase-X — Leveraging 100GBase-X technology, the module is designed to maximize throughput while maintaining low latency across uplinks and inter-switch links. This makes it well-suited for latency-sensitive applications such as database acceleration, real-time analytics, and interactive services. The dense port count combined with the high-speed interfaces enables flexible topologies, enabling spine-leaf deployments or large-scale aggregation that meet evolving data-center demands without compromising performance or efficiency.
• Easy installation and reliability for enterprise environments — The HB module is designed for straightforward installation into the HPE 12900E expansion slots, with hot-swappable capability that minimizes downtime during upgrades. Its rugged build and validated compatibility help ensure stable operation in 24/7 data-center environments. By consolidating high-speed ports into a single module, it simplifies cabling and reduces footprint, making whether you’re expanding capacity in a new build or upgrading an existing fabric, you can achieve faster time-to-value and improved total cost of ownership.

Technical Details of HPE FlexFabric 12900E 36-Port 100GbE QSFP28 HB Module

• Module type: HB QSFP28 high-bandwidth module for HPE FlexFabric 12900E.
• Port count and type: 36 x 100GbE QSFP28 ports.
• Networking technology: 100GBase-X, enabling high-speed 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity per port.
• Compatibility: Designed for use with the HPE FlexFabric 12900E Switch Expansion Module, enabling seamless integration in supported chassis and fabric designs.
• Aggregate data rate (as stated): Up to 1000Gbps data transfer rate, leveraging 100GbE per port across the 36 ports where applicable.
• Form factor: High Bandwidth (HB) module with QSFP28 interface.
• Hot-swappable: Yes, designed for minimal downtime during installation and maintenance.

How to install HPE FlexFabric 12900E 36-Port 100GbE QSFP28 HB Module

Installing this HB module is straightforward when following proper precautions and using compatible equipment. Begin by confirming compatibility with your HPE 12900E Switch Expansion Module and the chassis in which you plan to deploy the module. Ensure you have static-free handling practices and follow standard data-center ESD precautions. If your deployment uses hot-swappable components, you can install the module with the system powered on, but you should still minimize unnecessary disruption and plan for maintenance windows when possible. Here are the general steps to install:

• Power down is optional for hot-swappable installations in many environments, but verify with your data-center’s procedures. If power-down is required by your organization, follow standard shutdown procedures for the affected system and all connected devices.
• Identify an available expansion slot in the HPE FlexFabric 12900E Switch Expansion Module that supports QSFP28 HB modules. Remove any blanking plate or filler from the slot to prepare for insertion.
• Handle the HB module with care, keeping the connectors clean and avoiding contact with the electrical contacts. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge, and hold the module by its edges.
• Gently align the QSFP28 HB module with the slot, ensuring the connector lines up with the receptacle. Insert the module firmly until you hear or feel a secure seating or click, indicating proper engagement with the backplane.
• Secure the module in place as required by your chassis and check that any retention mechanisms are engaged. Reconnect any cables and replace any panels that were removed for access.
• Power on the system (if powered-down) and monitor the management interface for recognition of the module. Verify that the 36 ports are detected and that link LEDs indicate active connections on intended ports. If firmware updates are available, apply them per HPE guidelines to ensure optimal compatibility and performance.
• Test connectivity by sending traffic across selected ports to confirm throughput and latency targets. Validate that the module functions as expected within your fabric topology (spine-leaf, aggregation, etc.).

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the primary purpose of the HPE FlexFabric 12900E 36-Port 100GbE QSFP28 HB Module?

A: It provides high-density, high-speed 100GbE connectivity through 36 QSFP28 ports to expand and accelerate a FlexFabric 12900E-based data center fabric, enabling scalable bandwidth for servers, storage, and inter-switch links.

Q: How many 100GbE ports does this module offer?

A: It offers 36 ports, each supporting 100GbE via QSFP28 connectors, designed for dense deployments and scalable fabrics.

Q: Is the module hot-swappable?

A: Yes. The HB module is designed for hot-swappable installation, minimizing downtime during upgrades and maintenance, provided your environment supports hot-swapping and follows proper ESD and safety procedures.

Q: What technology does it use for data transfer?

A: The module uses 100GBase-X technology to achieve high-speed 100GbE data transfers per port, suitable for demanding workloads and bandwidth-intensive applications.

Q: What should I verify before installation?

A: Confirm compatibility with the HPE FlexFabric 12900E Switch Expansion Module and your chassis, ensure proper ESD precautions, and review firmware compatibility. If a firmware update is available, apply it according to HP/HPE guidelines to ensure optimal performance and stability.

Q: What kinds of deployment scenarios benefit most from this module?

A: Dense data-center spine-leaf fabrics, virtualization-heavy environments, AI and analytics workloads, cloud infrastructure, and high-performance storage networks all benefit from the high-density 36-port 100GbE connectivity and the scalable fabric expansion that this module enables.