Dell Connectrix DS-7730B
The Dell Connectrix DS-7730B is a next-generation 2U 128-port 64Gb/s Gen 7 Fibre Channel switch engineered for high-throughput enterprise flash storage networks. Based on the Brocade G730 platform, the DS-7730B doubles port bandwidth over Gen 6, slashing latency to 460 nanoseconds and integrating autonomous SAN telemetry to dynamically mitigate network congestion and optimize NVMe/FC flows.
Also written as: Connectrix DS-7730B, Dell Connectrix DS-7730B, DS-7730B 64Gb FC Switch
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | Connectrix |
| Form factor | 2U switch |
| Released | May 2022 |
| Port count | Up to 128 Fibre Channel ports (96x 64Gb SFP+ ports + 16x 256Gb QSFP ports) |
| Port speeds | Auto-sensing 8, 16, 32, and 64Gb/s FC speeds (up to 256Gb/s on QSFPs) |
| Switching bandwidth | 8.192 Tbps aggregate bandwidth with ultra-low 460ns cut-through latency |
| Operating system | Brocade Fabric OS (FOS) Gen 7 enterprise edition |
| Power supply | Dual redundant hot-plug power supplies with hot-swappable fan trays |
Generations
- Previous generation: Dell Connectrix DS-6630B
Compatible parts
HBAs
540-BBUU Dell Emulex LPe31002 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
540-BBUV Dell QLogic 2692 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
Transceivers
407-BCBI Dell 32Gb Short Wave SFP28 Fibre Channel Optical Transceiver
407-BCBF Dell 25GbE SFP28 SR Optical Transceiver (850nm, 100m MMF)
Rail kits
770-BCKW Dell ReadyRails II Sliding Rails for 2U PowerEdge Servers (B6)
Works together
How the Dell Connectrix DS-7730B connects to servers, storage and the network: 1 way, with the parts and products on each path.
Fibre Channel SAN
Match the speed: 16Gb and 32Gb FC HBAs, switches and array ports work together, and each generation also runs one or two speeds below its own (a 32Gb port runs at 16Gb and 8Gb).
Servers
Dell PowerEdge R HS5610 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R HS5620 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R250 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R350 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R360 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R450 1U rack
Adapters for the server
- 540-BBUU Dell Emulex LPe31002 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
- 540-BBUV Dell QLogic 2692 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
540-BCMS Dell QLogic 2770 Single Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BCMT Dell QLogic 2772 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
Storage
Dell PowerMax 2500 4U multi-node rack
Dell PowerMax 8500 system bay multi-enclosure
Dell PowerStore 1200T 2U rack
Dell PowerStore 3200T 2U rack
Dell PowerStore 5200T 2U rack
Dell PowerStore 9200T 2U rack
Optics
Plan and size it
- Draw this setup in the topology planner mrplanb.com
- Add up rack power and space rack-density.com
- Virtualization storage Ledger: scored storage platforms mrplanb.com
- SAN transport and NVMe over FC for backup mrplanb.com
- Dell E-Lab Navigator (Dell interoperability) dell.com
Check compatibility with Dell
Before you buy, confirm the exact configuration against the vendor's own lists: firmware levels, operating systems, adapters and optics that Dell has tested with the Dell Connectrix DS-7730B.
- Compatibility Dell E-Lab Navigator (storage and SAN interoperability) (free vendor sign-in)
- Support Dell Support: drivers, manuals and service tag lookup
Equivalent models from other brands
Buying a used Connectrix DS-7730B: what to check
Verify licensed port count via 'license --show' CLI command, confirm 64Gb optics compatibility, check airflow direction (front-to-back vs back-to-front), and test redundant power supplies.
FAQ
What is the benefit of Gen 7 Fibre Channel on the DS-7730B?
Gen 7 doubles bandwidth to 64Gb/s per port, cuts latency in half, and automates traffic self-healing using Fabric Vision AI.
Can 64Gb ports auto-negotiate with older 16Gb HBAs?
Yes, 64Gb SFP+ transceivers auto-negotiate down to 32Gb and 16Gb speeds.
Buying or selling Connectrix DS-7730B?
New, refurbished or used. Tell us the quantity and condition and we connect you with a vetted reseller in your region, usually within one working day.
Sources
- Dell Connectrix B-Series Spec Sheet, checked 2026-10-27