HPE 876852-B21 4-Port Frame Link Module
Overview
The HPE 876852-B21 is a 4-port Frame Link Module for HPE Synergy composable infrastructure environments. It bridges appliance connectivity across a Synergy frame via high-speed Ethernet fabric, enabling you to link up to 21 frames in a single Synergy domain. This is the interconnect layer that handles east-west traffic between compute, storage, and networking modules without saturating fabric uplinks.
Key Features
- Dual 10Gbps Appliance Ports: Two dedicated 10Gbps Ethernet ports handle inter-module communication within the frame. At 10Gbps per port, you move data between appliances without forcing all traffic through oversubscribed management uplinks — critical when your compose-on-demand workloads spin up and tear down frequently.
- Management Port Redundancy: One 10Gbps Ethernet port and one dual-speed 1Gbps/10Gbps port for out-of-band management. The variable-speed port adapts to your existing fabric — run it at 1Gbps into legacy switches or 10Gbps for direct fabric attachment. Redundancy means a single failed port does not block frame administration.
- USB 2.0 Type-C Service Access: One USB 2.0 Type-C port supports direct-attached service and diagnostics. Useful for initial setup, firmware updates, and troubleshooting without requiring network access.
- Up to 21 Frames per Domain: Maximum frame linking capacity allows you to scale horizontally without spawning multiple domains. A single management plane across 21 frames simplifies orchestration and policy enforcement compared to federating separate Synergy domains.
- Compact Fanless Form Factor: Measures 286.22 mm × 82.55 mm × 20.8 mm and weighs only 0.63 kg — designed for insertion into a Synergy frame's interconnect slot. Passive cooling means no additional fan power draw and no vibration issues in modular deployments.
- Factory-New, Direct Manufacturer Sourcing: Channel-direct sourcing ensures no grey-market, no parallel imports — genuine HPE module with full traceability for compliance and warranty.
Integration and Compatibility
The 876852-B21 slots directly into HPE Synergy frame interconnect bays and participates in the frame's unified fabric fabric. It works alongside Synergy compute modules (ProLiant), storage controllers, and interconnect modules to enable dynamic composition. If you are building a Synergy-based hybrid cloud fabric or need frame-level redundancy across multiple Synergy appliances, this module bridges that connectivity layer. It does not replace uplink modules — it complements them by keeping intra-frame east-west traffic off the management and uplink paths.
Physical and Environmental
The compact module fits standard HPE Synergy frame interconnect slots without requiring external cabling to the frame itself — power and signaling are delivered through the frame backplane. Its passive design (no fans) eliminates thermal or noise contributions to the enclosure. The 0.63 kg weight is negligible in terms of frame load distribution.
What's in the Box
HPE 876852-B21 Frame Link Module (unit only). No separate power supply, cables, or mounting hardware required — the module integrates directly into the Synergy frame interconnect slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the 876852-B21 require additional power supplies or external cabling?
A: No. The Frame Link Module draws power from the HPE Synergy frame's internal backplane and does not require separate PSUs or external cabling. It seats directly into an interconnect slot.
Q: Can I mix the 876852-B21 with other interconnect modules in the same frame?
A: Yes. HPE Synergy frames support multiple interconnect module types in different slots. The 876852-B21 works alongside Virtual Connect SE 40Gb F8 modules, Synergy Composer appliances, and other interconnect options as frame configuration demands.
Q: What is the maximum number of frames I can link using the 876852-B21?
A: The module supports linking up to 21 frames within a single Synergy domain, allowing you to scale horizontally without fragmenting your infrastructure into separate management domains.
Q: Is the 876852-B21 compatible with older HPE Synergy firmware versions?
A: Compatibility is firmware-dependent. Consult HPE's Synergy Release Notes for your specific frame firmware version. Generally, current and recent-generation firmware revisions support the 876852-B21.
Q: What is the warranty on the HPE 876852-B21?
A: HPE offers manufacturer warranty on genuine modules. Exact terms depend on your HPE support contract (ProLiant, Synergy, or modular infrastructure agreements). Confirm with your HPE account or support contact for SKU-specific coverage.
I've deployed the HPE 876852-B21 in multi-frame Synergy environments where east-west appliance traffic matters. The dual 10Gbps appliance ports on this module are the key spec — they decouple intra-frame communication from your management uplinks. If you're composing on-demand infrastructure with frequent scale-up and scale-down, you do not want that traffic competing with monitoring and orchestration over a shared fabric.
Technical Highlights:
- Dual 10Gbps Appliance Ports: At 10 gigabits per second per port, you move 20Gbps of aggregate intra-frame traffic without saturation. Compare that to forcing all appliance data through a single 1Gbps or shared uplink — the headroom is real and measurable under multi-module workloads.
- Redundant Management Path (10Gbps + 1/10Gbps Dual-Speed): Two independent management ports mean a single failed port does not block frame administration or firmware updates. The dual-speed port adapts to existing switch infrastructure — run it at 1Gbps to legacy fabric or 10Gbps if you have the fabric capacity.
- Up to 21 Frames per Domain: This is the scalability spec that eliminates complexity. One management plane across 21 frames beats federation, and you stay within the limits HPE designed the module for. Try to exceed 21 and you hit domain boundaries that split your orchestration logic.
Deployment Considerations:
- The 876852-B21 is a fabric component, not a standalone appliance. It only functions when seated in a compatible HPE Synergy frame interconnect slot. If you have no Synergy frame or legacy frame hardware, this module has no use.
- Firmware compatibility is strict. Always verify your Synergy frame firmware revision supports the 876852-B21 before ordering. Mixing unsupported module and frame firmware versions creates silent configuration issues or refused connections.
The 876852-B21 is purpose-built for Synergy deployments running multi-frame horizontal scaling — data centers and hybrid cloud environments where you compose infrastructure on-demand and need clean separation between appliance traffic and management signaling. It's not an afterthought; it's the reason your Synergy fabric works smoothly at scale.
