What is the primary function of the C8R24A 16Gb SW FC SFP module? +
The C8R24A is a 16Gb Short Wave (SW) Fibre Channel SFP+ transceiver designed specifically to provide high-speed connectivity for HPE MSA 2040 storage systems. It enables efficient data transfer across your storage area network, supporting high-performance block-level storage traffic with reliable, low-latency fiber optic links.
How many transceivers are included in the C8R24A package? +
This SKU is a convenient 4-pack bundle of 16Gb Fibre Channel SFP+ transceivers. By purchasing the C8R24A, you receive four identical modules, which is an ideal configuration for fully populating a standard MSA 2040 controller pair or scaling your existing storage infrastructure density without needing multiple individual orders.
Is the C8R24A compatible with older 8Gb Fibre Channel SAN infrastructure? +
These 16Gb Fibre Channel SFPs are generally backward compatible with 8Gb Fibre Channel infrastructure. While they are optimized for the high-bandwidth capabilities of the MSA 2040, they will auto-negotiate to lower speeds when connected to legacy 8Gb SAN switches, allowing for a seamless transition or hybrid environment integration.
What type of cabling is required for the C8R24A 16Gb SW modules? +
The C8R24A uses Short Wave (SW) optical signaling, which is intended for use with multi-mode fiber optic cabling (OM3 or OM4). These cables are standard in data center environments for connecting storage arrays to switches, providing the necessary bandwidth over shorter reaches typical of rack-to-rack or in-rack storage deployments.
Can I use the C8R24A modules in storage arrays other than the HPE MSA 2040? +
While the C8R24A is specifically qualified for the HPE MSA 2040 series, HPE transceivers are engineered to strict industry standards. However, for optimal system stability and to ensure the hardware is recognized correctly by your management interface, we strongly recommend deploying these specifically within validated HPE storage controllers.
Are these C8R24A transceivers hot-swappable during system operation? +
Yes, these SFP+ modules are designed to be hot-swappable. This feature allows you to install or replace transceivers in the MSA 2040 controller modules without powering down your storage array, which is critical for maintaining high availability and minimizing downtime during routine maintenance or expansion tasks.
How do I monitor the link status of the C8R24A in my MSA 2040? +
You can monitor the performance and status of your SFP modules directly through the MSA 2040 management interface. The system provides real-time diagnostic data, including link status, optical power levels, and throughput metrics, allowing your network administrators to proactively troubleshoot physical layer issues before they impact application performance.
What are the performance advantages of moving to 16Gb FC with the C8R24A? +
Upgrading to 16Gb Fibre Channel via the C8R24A significantly increases the available bandwidth for your storage traffic, effectively doubling the capacity compared to 8Gb solutions. This reduces bottlenecks in data-intensive workloads, improves I/O response times for virtualized environments, and optimizes the overall utilization of your MSA 2040 storage backend.
Does BuyRouterSwitch.com offer bulk pricing for the C8R24A? +
Absolutely. If you are planning a large-scale data center refresh or require multiple 4-packs for a fleet of MSA arrays, our sales team can provide competitive bulk quotes. Reach out to us directly with your specific quantity requirements so we can tailor a pricing package that fits your project budget.
Why should I choose BuyRouterSwitch.com for my HPE storage component needs? +
BuyRouterSwitch.com is a trusted source for authentic enterprise hardware. We prioritize professional sourcing and supply chain transparency, ensuring that you receive genuine, high-quality HPE components. Our dedicated team understands the technical requirements of complex storage deployments, providing you with a secure, efficient, and reliable procurement experience for all your critical networking and storage infrastructure.