286763-B21 - Compaq 286763-B21 MSA SAN Switch 2/8 8-Port 2Gbps

Name: Compaq 286763-B21 MSA SAN Switch 2/8 8-Port 2Gbps
Brand: Compaq
SKU: 286763-B21
Price: 195 USD
Availability: InStock

286763-B21 - Compaq 286763-B21 MSA SAN Switch 2/8 8-Port 2Gbps | US IT Hardware

Product overview

The Compaq MSA SAN Switch 2/8 is a high-performance, integrated 8-port Fibre Channel switch designed specifically for the MSA1000 storage array. Operating at 2 Gbps per port, it provides seven user-accessible external ports plus one internal port connected to the MSA1000 controller. The switch features universal, self-configuring optical ports supporting E_Port, F_Port, and FL_Port protocols for flexible SAN fabric deployment. Hot-pluggable design enables installation or replacement without powering down the MSA1000. Each port automatically negotiates to the highest possible speed and supports SFP transceivers compliant with ANSI Fibre Channel FC-PI specifications. The integrated module requires zero additional rack space while delivering full 2 Gb fabric performance. Management capabilities include a 10/100 Mb/s Ethernet port and DB-9 serial port. Ideal for entry-level to mid-range SAN environments requiring reliable, space-efficient connectivity between storage arrays, hosts, and backup solutions.

8 Fibre Channel ports at 2 Gbps (7 external, 1 internal)
Integrated into MSA1000 chassis—zero additional rack space
Hot-pluggable with redundancy support and full cascade capability
Auto-negotiating ports support E_Port, F_Port, FL_Port, FC-AL
10/100 Ethernet + DB-9 serial management with 15 status LEDs
ANSI FC-PI compliant SFP transceivers (4 included, 3 additional slots)

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Refunds within 14 days and replacements within 30 days of delivery with an RMA (25% restocking fee on customer-initiated returns), and every part carries our Standard 30-Day Warranty - see our return policy or contact US IT Hardware.

Featuring

Manufacturer part #	286763-B21
Brand	Compaq
Condition	Refurbished
Model	MSA SAN Switch 2/8
Product Line	MSA1000
Product Type	Integrated Fibre Channel SAN Switch
Ethernet Speed	Integrated with MSA1000 controller
Port Protocols	E_Port, F_Port, FL_Port
Expansion Slots	One PCI-X slot available with redundant power

Power Consumption

Compatible systems

Compatible with Compaq MSA1000 storage controller and listed OS via integrated hub

Compaq StorageWorks
Model: MSA1000
Form factor: Integrated
Ships integrated with MSA1000 controller

Best for

Enterprise Storage Networks
Connect MSA1000 storage arrays to multiple hosts and backup solutions in mid-sized data centers. The 7 external ports support simultaneous connections to servers and enterprise backup systems with 2 Gbps per-port bandwidth.
High-Availability Deployments
Enable redundant SAN fabric configurations by installing a second MSA SAN Switch 2/8 within the same MSA1000 chassis. Hot-pluggable design allows failover without downtime.
Space-Constrained Environments
Eliminate dedicated rack space for SAN switching. The integrated module fits within the MSA1000 chassis, ideal for compact data centers or edge deployments requiring full fabric performance.
Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop Integration
Support legacy FC-AL devices alongside modern fabric-based storage. Universal ports automatically configure for E_Port, F_Port, and FL_Port protocols, enabling mixed-topology SAN environments.
Entry-Level SAN Expansion

Details

Shipping, warranty & returns

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Rack Units	Integrated (zero rack space)
Form Factor	Integrated module for MSA1000

Port Count	8 ports (7 external, 1 internal)
Port Speed	2 Gb/s
Serial Ports	1 DB-9
Network Ports	8 Fibre Channel ports at 2 Gbps
Ethernet Ports	1 10/100 Mb/s
Fibre Optic Ports	7 SFP

Frequently asked questions

How many external ports does the MSA SAN Switch 2/8 provide?

The switch provides 7 user-accessible external Fibre Channel ports plus 1 internal port connected to the MSA1000 controller, totaling 8 ports. Each port operates at 2 Gbps full duplex. The switch ships with 4 SFP transceivers installed; 3 additional SFP slots are available for expansion.

Can I install a second MSA SAN Switch 2/8 for redundancy?

Yes. A second MSA SAN Switch 2/8 can be installed within the same MSA1000 chassis for full redundancy without requiring additional rack space or power supplies. The hot-pluggable design enables installation without powering down the storage array, ensuring non-disruptive deployment.

What protocols does this switch support?

The MSA SAN Switch 2/8 supports E_Port (expansion), F_Port (non-loop fabric), FL_Port (loop-capable fabric), and Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop (FC-AL) protocols. Universal, self-configuring optical ports automatically negotiate the appropriate protocol for connected devices, enabling mixed-topology SAN environments.

Does the switch require dedicated power and cooling?

No. The switch is integrated into the MSA1000 chassis and shares its power infrastructure. It requires zero additional rack space and no separate cooling. This integrated design reduces capital costs and data center footprint compared to standalone SAN switches.

What management interfaces are available?

The switch includes one 10/100 Mb/s Ethernet port with auto-sensing for cable configuration and one DB-9 serial port for out-of-band management. Fifteen status LEDs provide real-time visibility of switch readiness, port status, and port speed. WebTools and Advanced Zoning software support enterprise fabric administration.

Is this switch compatible with non-MSA1000 storage systems?

The MSA SAN Switch 2/8 is designed specifically for embedded installation within the MSA1000 chassis. It connects the MSA1000 to external hosts and backup solutions via its 7 external ports. It is not a standalone switch and cannot be used independently outside the MSA1000 platform.

What is the maximum fabric size supported?

The switch supports full cascade capability, enabling fabric expansion beyond single-hop limitations. Multiple MSA1000 arrays with MSA SAN Switch 2/8 modules can be interconnected to build larger SAN fabrics. Refer to HP SAN Design Guides for specific fabric topology and scalability limits.

Compaq 286763-B21 MSA SAN Switch 2/8 8-Port 2Gbps