What enclosures is the Cisco Catalyst 3120G compatible with?

Designed for HP c-Class BladeSystem c3000 and c7000 enclosures as a hot-swappable blade module. It installs in interconnect slots, providing internal 1Gb connectivity to blades and external uplinks via 4x 10/100/1000BASE-T ports.

What is the switching performance of SKU 451438-B21?

Delivers 128 Gbps switching capacity and 59.2 Mpps forwarding rate (64-byte packets). Supports wire-speed on all 16 internal 1Gb ports and external ports, with jumbo frames up to 9018 bytes for efficient data/video handling.

Does it support Layer 3 features?

Primarily Layer 2 switching with Layer 3 routing available via firmware add-ons at purchase or web download. Includes IPv6 support, QoS, and protocols like SNMP for comprehensive management.

How does failover work on this switch?

Two of the four external 10/100/1000BASE-T ports can be configured as cross-connects to a paired Cisco 3120G switch, providing redundant failover protection within the enclosure.

What management options are available?

Includes external console port, USB management port, recessed reset button, and 18 LEDs for status. Supports SNMP v1/v2c/v3, StackWise stacking, Cisco Network Assistant, EEM, and GOLD diagnostics.

Is this product still supported by HPE?

Officially retired/obsolete per HPE documentation, but firmware upgrades remain available. Suitable for legacy blade systems requiring compatible replacements.

451438-B21 - HP Cisco Catalyst Blade Switch 3120G for HP Switch

Name: 451438-B21 - HP Cisco Catalyst Blade Switch 3120G for HP Switch
Brand: HP
SKU: 451438-B21
Price: 98 USD
Availability: InStock

451438-B21 - HP Cisco Catalyst Blade Switch 3120G for HP Switch | US IT Hardware

Product overview

The HPE 451438-B21 Cisco Catalyst Blade Switch 3120G for HP is a Layer 2/3 managed blade switch designed for HP c-Class BladeSystem c3000 and c7000 enclosures. It features 16x 1 Gigabit Ethernet internal ports for server connectivity and 4x 10/100/1000BASE-T external ports, with 2 configurable for cross-connect failover. Delivering 128 Gbps switching capacity and 59.2 Mpps forwarding rate, it ensures wire-speed performance. Equipped with 256 MB SDRAM, it supports enterprise-grade MAC learning, IPv6, QoS, and optional Layer 3 routing via firmware upgrades. Management options include console, USB ports, SNMP, and StackWise for stacking up to nine units. Status is monitored via 18 LEDs. Hot-swappable and compliant with HP interconnect standards, it reduces cabling and optimizes uplinks in blade environments. Note: Product is retired per HPE documentation.

128 Gbps switching, 59.2 Mpps forwarding for wire-speed performance
16x1Gb internal + 4x1Gb external ports with failover config
StackWise stacks up to 9 units into virtual switch
Layer 2/3 managed with QoS, IPv6, SNMP support
Hot-swappable blade for HP c3000/c7000 enclosures
256 MB SDRAM for stable high-workload operation

Expedited and overnight shipping options are available at checkout, priced by destination and service.
Purchase orders accepted from qualified institutions.
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 #	451438-B21
Brand	HP
Condition	Refurbished
Model	Cisco Catalyst Blade Switch 3120G for HP
Firmware	Upgradeable firmware for Layer 3 routing and IPv6 support; available at purchase or via web downloads
Status LEDs	Total 18 LEDs: 12 for uplink port status; 4 switch status LEDs; 2 HP-specific LEDs (Health and UID status)
Product Line	Cisco Catalyst Blade Switch 3120 Series
Product Type	Blade Switch; Layer 2/3 Managed Switch
Product Status	RETIRED/OBSOLETE as of official HPE documentation
Network Protocols	Layer 2 switching; Layer 3 routing (via firmware add-ons); IPv6 support; QoS (Quality of Service)

Compatible systems

Compatible with HP c-Class BladeSystem (c3000, c7000) enclosures; supports all blade servers within enclosure via internal 16x 1GbE ports

HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise) c-Class BladeSystem
Model: c3000; c7000
Form factor: Blade enclosure
Generation: c-Class
Designed as interconnect module for HP c-Class BladeSystem; supports blade servers within enclosure

Best for

Blade Server Connectivity
Provides 16x 1Gb internal ports for direct server access in HP c3000/c7000 enclosures, with 128 Gbps capacity ensuring high-throughput internal switching.
Redundant Uplink Failover
Two of four external 10/100/1000BASE-T ports configurable as cross-connects for failover, enhancing reliability in blade environments.
Virtual Stacking
Supports StackWise to stack up to nine switches into a single virtual unit, simplifying management and reducing external switch needs.
Layer 3 Routing Upgrade
Firmware upgrades enable Layer 3 routing and IPv6, suitable for evolving enterprise networks within blade systems.

Frequently asked questions

Details

Shipping, warranty & returns

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Supported Protocols	SNMP; Layer 2/3 protocols; IPv4; IPv6; QoS; StackWise (for stacking)

Compliance Certifications	Designed for HP BladeSystem c-Class interconnect compatibility; enterprise-grade reliability standards

Memory Type	SDRAM
Memory Capacity	256 MB

Network & Communication

Forwarding Rate	59.2 Mpps (Million Packets Per Second)
MAC Address Table	Supports enterprise-grade MAC learning for stable performance under high workloads
Switching Capacity	128 Gbps

Physical Characteristics

Form Factor	Blade module for HP c-Class BladeSystem enclosure (c3000, c7000)
Chassis Type	Blade module; Hot-swappable
Mounting Type	Slot-based installation in HP c-Class BladeSystem enclosure

Interface/Ports

Network Ports	16x 1 Gigabit Ethernet internal ports; 4x 10/100/1000BASE-T external ports (2 configurable as cross-connect failover)
Management Interface	Console port; Mode button; Reset button (recessed); USB management port

HP Cisco Catalyst Blade Switch 3120G for HP Switch