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HPE J9821A 5406R zl2 Switch Chassis - Modular 6-Slot Layer 3 Managed Rack-Mountable 4U
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This switch chassis operates at Layer 3, enabling advanced routing and switching functions for enhanced network performance and segmentation. The manageable platform supports comprehensive network protocols and features, including hitless failover and power supply redundancy for maximum uptime.
With six expansion slots, the chassis accommodates both switching modules and a dedicated management module, providing unprecedented flexibility in port configuration and network management. The built-in power supply ensures stable voltage delivery to all components, while the modular design supports future expansion without chassis replacement.
Relevant factors for this section include Modular, Stack Port, Port/Expansion Slot Details, Expansion Slot Type. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
A strong technical summary explains how the product's interfaces, hardware profile, and operating characteristics work together in real deployment. Buyers often need this context to confirm compatibility with existing devices, expected performance in daily use, and whether installation will be straightforward for IT staff or end users.
Key Product Advantages
The 5406R zl2 chassis combines enterprise-grade reliability with operational simplicity, offering a future-proof foundation for network infrastructure. Its modular architecture eliminates the need for complete switch replacements when expanding or upgrading network capacity.
Zero Licensing Overhead
Includes full Layer 3 features, QoS, security, and OpenFlow SDN support without requiring additional software licenses, reducing total cost of ownership.
- No add-on software licensing
- SDN ready with OpenFlow
- Full L3 feature set included
Enterprise Resiliency
Designed for continuous operation with features like hitless failover and power supply redundancy, ensuring network availability for critical business applications.
- Hitless failover capability
- Power supply redundancy
- Built-in power regulation
Deployment / Use Cases
The 5406R zl2 chassis is ideally suited for organizations requiring scalable, reliable networking at the enterprise edge or in distributed branch locations. Its modular design makes it particularly valuable for environments with evolving connectivity requirements.
Common deployment scenarios include serving as the core switching platform for small to medium businesses, providing aggregation and distribution switching in enterprise branch offices, and supporting campus network deployments where flexibility and future expansion are priorities.
SMB Core Switching
Provides the foundation for complete network infrastructure in small to medium businesses, with room for growth through modular expansion.
- Scalable from initial deployment
- Full Layer 3 capabilities
- Enterprise-class features
Branch Office Aggregation
Consolidates connectivity from multiple access switches while providing advanced routing and security features for distributed locations.
- Centralized management
- WAN optimization ready
- Redundancy features
Physical Profile
Engineered for standard 19-inch rack deployment, the 5406R zl2 chassis occupies 4U of rack space with dimensions optimized for data center and network closet installations. The rack-mountable form factor includes integrated cable management features for professional installation and maintenance.
The physical profile is practical for deployment planning because the dimensions and weight are clearly defined: 6.90" (175.26 mm), 17.50" (444.50 mm), 17.75" (450.85 mm), 11.11 kg. This helps confirm rack, shelf, desk, or cabinet fit before installation.
- Width
- 17.50" (444.50 mm)
- Depth
- 17.75" (450.85 mm)
- Height
- 6.90" (175.26 mm)
- Weight
- 11.11 kg
What's in the Box
The chassis ships as a complete switching platform ready for module installation and deployment.
Highlights
- Modular chassis with 6 expansion slots for flexible port configuration
- Layer 3 managed switching with full routing capabilities
- Enterprise-class resiliency with hitless failover and redundancy features
- Rack-mountable 4U form factor for standard data center deployment
- No additional software licensing required for core features
- SDN ready with OpenFlow support for software-defined networking
- Built-in power supply with stable voltage regulation
- Lifetime limited warranty for long-term investment protection
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hewlett Packard Enterprise |
| Manufacturer Part Number | J9821A |
| Brand Name | HPE |
| Product Model | 5406R zl2 |
| Product Name | 5406R zl2 Switch |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | Switch Chassis |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Modular | Yes |
| Stack Port | No |
| Port/Expansion Slot Details | 6 x Expansion Slot |
| I/O Expansions | |
| Expansion Slot Type | Switching Module,Management Module |
| Network & Communication | |
| Layer Supported | 3 |
| Management & Protocols | |
| Manageable | Yes |
| Power Description | |
| PoE (RJ-45) Port | No |
| Power Source | Power Supply |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Compatible Rack Unit | 4U |
| Form Factor | Rack-mountable |
| Height | 6.90" (175.26 mm) |
| Width | 17.50" (444.50 mm) |
| Depth | 17.75" (450.85 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 11.11 kg |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 5406R zl2 Switch 1 x 5400R zl2 Management Module (J9827A) 1 x 5406R zl2 Switch Fan Tray (J9831A) Mounting Kit |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
FAQ
What does 'modular switch chassis' mean for this HPE 5406R zl2?
A modular switch chassis provides a framework that accepts interchangeable switching modules, allowing you to customize port types, densities, and capabilities. The HPE 5406R zl2 includes six expansion slots that accommodate both switching modules for network ports and a management module for control functions. This design enables organizations to start with needed ports and expand later by adding modules, rather than replacing entire switches.
How many ports does this switch chassis support?
The HPE 5406R zl2 switch chassis itself does not include fixed ports. Instead, it provides six expansion slots that accept switching modules, which determine the actual port count and types. You can populate these slots with various HPE switching modules to create custom port configurations ranging from basic Ethernet to 10 Gigabit Ethernet and PoE+ ports, depending on your network requirements.
What are the benefits of Layer 3 switching in this chassis?
Layer 3 switching enables the chassis to perform routing functions between VLANs and subnets at wire speed, reducing reliance on external routers. This improves network performance, simplifies architecture, and enhances security through inter-VLAN routing controls. The HPE 5406R zl2 supports full Layer 3 features including dynamic routing protocols, access control lists, and quality of service policies for optimized traffic management.
Can this switch support Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
The chassis itself does not include PoE capabilities, but it can support PoE through compatible switching modules. The expansion slots accept HPE switching modules that provide full PoE+ (802.3at) support for powering devices like IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras. You would need to install appropriate PoE-capable switching modules to deliver power over Ethernet connections.
What rack space does this switch chassis require?
The HPE 5406R zl2 occupies 4U (unit) of space in a standard 19-inch equipment rack. With dimensions of 6.90 inches in height, 17.50 inches in width, and 17.75 inches in depth, it fits typical data center and network closet environments. The rack-mountable design includes mounting hardware for secure installation and proper airflow management in rack configurations.
What warranty coverage comes with this HPE switch chassis?
HPE provides a lifetime limited warranty for the 5406R zl2 switch chassis. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product, offering long-term protection for your networking investment. The warranty applies to the chassis itself, while individual switching modules may have separate warranty terms based on their specific part numbers and configurations.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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