United States
Q
What is an HPE Network Adapter?
A
An HPE Network Adapter is a server interface card that provides high-performance Ethernet or converged networking connectivity for HPE ProLiant and Synergy servers.
Q
Which types of HPE Network Adapters are available?
A
HPE offers Ethernet, FlexFabric, FlexibleLOM, and converged network adapters (CNAs) supporting 1GbE to 100GbE speeds with features like SR-IOV and RDMA.
Q
How do I choose the right HPE Network Adapter for my server?
A
Select an adapter based on required bandwidth, server slot type (PCIe or FlexibleLOM), virtualization support, and compatibility with your HPE server model.
Q
What is the difference between HPE FlexFabric and Ethernet adapters?
A
FlexFabric adapters deliver unified LAN and SAN traffic over a single port with SR-IOV and converged networking, while Ethernet adapters handle only standard network traffic.
Q
How do I install an HPE Network Adapter in my server?
A
Power down the server, insert the adapter into the appropriate PCIe or FlexibleLOM slot, secure it, then boot and install the HPE driver software.
Q
How can I update the firmware on my HPE Network Adapter?
A
Use HPE Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP) or HPE Smart Update Manager (SUM) to scan and apply the latest adapter firmware automatically.
Q
Which operating systems support HPE Network Adapters?
A
HPE Network Adapters support Windows Server, various Linux distributions (RHEL, SLES, CentOS), VMware ESXi, and HPE’s own ProLiant OS offerings.
Q
How do I configure NIC teaming on an HPE Network Adapter?
A
Install the HPE Network Configuration Utility, select the adapters, choose a teaming mode (LACP, ALB), then apply settings via the utility or OS teaming tools.
Q
What should I do if my HPE Network Adapter shows link down?
A
Verify cable connections, check switch port status, update adapter firmware/drivers, and ensure negotiated speed and duplex settings match the network.
Q
How do I check the driver version of my HPE Network Adapter?
A
On Windows, use Device Manager’s adapter properties; on Linux, run ‘ethtool -i <interface>’ or check the driver info in sysfs under /sys/class/net.
Q
What is the maximum link speed supported by HPE Network Adapters?
A
HPE Network Adapters support link speeds from 1GbE up to 100GbE, depending on model and port configuration.
Q
How do I optimize my HPE Network Adapter for virtualization?
A
Enable SR-IOV, single root I/O virtualization, configure VMDirectPath I/O in your hypervisor, and ensure the latest drivers and firmware.
Q
How can I monitor the performance of an HPE Network Adapter?
A
Use HPE OneView, SNMP-based monitoring tools, or OS utilities like ethtool and perfmon to track throughput, errors, and latency.
Q
How do I upgrade an HPE Network Adapter to a higher speed?
A
Replace the existing adapter with a supported higher-speed model matching your server’s PCIe or FlexibleLOM interface and update firmware.
Q
Where can I download drivers and firmware for HPE Network Adapters?
A
Download the latest drivers and firmware from HPE Support Center by entering your adapter’s part number or server model.
Q
Are HPE Network Adapters compatible with non-HPE servers?
A
Many HPE Network Adapters function in third-party servers, but full support and warranty features require HPE ProLiant or HPE-qualified platforms.
