HPE Ethernet 10/25Gb 2-port SFP28 X2522-25G-PLUS Adapter

The HPE Gen10 Plus Ethernet Adapters are designed to deliver secure, reliable, and scalable network performance for modern data centers. The HPE Ethernet 10/25Gb 2-port SFP28 X2522-25G-PLUS Adapter is a dual-port 25GbE solution that fits seamlessly into Gen10 Plus servers, offering a cost-effective upgrade path from legacy 1Gb and 10Gb networks. Built for high-density workloads, this adapter brings together the efficiency of 10/25 Gigabit Ethernet with the flexibility of SFP28 optics, enabling you to consolidate server connectivity, accelerate data movement, and simplify management across cloud, virtualization, and conventional workloads. Whether you’re consolidating storage traffic, accelerating databases, or supporting scalable virtualization, this adapter is engineered to maximize throughput while minimizing CPU overhead and power consumption. With its robust design and compatibility across the HPE Gen10 Plus ecosystem, it’s a reliable, future-ready choice for workloads that demand consistent latency, improved bandwidth, and streamlined operations.

• High-performance dual-port 25GbE SFP28 — Two independent 25Gb Ethernet ports deliver immediate, tangible bandwidth boosts for virtualized environments, storage networks, and high-throughput applications. Auto-negotiation supports 10GbE where needed, enabling a smooth, scalable upgrade path from older networks without overhauling every link in your data center. This dual-port design helps you maximize uplink capacity and create fault-tolerant paths for critical workloads, all while reducing server-to-network latency and improving overall throughput across multi-tenant environments.
• Gen10 Plus compatibility and deployment simplicity — Specifically engineered for HPE Gen10 Plus servers, the X2522-25G-PLUS adapter integrates into standard PCIe slots, delivering plug-and-play deployment for faster time-to-value. It complements HPE management tooling and firmware ecosystems, simplifying firmware updates, driver installation, and remote monitoring. The architecture is designed to work with familiar HPE workflows, minimizing training needs and accelerating rollout across mixed workloads and data-center scales.
• Flexible optics and cabling options — The SFP28 interface supports a broad range of transceivers and cables, giving you the freedom to choose copper DACs for short reaches or optical SFP28 modules for longer distances. This flexibility helps optimize cost and performance for each rack, chassis, or cluster, while preserving the ability to reconfigure the network as your topology evolves. The adapter’s optics compatibility is a key benefit for data centers that require heterogeneous cabling strategies without sacrificing performance.
• Security, reliability, and efficiency — Built to meet modern data-center security expectations, this adapter integrates into a secure firmware and management pipeline, enabling trusted updates and consistent firmware validation. Its efficient power profile, thermal design, and reliable operation under heavy loads contribute to improved reliability and longer device lifecycle in demanding environments, while maintaining low total cost of ownership through reduced maintenance and easier hardware refresh cycles.
• Management, visibility, and future-proofing — Designed to work with standard enterprise management practices, the X2522-25G-PLUS enables straightforward monitoring of link status, throughput, and errors, empowering proactive capacity planning and quick diagnostics. This feature set supports scalable growth, helping you simplify network orchestration as you expand virtualization, containerization, or cloud-connected workloads. The dual-port architecture also enables network segmentation and traffic isolation to improve security and performance across multi-tenant deployments.

Technical Details of HPE Ethernet 10/25Gb 2-port SFP28 X2522-25G-PLUS Adapter

• Product type: HPE Ethernet adapter for Gen10 Plus servers, dual-port SFP28 25GbE
• Network speeds: Supports 10 GbE and 25 GbE per port with auto-negotiation for flexible deployment
• Ports: 2 x SFP28 optical/copper-capable interfaces for 25GbE, with backward compatibility for 10GbE
• Host interface: PCIe-based adapter connected to the server motherboard via PCIe (typical PCIe 3.0 x8 or compatible slot)
• Form factor: Standard PCIe adapter card designed for HPE Gen10 Plus servers (form factor accommodates standard rack deployments)
• Transceivers and cables: SFP28 transceivers and direct-attach copper (DAC) cables are separate purchases; compatible optics and cables are required for full operation
• Operating system support: Broad OS compatibility with common server environments; driver availability for Windows and Linux distributions in enterprise contexts
• Management and monitoring: Works with standard enterprise management stacks, enabling link status, throughput metrics, and diagnostic visibility
• Security and firmware: Secure firmware update path and validated software routine to help maintain device integrity in production environments
• Package contents: Adapter card and quick install guide; transceivers and cables are not included and must be acquired separately

how to install HPE Ethernet 10/25Gb 2-port SFP28 X2522-25G-PLUS Adapter

• Step 1: Power down the server and disconnect it from power. Ensure you follow proper anti-static precautions before handling components inside the chassis.
• Step 2: Open the server enclosure and locate an available PCIe expansion slot that matches the adapter’s requirements. Confirm that the chosen slot is not currently in use by other devices and that there is sufficient clearance for the card and any potential cooling considerations.
• Step 3: Remove the slot cover and carefully insert the HPE X2522-25G-PLUS adapter into the PCIe slot, applying even pressure until it seats firmly. Replace any securing screw or bracket as required by the chassis design to ensure stable operation.
• Step 4: If your deployment uses hot-plug capable servers, recheck power and cable routing. Install compatible SFP28 transceivers or DAC cables into the two SFP28 ports on the adapter, based on your network topology and desired reach.
• Step 5: Reassemble the server chassis, reconnect power, and power on the system. Enter the operating system or UEFI/BIOS as needed to confirm the hardware is detected and available for driver installation.
• Step 6: Install the appropriate network drivers and management utilities from the HPE support portal or your OS vendor’s repository. Ensure that the drivers match your OS version and kernel (for Linux) or Windows Server edition.
• Step 7: Configure the network interfaces in the operating system or via your network management suite. Set appropriate speed and duplex settings, enable link aggregation if desired, and apply any security or QoS policies required by your workload.
• Step 8: Test connectivity and throughput with representative workloads to validate the configuration. Check for stable link quality, low latency, and expected bandwidth across both ports. Monitor for errors or dropped packets and adjust cabling or transceiver selection if needed.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the HPE Ethernet 10/25Gb 2-port SFP28 X2522-25G-PLUS Adapter? It is a dual-port 25GbE SFP28 network adapter designed for HPE Gen10 Plus servers, enabling high-density, low-latency network connectivity with flexible optics options and support for 10/25 GbE speeds.
• Which servers is it compatible with? This adapter is designed for HPE Gen10 Plus servers and is intended to integrate within supported server configurations. Check HPE compatibility guides or your server’s maintenance agreement to confirm compatibility with your exact model and BIOS/firmware version.
• Does it support both 10GbE and 25GbE? Yes. Each port negotiates to 10GbE or 25GbE depending on the connected transceiver and network switch capabilities, allowing flexible deployment across evolving data-center fabrics.
• Do I need separate transceivers or cables? Yes. SFP28 transceivers (optical or copper DACs) and compatible cables are sold separately. Pick optics based on distance requirements and your network topology to achieve optimal performance.
• Are drivers required? For Windows and Linux environments, drivers or firmware updates are typically provided by HPE or the OS vendor. Ensure you install the correct driver version for your OS and kernel, and keep firmware up to date for security and performance improvements.
• What is included in the package? The adapter card and a quick install guide are included. Transceivers, cables, and mounting accessories are not included and must be sourced separately to complete a full installation.