Network adapter module HP Enterprise BLc VC FlexFabric-20/40 F8 — modular blade switch for FlexFabric chassis

The HP Enterprise BLc VC FlexFabric-20/40 F8 is a modular blade network adapter module engineered for compatible FlexFabric blade chassis. It delivers FlexFabric connectivity with multi-rate 20/40 Gbps capabilities, enabling consolidation of Ethernet and converged traffic in virtualized server environments and data center deployments. The module is designed to reduce cabling complexity and support higher aggregated throughput across blade servers while fitting into enterprise rack infrastructures.

Advantages

The module supports high-bandwidth links and flexible port speeds to accommodate mixed traffic types and virtualization workloads. Its modular design allows straightforward installation into supported FlexFabric chassis, helping centralize network connections and simplify management. By providing consolidated connectivity, the adapter can reduce the number of separate NICs and cables required per server bay, lowering physical complexity and improving airflow within the chassis.

Suitable for

• Data center blade server networking where high throughput and consolidation are required
• Virtualized server environments with converged Ethernet and storage traffic
• Enterprise rack deployments needing reduced cabling and simplified port management
• Environments that require 20/40 Gbps uplinks between blade chassis and network aggregation layers

Key specifications

• Supported link speeds: 20 Gbps and 40 Gbps multi-rate capability
• Form factor: modular blade adapter for FlexFabric-compatible chassis
• Connectivity type: consolidated FlexFabric ports for converged Ethernet and storage traffic
• Use case focus: server virtualization and data center networking consolidation
• Physical installation: fits into designated module slots within compatible blade chassis

How to use

Install the module into an available adapter slot in a compatible FlexFabric blade chassis following the chassis vendor’s installation procedure. After physical insertion, verify that chassis management firmware recognizes the module and configure network profiles, port mapping and VLANs through the chassis management interface or external network controllers as required. Ensure that host servers and upstream switches are configured for the corresponding link speeds and converged traffic handling to enable optimized performance.

Recommendations

Use updated chassis firmware and management software to ensure full compatibility and feature support. Match uplink configurations on aggregation switches to the module’s supported speeds and enable appropriate quality-of-service and link aggregation settings for converged workloads.