HPE StoreFabric SN1600E 32Gb Dual Port FC HBA

The HPE StoreFabric SN1600E 32Gb Dual Port Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter is a purpose-built solution designed to deliver enterprise-grade storage connectivity for HP ProLiant servers. Built to connect servers to Hewlett Packard Enterprise Storage Arrays using Fibre Channel, the SN1600E delivers high performance, robust reliability, and scalable SAN connectivity for demanding workloads. With dual 32Gbps Fibre Channel ports, support for multiple FC protocols, and a PCIe-based form factor, this HBA is engineered to maximize bandwidth, reduce latency, and simplify integration into existing data centers. Whether you’re running large databases, virtualization clusters, backups, or mission-critical applications, the SN1600E is designed to keep your SAN fabric fast, stable, and future-ready.

• Dual-port 32Gb Fibre Channel design: Each port operates at 32Gbps, delivering up to 64Gbps of aggregated bandwidth for the card. This enables high-throughput data transfers, low-latency access to storage, and improved I/O performance for large-scale databases, virtual machines, and backup operations. The dual-port configuration also provides redundancy and multipath opportunities to maximize SAN resilience.
• Multi-speed Fibre Channel protocol support: The SN1600E supports 32GFC, 16GFC, and 8GFC protocols, ensuring broad compatibility with a wide range of HP/HP-compatible storage arrays and existing storage fabrics. This versatility helps protect your investment as storage infrastructures evolve, allowing you to adopt newer equipment without replacing the HBA.
• ProLiant server compatibility and PCIe form factor: Specifically designed for ProLiant servers equipped with PCI-Express I/O slots, the SN1600E installs quickly into your server chassis. Its PCIe-based design provides a straightforward upgrade path, enabling seamless integration with your compute nodes while preserving slot availability for other adapters and devices.
• Enterprise-grade reliability and features: The SN1600E includes features that matter in data centers, such as robust multi-path I/O support, efficient link management, and solid error handling to help maintain uptime in demanding environments. Built with quality components and HP engineering, this HBA is intended to deliver consistent performance under heavy workloads and during long-running operations.
• Management, support, and upgrade readiness: With standard FC management tooling and access to firmware updates from HP/HPE, the SN1600E is designed to be easy to manage and maintain. The card supports ongoing firmware and driver updates to ensure compatibility with current storage fabrics and continued optimization for new workloads, helping you protect your SAN investments over time.

Technical Details of HPE StoreFabric SN1600E 32Gb Dual Port FC HBA

• Device type: Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (HBA)
• Model: HPE StoreFabric SN1600E
• Ports and speed: Dual Fibre Channel ports, 32Gbps per port (up to 64Gbps aggregated bandwidth)
• FC protocol support: Fibre Channel speeds and compatibility with 32GFC, 16GFC, and 8GFC fabrics
• Host compatibility: Designed for HP ProLiant servers with PCIe I/O slots
• Interface type: PCIe-based add-in card (PCIe slot compatibility as per server specifications)
• Connectivity target: Connects ProLiant servers to Hewlett Packard Enterprise Storage Arrays and SAN fabrics
• Form factor: PCIe add-in card designed for data center deployment
• Management and firmware: Supports standard FC management tools with HP/HPE firmware and driver update pathways

How to Install HPE StoreFabric SN1600E

• Prepare and power down: Before installation, shut down the server, unplug power, and discharge static electricity. Remove the server cover according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and locate an available PCIe slot that meets the HBA’s requirements.
• Insert the HBA: Insert the SN1600E into the selected PCIe slot, ensuring a firm and secure connection. Re-seat if necessary to confirm proper seating and alignment with the slot.
• Attach Fibre Channel cables: Connect Fibre Channel cables from the HBA ports to your SAN switch or directly to storage arrays, following your fabric zoning and zoning policy. Ensure correct port mapping and label cables for future maintenance.
• Power up and install firmware/drivers: Reassemble the server, reconnect power, and boot the system. Install the appropriate device drivers and firmware for the SN1600E from HP/HPE’s support resources, and apply any available firmware updates to optimize performance and compatibility.
• Configure and verify connectivity: In the operating system, verify the HBAs are detected, create and present storage LUNs as required, and configure multipath or zoning as needed. Validate connectivity with storage workloads and run a baseline performance test to confirm expected throughput and latency.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the HPE StoreFabric SN1600E used for? A: It is a dual-port 32Gb Fibre Channel HBA designed to provide high-speed SAN connectivity between HP ProLiant servers and HPE storage arrays, enabling fast data transfer, scalable storage access, and reliable enterprise performance.
• Q: How many ports and what speeds does the SN1600E support? A: The SN1600E features two Fibre Channel ports, each supporting up to 32Gbps, for a combined potential bandwidth of up to 64Gbps across the card when both ports are in use.
• Q: Is the SN1600E compatible only with HP/ProLiant hardware? A: The SN1600E is designed for HP ProLiant servers with PCIe slots and is optimized for integration with HPE storage fabrics, but it uses standard Fibre Channel protocols and may be compatible with other FC-enabled servers and storage fabrics depending on your environment and firmware support. Always verify compatibility with your specific server model and storage infrastructure.
• Q: What kind of installation is required? A: Installation involves powering down the server, inserting the PCIe card into an appropriate slot, connecting Fibre Channel cables to your SAN, installing the necessary drivers/firmware, and configuring multipath/zone settings as per your storage environment requirements.
• Q: Do I need to update firmware or drivers? A: Yes. To ensure reliability and optimal performance, apply the latest HP/HPE firmware and driver updates for the SN1600E, following your organization’s change management process.
• Q: Can I use the SN1600E in a virtualized environment? A: Yes, Fibre Channel HBAs like the SN1600E are commonly deployed in virtualization-ready servers. Ensure your fabric zoning and multipath policies are configured to support virtual machines and their storage requirements.