NVIDIA Mellanox MSN2100-CB2F Spectrum Open Ethernet Switch: This is a Layer 2/3 managed switch with 16 non-blocking 100GbE QSFP28 ports built on the NVIDIA Spectrum-1 ASIC. The chassis is 1U Half-Width (short depth), allowing two units side-by-side in one rack unit. The CB2F suffix denotes an x86 (Atom Rangeley) management CPU and P2C (Power-to-Connector) airflow. This is a fully functional Open Ethernet switch — not a port extender, breakout panel, or InfiniBand switch. This is a refurbished unit tested by T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS.
Engineering Context
The MSN2100-CB2F is engineered for density-constrained deployments. The half-width form factor enables two switches in a single 1RU slot for active-active high availability without consuming additional vertical space. The Spectrum-1 ASIC delivers fully shared 16MB packet buffer and zero-packet-loss switching at 3.2Tb/s throughput. The x86 management CPU (Intel Atom Rangeley) supports Mellanox Onyx (formerly MLNX-OS), Cumulus Linux, and SONiC via ONIE. Port speeds are 10/25/40/50/100GbE configured per-port via Onyx CLI or REST API.
Deployment & Use Cases
Top-of-Rack 100GbE leaf in spine-leaf data center fabrics. High-availability edge switching where two units in 1RU provide active-active redundancy. Storage fabric front-end for NVMe-oF arrays requiring deterministic latency. Edge and telco environments needing short-depth chassis. Hyperconverged Infrastructure clusters requiring 100GbE east-west bandwidth.
Technical Specifications
- OEM: NVIDIA Mellanox
- Part Number: MSN2100-CB2F (System P/N: 920-9N100-00F7-0X0)
- ASIC: NVIDIA Spectrum-1
- Ports: 16x 100GbE QSFP28 (10/25/40/50/100GbE per port)
- Switching Capacity: 3.2 Tb/s
- Form Factor: 1U Half-Width, Short Depth
- Airflow: P2C (Power-to-Connector / Reverse)
- Management CPU: Intel Atom Rangeley (x86)
- Supported NOS: Mellanox Onyx, Cumulus Linux, SONiC (via ONIE)
- Power Supplies: Dual redundant hot-swap AC
- Condition: Refurbished — Tested by T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
Compatibility & Hard Constraints
Compatible with QSFP28 transceivers (SR4, LR4), QSFP28 AOCs, and QSFP28 DACs. Supports breakout to 4x 25GbE via QSFP28-to-4xSFP28 cables with FEC configuration in Onyx. This is an Ethernet-only switch — it does not support InfiniBand protocols even though QSFP28 is mechanically compatible with EDR optics. P2C airflow requires the rack hot-aisle to be at the port (front) side; mismatched airflow direction can cause thermal shutdown. The half-width chassis requires a side-by-side or single-mount kit for standard 19" rack installation.
Why Choose T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS lab-validates every switch for ASIC health, port throughput, and PSU integrity before shipment. We provide expert consultation on Spectrum fabric design, fast 1-3 day handling, global shipping, and a comprehensive warranty. Visit tes-itsolutions.com for the full enterprise networking catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ports does the MSN2100-CB2F have?
The MSN2100-CB2F ports are 16x 100GbE QSFP28 (10/25/40/50/100GbE per port), as listed in the specifications for MSN2100-CB2F.
What is the MSN2100-CB2F NOT compatible with?
This is a fully functional Open Ethernet switch — not a port extender, breakout panel, or InfiniBand switch. Confirm fitment against your platform before ordering MSN2100-CB2F.
What condition is the MSN2100-CB2F supplied in, and who sells it?
The MSN2100-CB2F is supplied in Refurbished condition by T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS from EU stock, with 1-3 business day handling and worldwide B2B shipping. See https://www.tes-itsolutions.com/product-page/refurbished-mellanox-msn2100-cb2f-100gbe-16-port-switch-onyx-p2c.
