HP part number A7988B identifies the A7988B - HP StorageWorks A7988B 4/256 8 Ports SAN Director Fibre Channel Switch, an enterprise-grade Network Switches unit appropriate for data-center, server-room, and workstation deployment. Technical specifications include interface of Fibre Channel. Typical use cases include enterprise LAN core-distribution-access architecture, hyperconverged cluster east-west traffic, SAN fabric uplinks, and replacement of EOL/EOSL networking infrastructure under existing OEM warranty contracts. Pro Disk Network maintains the A7988B in our enterprise inventory and verifies each unit against manufacturer datasheet specifications prior to listing. New stock ships factory-sealed where available; refurbished units are tested under load before dispatch and ship with a 90-day Pro Disk Network functional warranty. Same-day dispatch on in-stock orders placed before 3pm ET; free standard ground shipping on US orders over $150.
The A7988B is a HP network switches component with interface Fibre Channel. Pricing on the A7988B is quote-based — email sales@prodisknetwork.com or use our live chat for a quote within one business day.
Quick Answer: Is the A7988B compatible with my switch?
Pro Disk Network validates every A7988B against the target switch's published compatibility matrix before shipment. If you let us know your switch model and firmware version, we will confirm fitment and code the module appropriately (Cisco-coded, Juniper-coded, HPE-coded, etc.) at no extra charge.
How fast does the A7988B ship?
A7988B orders placed before 3 pm ET ship the same business day from US warehouses. Delivery is next business day to most metro ZIPs via FedEx/UPS overnight; ground delivery covers remaining US in 1-4 business days.
The A7988B is deployed by US enterprises, MSPs, government, and education customers across multiple infrastructure scenarios. Below are the most common deployment patterns Pro Disk Network sees in real-world orders.
Server Uplink — 10G/25G server-to-leaf uplink — pair with matching DAC or AOC at the host NIC to avoid optic mismatch.
DCI (Data Center Interconnect) — Inter-DC routing or aggregation. LR4/LR8 transceivers for 10–80 km, ER4 for 40 km, ZR4 for coherent long-haul.
Campus Distribution — Catalyst-class campus distribution between IDF and MDF closets. PoE+ where wireless APs and IP phones share infrastructure.
Branch / Edge — Smaller form-factor switches and routers for branch sites. SD-WAN-compatible or static-VPN-attached as the architecture dictates.
What is the A7988B?
The A7988B is a HP enterprise networking device with interface Fibre Channel, manufactured by HP. Pro Disk Network ships this part new and certified-refurbished from our US warehouse with same-day dispatch on orders placed before 3 PM ET, backed by a 30-day return guarantee.
Pros & Cons of A7988B
Pros
Matched-pair option for redundant link orders
Cabling and DAC/AOC labels clearly mark optic class
Cons
Not for hyperscale ZR coherent — different SKU family
Some vendors deprecate firmware on EOL part numbers
Mismatched optic+switch firmware can require manual override
Frequently Asked Questions about A7988B
Is the A7988B a genuine HP part?
Yes. Pro Disk Network sources every A7988B as factory-original HP inventory. New units arrive sealed in OEM packaging; refurbished units are pulled from decommissioned HP servers, surface-tested, and re-warranted by Pro Disk Network for 90 days.
Is the A7988B compatible with my switch?
Pro Disk Network validates every A7988B against the target switch's published compatibility matrix before shipment. If you let us know your switch model and firmware version, we will confirm fitment and code the module appropriately (Cisco-coded, Juniper-coded, HPE-coded, etc.) at no extra charge.
How fast does the A7988B ship?
A7988B orders placed before 3 pm ET ship the same business day from US warehouses. Delivery is next business day to most metro ZIPs via FedEx/UPS overnight; ground delivery covers remaining US in 1-4 business days.
What is the warranty on the A7988B?
New A7988B units carry the full HP manufacturer warranty (typically 1 to 5 years depending on product line). Refurbished and bulk-OEM units include a Pro Disk Network advance-replacement warranty (90 days refurbished). DOA replacement is free within 30 days of receipt.
Do you offer bulk pricing for the A7988B?
Email sales@prodisknetwork.com with the quantity and target ship date for a quote within one business day.
Optic Coding, Vendor Lock-In, and Multi-Vendor Compatibility
For Cisco IOS, IOS-XE, and NX-OS switches, the A7988B works out-of-box if coded for Cisco; for Aruba ArubaOS-CX, code for HPE/Aruba; for Juniper Junos, code for Juniper. Pro Disk Network confirms the target vendor coding at order time and applies it before shipping. Misordered coding can be flashed in the field but the lead time is longer than ordering correctly the first time.
Bandwidth Sizing for Spine-Leaf, EVPN-VXLAN, and Hyperconverged Storage
Document optic types and bandwidth in your network drawings: SR-SR for intra-rack, LR-LR for inter-rack and DCI, ZR4 for long-haul coherent. Mismatched optic-distance ratings is the most common cause of intermittent link errors that look like cable problems but aren't.