HPE 817749-B21 Ethernet 2-Port 640FLR-SFP28 Adapter - 10/25Gb

Our review of the HPE 817749-B21 Ethernet 2-Port 640FLR-SFP28 Adapter finds it best suited for IT professionals and small data center teams who need reliable 10/25Gb connectivity in a half-height, low-profile server slot. The bottom line: this adapter delivers straightforward, no-frills 10/25Gb dual SFP28 ports that integrate cleanly into HPE server environments, providing a compact upgrade path for systems that require higher throughput without changing server chassis or power architecture. It is a purpose-built network card that emphasizes compatibility and stable performance over consumer features.

Key Features

• Dual 10/25Gb SFP28 Ports: Provides two SFP28 ports for flexible 10Gb or 25Gb fiber connections, enabling higher uplink throughput for clustered servers.
• Low-profile 640FLR Form Factor: Designed as a 640FLR-SFP28 adapter to fit HPE half-height slots and preserve adjacent expansion options in dense rack deployments.
• Server Integration: Built for HPE systems to ensure firmware and hardware compatibility for easier deployment and maintenance in existing HPE infrastructures.
• Efficient Bandwidth Upgrade: Lets administrators upgrade network speed without changing server power or major chassis modifications, reducing upgrade time.
• Passive Cooling Friendly: The FLR design minimizes added cooling needs and maintains predictable thermal behavior in populated server bays.

Who It's For

This adapter is aimed at system administrators and network engineers running HPE servers who need a compact, reliable way to add 10Gb or 25Gb fiber connectivity. It is particularly useful in blade or rack servers where space and airflow constraints make a low-profile form factor necessary.

Those who should look elsewhere include users needing copper RJ45 connectivity, multi-function NICs with built-in storage offload, or consumer desktop upgrades; this adapter is focused on basic high-speed Ethernet ports rather than broad feature sets.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact 640FLR-SFP28 design fits constrained server slots while providing high-speed links.
• Dual-port 10/25Gb capability delivers flexible uplink options for mixed-speed networks.
• HPE-oriented integration simplifies deployment in HPE server environments.

Cons

• Limited to SFP28 fiber modules and lacks built-in copper or additional offload features, which may require transceivers or different adapters for some networks.

Specifications

Product Name	HPE 817749-B21 Ethernet 2-Port 640FLR-SFP28 Adapter
Brand	HEWLETT PACKARD
Port Type	Dual SFP28 (10Gb/25Gb)
Form Factor	640FLR-SFP28 low-profile adapter
Intended Use	Server network upgrade for HPE systems
Description	Ethernet 10/25Gb 2-port adapter for internal server installation

Our Verdict

The HPE 817749-B21 is a solid, specialist choice for administrators who need dependable 10/25Gb SFP28 ports in a low-profile HPE-compatible package. It offers good value when the priority is straightforward bandwidth expansion and tight rack integration, though teams requiring copper ports or advanced offload features should consider other models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this adapter support 10Gb as well as 25Gb?
Yes. The dual SFP28 ports support 10Gb and 25Gb operation depending on the transceiver and network configuration.

Will it fit into standard HPE server slots?
Yes. The 640FLR-SFP28 form factor is designed specifically for HPE half-height expansion slots and compatible server architectures.

Are transceivers included?
The product description indicates SFP28 ports; transceivers or direct-attach cables are not specified and may need to be purchased separately based on network type.