HPE Ethernet 1Gb 4-port 331FLR Adapter

Engineered for HP ProLiant Gen8 and Gen9 rack servers, the HPE Ethernet 1Gb 4-port 331FLR Adapter is a FlexibleLOM module that consolidates four 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports into a single, compact hardware footprint. This design reduces cable clutter, simplifies deployment in dense rack environments, and preserves the familiar HP server management experience. The 331FLR delivers dependable LAN connectivity for virtualization workloads, clustered storage, and mission-critical applications, while offering a path to higher speeds as your data center evolves. By integrating a single-chip solution in a FlexibleLOM form factor, HP provides an upgrade-ready networking foundation that can adapt to changing network demands. The adapter is designed to work seamlessly with Gen8 and Gen9 servers, enabling straightforward BIOS-level recognition, driver support, and compatibility with HP’s management stack, including iLO and related tooling. IT teams value the 331FLR for its balance of performance, reliability, and ease of use—especially in environments that rely on consistent network throughput, virtual machine density, and data-intensive services. Whether you are consolidating workloads, deploying private cloud, or preparing for scalable hyper-converged infrastructure, the 331FLR provides a robust backbone for dependable network access.

• Four integrated 1Gb Ethernet ports in a FlexibleLOM module deliver high-density LAN connectivity for server virtualization, storage networks, and multi-VM environments. Each port supports full-duplex operation and standard RJ-45 connectivity, enabling straightforward cabling and predictable performance under load. This architecture supports NIC teaming, VLAN tagging (802.1Q), and link aggregation (LACP) to optimize traffic distribution across virtual machines, databases, and storage traffic, delivering steady throughput even during peak usage. The four-port design also helps isolate traffic streams, reducing contention and improving application responsiveness in busy data centers.
• Future-ready upgrade path to 10GbE design accommodates evolving networking requirements. While the 331FLR delivers 1Gb speeds today, its FlexibleLOM foundation is built to align with HP’s broader networking ecosystem, enabling a clean upgrade path as workloads grow. This means organizations can plan for higher bandwidth in the future without replacing the server chassis or rearchitecting the network layout. By leveraging compatible upgrade options, IT teams can scale performance, reduce latency, and support more demanding applications, virtualized workloads, and data-intensive services while preserving investment in HP hardware and management tooling.
• Optimized for HP ProLiant Gen8 and Gen9 servers integrates seamlessly with the HP ecosystem, simplifying server provisioning, driver updates, and ongoing management through HP iLO, Smart Update Manager (SUM), and HP SUM. The 331FLR slots into the server’s FlexibleLOM connector, ensuring fast POST recognition and consistent driver support across major operating systems. This tight integration minimizes deployment time, reduces firmware drift, and helps maintain uniform network behavior across fleet machines. Administrators benefit from a cohesive management experience, with centralized visibility and control that aligns with HP’s best-practice guidelines for server networking and firmware maintenance.
• Enterprise-grade reliability and compatibility backed by HP’s engineering and support, the 331FLR is designed for consistent, long-term performance. The four-port design distributes traffic to improve fault tolerance and supports common networking features such as NIC teaming, VLANs, and QoS to meet business demands. It is tested for compatibility with mainstream operating systems and HP management tools, enabling predictable driver behavior, easy firmware updates, and robust network reliability. Organizations can rely on stable performance for virtualization platforms, database servers, and cloud services while maintaining a straightforward upgrade and support path through HP.
• Efficient, compact and easy to deploy with a compact FlexibleLOM footprint that minimizes chassis complexity and cable clutter in dense data centers. The 331FLR is designed for straightforward deployment in supported HP servers, with easy field upgrades during refresh cycles and minimal downtime when performed within maintenance windows. The module’s efficiency supports lower power consumption and cooler operation in dense racks, contributing to lower total cost of ownership while delivering solid throughput for everyday workloads, remote backups, and application traffic in virtualized environments.

Technical Details of HPE Ethernet 1Gb 4-port 331FLR Adapter

• Compatibility: Designed for select HP ProLiant Gen8 and Gen9 rack servers, providing a FlexibleLOM networking solution that integrates with HP firmware and management tooling.
• Ports and speed: 4 x 1Gb Ethernet ports for dependable LAN connectivity; supports standard RJ-45 copper cabling and traditional Ethernet networking.
• Form factor: FlexibleLOM module, intended for hot-plug insertion in compatible HP server chassis where supported by the system architecture.
• Upgrade path: Designed to align with a future upgrade strategy to higher speeds (such as 10GbE) through compatible HP networking options; verify server model compatibility for a seamless transition.
• Reference: Get this information from the "specifications" section of the product from https://ec.synnex.com/ using product "UPC" or "SKU" as reference

How to install HPE Ethernet 1Gb 4-port 331FLR Adapter

• Power down the HP server and unplug the power cords. Follow proper electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions before handling any internal components. Prepare a clean, static-free workspace to install the FlexibleLOM module safely.
• Open the server enclosure according to the manufacturer’s guidance and locate the FlexibleLOM slot or designated NIC slot for your Gen8 or Gen9 chassis. Confirm that the slot is ready for a module replacement or addition and that the server is configured to recognize a NIC in this position.
• Align the 331FLR module with the connector, then carefully insert it into the slot until it seats firmly. Ensure the module is fully engaged and secured according to your server’s hardware guidelines to avoid improper seating or intermittent connectivity.
• Reconnect any necessary cables or cover panels, close the chassis, and reconnect power. Boot the server and access the operating system to confirm that the NICs are detected by the OS and firmware. If required, enter the BIOS/UEFI to verify that the FlexibleLOM is enabled and prioritized appropriately for your network topology.
• Install or update the network drivers from HP or the operating system vendor, then configure the NICs as needed. Test connectivity across all four ports using basic network diagnostics (ping, speed tests, and throughput measurements) and verify that NIC teaming, VLANs, and QoS policies behave as intended in your virtualized or physical workloads.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Is the HPE 331FLR Adapter compatible with HP ProLiant Gen8 and Gen9 servers?

  A: Yes. The 331FLR is designed to work with select HP ProLiant Gen8 and Gen9 rack servers, providing four 1Gb Ethernet ports in a FlexibleLOM footprint and aligning with HP's server ecosystems and management tools.

• Q: Can I upgrade this adapter to 10GbE in the future?

  A: The 331FLR offers a future-ready design intended to support higher-speed networking options within compatible HP environments. In many configurations, upgrading to 10GbE may involve a separate module or controller upgrade aligned with the server’s network strategy. Always verify compatibility for your specific server model and OS before planning an upgrade.

• Q: Does the 331FLR support virtualization and common server operating systems?

  A: Yes. The 331FLR supports standard NIC drivers and works with popular server operating systems (Windows Server, VMware ESXi, Hyper-V, and Linux distributions) when the appropriate drivers are installed. It’s suitable for virtualized workloads, storage networks, and cloud-scale deployments.

• Q: How do I install and verify the driver after installation?

  A: After installation, ensure the OS recognizes all four NICs, install the latest HP-provided drivers or vendor NIC drivers, and perform basic network tests (ping, throughput, and latency) to confirm proper operation. Use OS-native tools or HP management utilities to monitor link status, performance, and health of the NICs.

• Q: What kind of cabling and network topology work best with the 331FLR?

  A: For best results, use Category 5e/6/6a copper Ethernet cables with RJ-45 connectors and follow standard enterprise network topology practices. Implement NIC teaming and VLANs as needed to optimize traffic flow, enhance redundancy, and support virtualization workloads or storage networks in data centers.