HPE SN3600B 16Gb Fibre Channel Switch
The HPE SN3600B Fibre Channel Switch is a high-performance storage networking solution designed for data centers requiring reliable, scalable connectivity. This 16Gb Fibre Channel switch combines enterprise-grade performance with an ultra-dense 1U form factor, making it ideal for organizations balancing bandwidth demands with physical space constraints. Whether you're modernizing legacy storage infrastructure or building new SAN environments, the SN3600B delivers 16 Gbit/s data transfer rates with backward compatibility for 4, 8, and 16 Gb Fibre Channel investments, ensuring seamless integration and cost-effective expansion.
Key Features
- 16 Gbit/s Fibre Channel connectivity with Gen6 performance standards
- Scalable architecture: 8-port base configuration expandable to 24 ports via SFP+ slots
- Ultra-compact 1U rack-mountable chassis for space-efficient deployment
- Short Wave SFP+ optics for cost-effective, high-speed interconnects
- Backward compatible with 4, 8, and 16 Gb Fibre Channel for investment protection
- Affordable B-series design optimized for budget-conscious environments
- Enterprise reliability with redundant power and cooling options
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) |
| Part Number |
R4G55BR#AC3 |
| Product Series |
B-series SN3600B |
| Port Configuration |
8 ports (base) + 24 SFP+ expansion slots |
| Data Transfer Rate |
16 Gbit/s per port |
| Optic Type |
Short Wave SFP+ |
| Fibre Channel Compatibility |
4 Gb, 8 Gb, 16 Gb FC |
| Form Factor |
1U rack-mountable |
| Use Case |
Storage Area Network (SAN), data center connectivity |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Fibre Channel switch and why do I need one?
A Fibre Channel switch is a networking device that connects storage arrays, servers, and tape libraries in a Storage Area Network (SAN). The HPE SN3600B enables high-speed, low-latency data transfers essential for mission-critical applications, databases, and virtualized environments requiring reliable storage connectivity.
Is the HPE SN3600B compatible with existing 8Gb infrastructure?
Yes. The SN3600B provides full backward compatibility with 4 Gb, 8 Gb, and 16 Gb Fibre Channel standards, allowing you to integrate it into existing SANs without replacing legacy equipment. This protects your infrastructure investment while enabling gradual upgrades to 16 Gbit/s performance.
How many ports does the SN3600B support?
The SN3600B starts with 8 active ports and scales up to 24 ports through SFP+ expansion slots, providing flexibility to match your current and future connectivity needs without replacing the entire switch.
What makes the SN3600B suitable for budget-conscious data centers?
As part of HPE's B-series, the SN3600B delivers enterprise Fibre Channel performance at a lower cost than premium models. Its compact 1U design reduces power and cooling expenses, while backward compatibility eliminates costly infrastructure overhauls, making it an affordable choice for growing organizations.
