MSN2100-CB2RO Mellanox Spectrum Based 100GbE 1U 16 Ports QSFP28 Ethernet Switch

Overview of the MSN2100-CB2RO Mellanox Spectrum-Based Ethernet Switch

The MSN2100-CB2RO Mellanox Spectrum-based 100GbE 1U Ethernet switch is a powerful, compact network solution designed for high-performance data centers, hyperscale environments, and enterprise infrastructure. Built with 16 QSFP28 ports and dual redundant AC power supplies, this switch delivers unmatched throughput, low latency, and cutting-edge management features in a dense 1U form factor. The inclusion of an X86 CPU and support for airflow optimization positions the MSN2100-CB2RO as a future-proof solution capable of handling the demands of today's data-driven world.

Key Features and Technical Specifications

Designed with performance and reliability in mind, the Mellanox MSN2100-CB2RO offers features that cater to modern IT requirements. From dense port configurations to advanced thermal and power management, the switch is a holistic solution for complex networking needs.

Port Configuration and Throughput

The 16 QSFP28 ports support 100GbE speeds, and each port is backward compatible with 40GbE, allowing flexible deployment options. With a full bidirectional switching capacity of 3.2Tbps and packet forwarding rates of up to 2.38Bpps, the switch ensures that network congestion is a thing of the past.

High-Density Connectivity

High port density in a compact 1U chassis is ideal for space-constrained environments. Data centers can consolidate traffic without compromising performance, ensuring that rack space is efficiently utilized.

Flexible Port Breakout Options

Each QSFP28 port can be split into 4x 25GbE or 4x 10GbE using breakout cables, providing up to 64 ports in 25GbE mode. This port flexibility supports seamless migration from legacy systems and adapts to evolving bandwidth needs.

Redundant and Hot-Swappable Components

The MSN2100-CB2RO features two hot-swappable AC power supplies for uninterrupted power delivery. These redundant PSUs ensure continuous operation and minimize the risk of hardware failure. Additionally, field-replaceable fan units offer front-to-back (or reverse) airflow options, helping manage temperature effectively.

X86-Based CPU and Software Ecosystem

Powered by an X86 CPU, the switch offers enhanced processing capabilities, ideal for software-defined networking (SDN), network function virtualization (NFV), and network analytics applications. The platform is compatible with various network operating systems including Cumulus Linux and NVIDIA Onyx, providing flexibility in software deployment.

Performance-Driven Design

The MSN2100-CB2RO Mellanox Spectrum switch is engineered for ultra-low latency, making it perfect for latency-sensitive environments such as financial trading platforms, machine learning clusters, and real-time analytics deployments.

Zero Packet Loss Architecture

Based on the Spectrum ASIC architecture, the switch ensures zero packet loss under full load. This capability is critical in environments where data integrity and real-time responsiveness are crucial.

Cut-Through Switching and Latency Reduction

Cut-through switching enables packet forwarding with minimal delay. The MSN2100-CB2RO can deliver latency as low as 300ns, reducing network jitter and improving application performance.

Efficient Buffer Management

Intelligent buffer allocation mechanisms prevent packet drops during congestion. Deep buffer support ensures that bursts in traffic are handled efficiently, reducing data retransmission and improving overall throughput.

Advanced Network Management and Monitoring

Comprehensive management tools and APIs make the MSN2100-CB2RO an ideal choice for enterprises and service providers seeking fine-grained control over their network infrastructure.

Support for Telemetry and Real-Time Monitoring

The switch supports streaming telemetry and real-time performance metrics via protocols like gNMI and SNMP. This facilitates proactive network troubleshooting, capacity planning, and anomaly detection.

Open-Source Network Operating System Compatibility

The switch is compatible with open-source operating systems like SONiC and Cumulus Linux. This reduces vendor lock-in, promotes innovation, and allows for a DevOps-driven approach to network management.

Security and Access Control

Advanced ACLs (Access Control Lists), encryption support, secure boot, and firmware validation ensure the security of network traffic and prevent unauthorized access to management planes.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The Mellanox MSN2100-CB2RO serves a wide array of industries and network topologies. It is suitable for data center leaf-spine architecture, storage networks, hyper-converged infrastructure, and edge computing.

Leaf-Spine Data Center Architecture

In a typical leaf-spine topology, the MSN2100 functions as a leaf switch connecting to higher-level spine switches. Its high throughput and port density make it an ideal choice for horizontal scaling in large-scale environments.

Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI)

For HCI deployments, the switch provides predictable performance and seamless integration with virtualized workloads. VMware NSX, Hyper-V, and OpenStack-based environments benefit from its low latency and high throughput.

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

HPC clusters demand ultra-low latency and high bandwidth. The MSN2100-CB2RO supports RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE), reducing CPU overhead and accelerating data transfer speeds across compute nodes.

Airflow Management and Thermal Design

Efficient cooling is vital in dense rack deployments. The MSN2100-CB2RO features support for air-to-air front-to-back and back-to-front airflow, ensuring optimal thermal performance in varied rack configurations.

Front-to-Back and Reverse Airflow Options

With airflow direction customizable via fan modules, the switch can adapt to hot/cold aisle containment strategies, reducing the need for additional thermal infrastructure.

Energy Efficiency and Power Optimization

The switch consumes less than 200W under typical loads, making it energy efficient compared to other 100GbE switches. Intelligent power scaling adjusts power consumption based on port utilization and traffic patterns.

Reliability and Availability Features

Enterprise-grade reliability is built into every component of the MSN2100-CB2RO. With redundant power supplies, hot-swappable fans, and hardened operating software, network uptime is maximized.

Redundancy and Failover

Power supply and fan redundancy ensure that hardware faults do not impact network availability. Failover mechanisms enable rapid recovery from hardware failure, minimizing service disruptions.

Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Fans and power supplies are field replaceable without downtime. This hot-swap capability supports scheduled maintenance while preserving network operations.

Software Ecosystem and Automation Capabilities

Modern data centers rely heavily on automation and orchestration. The MSN2100-CB2RO supports numerous tools and APIs that integrate with CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code (IaC) frameworks, and container orchestration platforms.

API-Based Management

RESTful APIs and NETCONF support allow for granular switch configuration and monitoring. Integration with popular network automation tools like Ansible, Terraform, and Chef simplifies routine tasks and speeds up provisioning.

Support for Network Orchestration Platforms

Whether it's Kubernetes, OpenStack, or VMware environments, the switch integrates with orchestration layers to dynamically adjust to changing network demands and workloads.

Cost Efficiency and Investment Protection

The MSN2100-CB2RO is designed to deliver enterprise-level capabilities at a competitive price point, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to maximize ROI on networking investments.

Scalable Licensing and OS Choices

Multiple operating systems supported out-of-the-box allow organizations to tailor their network strategy without incurring proprietary licensing costs. This flexibility lowers total cost of ownership (TCO).

Long-Term Hardware Support

With robust hardware backed by Mellanox/NVIDIA's enterprise support, customers can expect long product lifecycles, timely firmware updates, and responsive technical assistance.

Compliance, Certifications, and Environmental Standards

The switch meets a wide array of regulatory and environmental compliance standards. From RoHS and REACH to CE and FCC certifications, it adheres to the most stringent global benchmarks.

Environmental Compliance

The switch is manufactured with environmentally friendly materials and complies with RoHS and WEEE directives, supporting corporate sustainability goals and data center energy policies.

Global Certifications

Certifications such as CE, FCC Class A, UL, and CB Scheme confirm that the switch meets safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements in multiple regions, making it a globally deployable solution.

The Mellanox MSN2100-CB2RO

Selecting the MSN2100-CB2RO means choosing a networking platform that delivers exceptional performance, scalability, and flexibility. From 100GbE backbone connectivity to efficient edge deployments, this switch supports next-generation workloads and high-performance applications.

Backed by NVIDIA and Mellanox Expertise

With Mellanox now under the NVIDIA umbrella, users benefit from years of innovation and enterprise-grade engineering. Continued hardware and software innovation ensures compatibility with AI, ML, and high-performance data applications.

Integration with End-to-End NVIDIA Networking Solutions

The MSN2100 seamlessly integrates with NVIDIA’s complete ecosystem—including BlueField DPUs, ConnectX NICs, and Spectrum-based spine switches—to create scalable, secure, and performance-optimized network fabrics.