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DESCRIPTION
SPECIFICATIONS
INCLUDED
WARRANTY
SHIPPING
FAQS
DESCRIPTION
NVIDIA MSN2100-CB2F – SN2100 16 x QSFP28 100GbE Open Ethernet Switch (formerly Mellanox)
The MSN2100-CB2F is an NVIDIA SN2100 series fixed-configuration Open Ethernet switch built on the NVIDIA Spectrum (Spectrum-1) ASIC, providing 16 x QSFP28 100GbE in a 1U half-width form factor. It delivers 3.2 Tbps of switching throughput and processes up to 2.38 Bpps, backed by a 16 MB fully shared packet buffer. NVIDIA’s official ordering description: “NVIDIA Spectrum based 100GbE 1U Open Ethernet Switch with NVIDIA Onyx, 16 QSFP28 ports, 2 AC PSUs, x86 2-core, short depth”.
Key Features
Ports: 16 x QSFP28 100GbE
Port speeds: 10/25/40/50/56/100GbE per port
Throughput: 3.2 Tbps
Packet rate: 2.38 Bpps
Packet buffer: 16 MB, fully shared across all ports
Latency: 300ns cut-through
Software: NVIDIA Onyx (MLNX-OS) factory designation – note: software licensing, subscription and support entitlements are not conveyed with refurbished hardware
Airflow: P2C (power-to-connector) – air intake at the power/fan (rear) side, exhaust at the connector (port) side (blue FRU handles/dots)
Power supplies: 2 hot-swappable AC PSUs (1+1 redundant)
Dimensions (HxWxD): 1.72 x 7.87 x 20 in (43.9 x 200 x 508 mm), half-width
Part numbers: Legacy OPN MSN2100-CB2F = NVIDIA 920-9N100-00F7-0X0 (same hardware)
Port Flexibility and Breakout
Each QSFP28 port splits to 2 x 50GbE or 4 x 25GbE / 4 x 10GbE, for up to 64 x 25/10GbE from a half-width chassis. Two units mount side by side in one 1U slot. Actual modes depend on the installed network OS version and transceivers.
Spectrum Architecture
SN2100 systems are built on the NVIDIA Spectrum (Spectrum-1) switching ASIC with a fully shared, monolithic packet buffer – every port can draw on the entire buffer, which absorbs microbursts and many-to-one incast far better than segmented-buffer designs in the same class. The platform supports RoCE (RDMA over Converged Ethernet) for storage and AI east-west traffic, rich telemetry with NVIDIA What Just Happened (WJH) hardware-level visibility, and the Open Ethernet model: the same hardware runs multiple network operating systems, so the fabric is never locked to one vendor stack.
Deployment Scenarios
Edge, HCI and storage clusters: half-width form factor puts two independent switches in one 1U slot for redundant small-domain fabrics
Space-constrained deployments: full Spectrum feature set where a full-width switch is overkill
Top-of-rack for converged infrastructure: NVIDIA’s reference platform class for hyperconverged and storage pods
Choosing Among the Variants
SN2100 OPNs decode as follows: the letter before the airflow character sets the speed class (B = the lower speed build, C = 100GbE, V = 200GbE, W = 400GbE); F = P2C airflow (power-side intake, port-side exhaust) and R = C2P airflow (port-side intake, power-side exhaust); a trailing C = Cumulus Linux, a trailing O = ONIE only, and no trailing letter = NVIDIA Onyx. Important: NVIDIA’s F/R airflow letters are defined by intake side at the power side or connector side – do not assume they match other vendors’ F/R conventions. Match the airflow variant to your hot-aisle/cold-aisle layout and the software designation to your operations model; the underlying switch hardware within a speed class is otherwise identical.
Mellanox and NVIDIA Part Numbers
The SN2100 was designed by Mellanox Technologies, which NVIDIA acquired in 2020; the same platform has been sold under both the Mellanox and NVIDIA names. It carries two interchangeable part numbers: the original Mellanox-style OPN MSN2100-CB2F and the newer NVIDIA number 920-9N100-00F7-0X0 – both identify exactly the same hardware. Listings and documentation referring to a “Mellanox SN2100” and an “NVIDIA SN2100” describe the same switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MSN2100-CB2F a Mellanox switch or an NVIDIA switch?
Both names refer to the same product. The SN2100 platform was developed by Mellanox, which NVIDIA acquired in 2020. The OPN MSN2100-CB2F and the NVIDIA part number 920-9N100-00F7-0X0 identify identical hardware.
What software does the MSN2100-CB2F run?
This OPN designates a factory build with NVIDIA Onyx (MLNX-OS), the turnkey switch operating system with a classic CLI. As with all refurbished hardware, software licensing, subscription and support entitlements are not conveyed with refurbished hardware – units are tested on original-spec firmware, factory reset, and configuration wiped. Confirm any OS licensing or support requirements with NVIDIA for your production environment.
What is the airflow direction of the MSN2100-CB2F?
The MSN2100-CB2F is the P2C (power-to-connector) variant: air intake at the power/fan (rear) side, exhaust at the connector (port) side. NVIDIA marks this direction with blue handles or dots on the fan and PSU modules. All FRUs in one chassis must share the same airflow direction.
What breakout options does the MSN2100-CB2F support?
Each QSFP28 port splits to 2 x 50GbE or 4 x 25GbE / 4 x 10GbE, for up to 64 x 25/10GbE from a half-width chassis. Two units mount side by side in one 1U slot.
Is the refurbished MSN2100-CB2F tested before shipping?
Yes. BrightStar Systems inspects and tests every unit on original-spec firmware, performs a factory reset and configuration wipe, and backs it with warranty (1 year end-user / 90 days reseller).
MSN2700-BS2FC – related SN2700 platform – 32 x QSFP28 100GbE
Browse the full lineup on the NVIDIA Switches category page.
Refurbished by BrightStar Systems
BrightStar Systems supplies professionally tested refurbished NVIDIA and Mellanox networking hardware. Every unit is inspected, tested on original-spec firmware, factory reset, and configuration wiped before shipment, and backed by our standard warranty. Data center switching of this class is typically project-priced – request a quote for current availability and pricing.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: MSN2100-CB2F
Type: NVIDIA SN2100 Spectrum Open Ethernet switch, 1U half-width
Ports: 16 x QSFP28 100GbE
Throughput: 3.2 Tbps | Buffer: 16 MB
Software: NVIDIA Onyx (license not included)
Airflow: P2C (rear intake, port-side exhaust)
Typical power: 74 W
INCLUDED
Model: MSN2100-CB2F
Type: NVIDIA SN2100 (Spectrum) Open Ethernet switch, 1U half-width
Ports: 16 x QSFP28 100GbE
Software designation: NVIDIA Onyx
Airflow: P2C (power-to-connector)
WARRANTY
1-Year BrightStar warranty for end user customers
90-Day BrightStar Warranty for resellers
SHIPPING
Free FedEx Ground shipping within the United States
FedEx Overnight shipping available as well
FedEx International Shipping available for customers outside of the United States
FAQS
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