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HPE R8M26A FlexNetwork 5520 48G 4SFP+ HI 1-slot Switch - 48 Port Gigabit - 4 x 10Gb SFP+ - Layer 3 Managed - 1U Rack-Mountable
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This switch operates at Layer 3, enabling advanced routing capabilities such as static routing, RIP, OSPF, and BGP for scalable network design. It supports a comprehensive suite of networking standards including IEEE 802.1Q for VLANs, IEEE 802.3ad for link aggregation, and IEEE 802.3az for energy-efficient Ethernet, ensuring interoperability and performance optimization.
The power architecture supports dual power supplies for redundancy, with a typical consumption of just 27 watts. Media compatibility spans both optical fiber and twisted pair, with network technologies covering 10/100/1000Base-T and 10GBase-X. The five expansion slots include four dedicated SFP+ slots for high-speed uplinks and one additional slot for future module additions.
Standards Compliance
The switch adheres to over 20 IEEE standards, ensuring reliable operation in mixed-vendor environments and supporting advanced features like Quality of Service (QoS), link aggregation, and network security protocols.
Key Product Advantages
The HPE FlexNetwork 5520 HI switch delivers several distinct advantages for network architects and IT managers. Its combination of high port density, 10Gb uplink readiness, and Layer 3 functionality makes it an ideal choice for aggregation, core switching, or data center top-of-rack deployments.
Scalable Uplink Bandwidth
Four SFP+ slots provide up to 40 Gbps of uplink capacity, enabling seamless integration with high-speed backbone networks or server connectivity without bottlenecks.
- 10x faster than standard Gigabit Ethernet
- Supports fiber or copper SFP+ modules
- Future-proofs network infrastructure
Advanced Management & Security
Full manageability allows for precise control over network policies, traffic shaping, and security configurations. Layer 3 routing capabilities enable complex network segmentation and efficient inter-VLAN routing.
- Granular QoS and traffic prioritization
- Comprehensive ACL and security features
- Centralized management via CLI or web interface
Deployment / Use Cases
This switch is designed for environments requiring high reliability, scalability, and performance. Its 1U form factor and 48-port density make it suitable for space-constrained racks while delivering enterprise-grade features.
Typical deployments include enterprise network cores where Layer 3 routing is needed between multiple VLANs, data center top-of-rack installations connecting servers with 10Gb uplinks to aggregation switches, and mid-size business networks requiring advanced management and security capabilities.
Data Center Top-of-Rack
Deploy at the top of server racks to provide high-density Gigabit connectivity to servers while using SFP+ uplinks to connect to spine switches or core network infrastructure.
Enterprise Core/Aggregation
Use as a core or aggregation switch in medium to large networks, leveraging Layer 3 routing to efficiently manage traffic between departments, floors, or geographic segments.
Physical Profile
The switch features a compact 1U rack-mountable design with dimensions of 1.72" (43.69 mm) height, 17.32" (439.93 mm) width, and 14.17" (359.92 mm) depth. Weighing approximately 15.43 lb (7000 g), it fits standard 19-inch racks and includes cabinet mount options for secure installation. The front-to-back airflow design supports efficient cooling in dense rack environments.
- Width
- 17.32" (439.93 mm)
- Depth
- 14.17" (359.92 mm)
- Height
- 1.72" (43.69 mm)
- Weight
- 15.43 lb (7000 g)
Highlights
- 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-density connectivity
- 4x 10Gb SFP+ uplink slots for high-speed backbone connections
- Layer 3 routing capabilities for scalable network design
- Fully manageable with advanced QoS and security features
- 1U rack-mountable form factor for space-efficient deployment
- Supports dual power supplies for redundancy
- Low power consumption at 27 watts typical
- Compatible with optical fiber and twisted pair media
- Comprehensive IEEE standards support for interoperability
- Modular design with 5 total expansion slots
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hewlett Packard Enterprise |
| Manufacturer Part Number | R8M26A |
| Brand Name | HPE |
| Product Line | FlexNetwork |
| Product Series | 5520 HI |
| Product Model | 5520 48G 4SFP+ HI |
| Product Name | FlexNetwork 5520 48G 4SFP+ HI 1-slot Switch |
| Product Type | Ethernet Switch |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of Network Ports | 48 |
| Network (RJ-45) | Yes |
| Uplink Port | Yes |
| Modular | Yes |
| Port/Expansion Slot Details | 48 x Gigabit Ethernet Network,4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot,1 x Expansion Slot |
| Media & Performance | |
| Media Type Supported | Optical Fiber,Twisted Pair |
| Ethernet Technology | Gigabit Ethernet,10 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Network Technology | 10/100/1000Base-T,10GBase-X |
| I/O Expansions | |
| Total Number of Expansion Slots | 5 |
| Expansion Slot Type | SFP+ |
| Shared SFP Slot | Yes |
| Number of SFP+ Slots | 4 |
| Network & Communication | |
| Layer Supported | 3 |
| Networking Standards | IEEE 802.1p,IEEE 802.3ah,IEEE 802.3x,IEEE 802.1ad,IEEE 802.1Q,IEEE 802.1ab,IEEE 802.2,IEEE 802.3az,IEEE 802.1ak,IEEE 802.1ae,IEEE 802.1AX,IEEE 802.1s,IEEE 802.1v,IEEE 802.1w,IEEE 802.3ab,IEEE 802.3ac,IEEE 802.3ad,IEEE 802.3ae,IEEE 802.3i,IEEE 802.3u,IEEE 802.3z,IEEE 802.1r |
| Management & Protocols | |
| Manageable | Yes |
| Power Description | |
| Power Source | Power Supply |
| Number of Power Supplies Supported | 2 |
| Power Consumption | 27 W |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Compatible Rack Unit | 1U |
| Form Factor | Rack-mountable,Cabinet Mount |
| Height | 1.72" (43.69 mm) |
| Width | 17.32" (439.93 mm) |
| Depth | 14.17" (359.92 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 15.43 lb (7000 g) |
FAQ
How many ports does this HPE switch have and what types are they?
This HPE FlexNetwork 5520 switch provides 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports for connecting devices like computers, printers, and IP phones. Additionally, it includes four 10 Gigabit SFP+ expansion slots for high-speed uplinks to other switches or servers, plus one general expansion slot for future module additions.
What does Layer 3 support mean for this network switch?
Layer 3 support means this switch can perform routing functions between different network segments or VLANs. It enables features like static routing, RIP, OSPF, and inter-VLAN routing without requiring a separate router, making network design more scalable and efficient for medium to large deployments.
Can this switch be mounted in a standard server rack?
Yes, this switch is designed for standard 19-inch server racks with a 1U form factor. Its dimensions are 1.72" height, 17.32" width, and 14.17" depth, and it includes mounting hardware for both rack and cabinet installations. The compact design maximizes port density while minimizing rack space usage.
What types of cabling and media does this switch support?
The switch supports both optical fiber and twisted pair cabling. The 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports use standard RJ-45 connectors for copper cabling (10/100/1000Base-T), while the SFP+ slots support fiber optic modules (10GBase-X) for longer distance or higher bandwidth connections, providing flexibility for various network topologies.
Is this a managed switch and what management features does it offer?
Yes, this is a fully managed switch offering comprehensive control through CLI, web interface, or network management software. Management features include VLAN configuration, Quality of Service (QoS) policies, link aggregation, security access controls, traffic monitoring, and support for SNMP for integration with network monitoring systems.
What are the power requirements and redundancy options for this switch?
The switch typically consumes 27 watts of power and supports two power supplies for redundancy. This dual power supply capability allows for hot-swappable power modules or connection to separate power circuits, ensuring continuous operation even if one power source fails, which is critical for mission-critical network environments.