HP 726911-B21 Network Server

HP 726911-B21 Network Server – Advanced Storage Connectivity

The HP 726911-B21, also known as the HPE H241 Smart Host Bus Adapter (HBA), is a high‑performance, dual‑port SAS/SATA controller designed to deliver reliable storage access for enterprise servers. Built on a robust PCIe 3.0 x8 interface, this low‑profile card seamlessly integrates into a wide range of HP ProLiant and Apollo platforms, providing flexible RAID options and scalable bandwidth.

Key Technical Specifications

• Channels: 8 (dual‑port SAS/SATA)
• Bus Type: PCIe 3.0 x8
• Host Interface: PCI
• Output Interface: SAS 12Gb/s, SATA 6Gb/s
• RAID Levels Supported: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5
• WEEE Certified: Environmentally compliant design
• Low‑Profile Slot Cover Included: Ensures proper airflow and protection in tight rack spaces

Platform Compatibility

The HBA is engineered for a broad spectrum of HP servers, including:

• Apollo 4510 Gen9
• Modular Smart Array 2040 / 2040 10Gb
• ProLiant DL160 Gen9, DL180 Gen9, DL360 Gen9, DL380 Gen9, DL560 Gen9, DL80 Gen9
• ML10 Gen9, ML350 Gen9
• SL210t Gen8, SL250s Gen8, SL270s Gen8
• XL170r Gen9, XL230a Gen9

Operating System Support

The adapter is fully compatible with a variety of operating systems, ensuring broad deployment flexibility:

• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 / 2008 / 2012 / 2012 R2 (with Hyper‑V)
• Ubuntu 12.04 / 14.04
• Oracle Solaris 11.1
• SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 SP3
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 / 6 (update 5)

Performance and Reliability Features

The H241 Smart HBA delivers:

• High Bandwidth: Dual SAS ports each supporting up to 12Gb/s, enabling rapid data transfer for high‑density storage arrays.
• Dual Port Redundancy: Independent paths ensure continuous availability even if one port fails or requires maintenance.
• Smart Array Integration: Works seamlessly with HP Smart Array controllers, providing advanced RAID management and fault tolerance.
• Low‑Profile Design: Fits into compact server chassis without compromising airflow or heat dissipation.

Installation and Configuration

Installing the HP 726911-B21 is straightforward:

1. Insert the card into an available PCIe x8 slot on a compatible HP server.
2. Secure the low‑profile cover to protect the connector and maintain proper airflow.
3. Connect SAS/SATA drives using standard SFF‑8644 cables, ensuring correct orientation for each port.
4. Power on the system and load the appropriate HBA driver from the operating system’s storage stack.
5. Configure RAID through the server’s BIOS or management interface, selecting from supported levels (0, 1, 5).

Use Cases

• Enterprise File Servers: High throughput and redundancy for critical file storage.
• Virtualization Hosts: Reliable block‑level access to shared storage for VMs, supporting Hyper‑V and other hypervisors.
• Database Environments: Low latency and high IOPS suitable for relational or NoSQL databases.
• Backup & Recovery Systems: RAID configurations provide data protection while maintaining performance during backup operations.

Environmental Compliance

The adapter meets WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) standards, ensuring responsible disposal and recycling practices. Its low‑profile form factor also contributes to reduced power consumption by minimizing the need for additional cooling infrastructure.

Conclusion

The HP 726911-B21 Network Server (HPE H241 Smart HBA) is a versatile, high‑performance storage controller that blends robust connectivity with enterprise‑grade reliability. Its dual SAS/SATA ports, extensive OS support, and compatibility across a wide range of HP servers make it an ideal choice for organizations seeking scalable, fault‑tolerant storage solutions.