P17527-001 HPE SN2100M 16QSFP28 100GBE Ethernet Switch.

P17527-001 HPE SN2100M Ethernet Switch Performance and Efficiency Redefined

The P17527-001 HPE SN2100M 16QSFP28 100GbE Connector Airflow Ethernet Switch stands as a robust and future-ready data center solution tailored for high-performance computing, cloud deployments, and storage area networks. Engineered by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), the SN2100M brings exceptional throughput, intelligent airflow design, and modular port configuration to support scalable and reliable enterprise networking environments.

Optimized for Modern Data Center Infrastructure

As businesses increasingly rely on virtualization, containerization, and hybrid cloud models, network switches like the SN2100M are pivotal. The SN2100M switch delivers non-blocking line-rate throughput across all 16 QSFP28 ports, each supporting 100 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), ensuring that your network runs without congestion or bottlenecks even under intensive workloads.

Compact Form Factor with Maximum Throughput

HPE designed the SN2100M with a half-width 1U form factor, making it one of the most space-efficient high-speed Ethernet switches in its category. This form factor allows data center architects to mount two switches side-by-side in a single rack unit, effectively doubling port density without increasing footprint. This makes the SN2100M ideal for high-density environments such as hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) deployments and scale-out storage networks.

High Port Density for Scalable Networking

The SN2100M is equipped with 16 QSFP28 ports, which can each support 100GbE, 40GbE, or breakout modes to 4x25GbE or 4x10GbE. This flexibility enables network architects to design layered topologies that accommodate both current needs and future scalability.

Advanced Airflow Design for Thermal Efficiency

One of the key features of the P17527-001 HPE SN2100M is its connector-side-to-power-side airflow design. This reverse airflow setup is optimized for specific data center cooling patterns, ensuring that the switch remains within optimal operating temperatures even during extended high-load periods. The airflow direction aligns with HPE’s server systems, making the SN2100M seamlessly integrable into existing HPE infrastructure.

Connector to Power Airflow: What It Means

This airflow model is particularly advantageous in data centers that employ cold aisle/hot aisle configurations. With air entering from the front (connector side) and exiting at the rear (power side), this switch ensures that components receive adequate cooling, thereby extending the life of internal circuitry and reducing the risk of thermal-related failures.

Enterprise-Grade Performance Backed by Mellanox Spectrum ASIC

The HPE SN2100M is powered by the Mellanox Spectrum ASIC, which is recognized for ultra-low latency and lossless Ethernet switching. This ensures that mission-critical applications—ranging from financial transactions to real-time analytics—receive the bandwidth and minimal latency they require to function optimally. The switch supports a forwarding rate of up to 2.38 billion packets per second (Bpps), making it suitable for high-frequency trading, AI/ML workloads, and large-scale virtualization environments.

Unparalleled Throughput and Latency

With a switching capacity of 3.2 Tbps, the SN2100M allows for uninterrupted data transfer across all connected endpoints. The switch maintains ultra-low latency, typically under 300 nanoseconds, which is crucial for latency-sensitive applications such as real-time communications and data streaming services.

Flexible Connectivity Options for Diverse Applications

The 16 QSFP28 ports can be configured in a variety of breakout modes, offering support for multiple connection speeds: 10GbE, 25GbE, 40GbE, 50GbE, and 100GbE. This multi-rate flexibility allows organizations to tailor their network design based on workload demands and legacy device compatibility.

Breakout Cable Compatibility

The SN2100M supports passive and active copper cables as well as active optical cables (AOCs) and transceivers. This wide compatibility simplifies integration with existing networks and allows cost-effective upgrades over time. Customers can use breakout cables to convert a single QSFP28 port into four 25GbE or 10GbE ports, greatly enhancing deployment flexibility.

Intelligent Management and Automation

The SN2100M offers a rich suite of management tools for enterprise users. Whether operated as a stand-alone switch or integrated into a broader SDN (Software Defined Networking) environment, it provides comprehensive monitoring, configuration, and policy enforcement features through familiar platforms like CLI, SNMP, and RESTful APIs.

Network Operating Systems

The switch supports multiple NOS (Network Operating Systems), including Cumulus Linux, NVIDIA Cumulus NetQ, and Mellanox Onyx. This allows enterprises to deploy the switch with an OS that best aligns with their current operations and automation tools. With these options, IT teams can manage infrastructure using Linux-based workflows and open-source tooling for enhanced agility.

Automation and SDN Integration

With support for open protocols like OpenFlow and streaming telemetry, the SN2100M is well-suited for software-defined data center environments. Administrators can leverage automation frameworks such as Ansible, Chef, or Puppet to orchestrate network policies, software upgrades, and real-time telemetry data collection, reducing operational overhead and human error.

High Availability and Redundancy Features

Built to support mission-critical workloads, the P17527-001 SN2100M offers several redundancy and high availability features. These include hot-swappable power supplies and fans, dual firmware images for failover, and support for Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation (MLAG) for link redundancy and load balancing.

Reliability in Every Component

Each component in the SN2100M is engineered for long-term reliability. From its enterprise-grade capacitors to its highly efficient power supplies, the switch ensures uninterrupted service with minimal maintenance requirements.

Security Capabilities and Compliance

Security is built into the SN2100M at both the hardware and software levels. Features like Secure Boot, digitally signed firmware, and hardware root of trust protect the switch from unauthorized firmware modifications and firmware injection attacks. The switch also supports industry-standard security protocols such as MACsec, ACLs, and role-based access control.

Secure Remote Access

With support for SSH, HTTPS, and SNMPv3, remote administration is secured through encrypted channels. Role-based management ensures that only authorized personnel can modify system settings or firmware.

Ideal Use Cases for the SN2100M Switch

The P17527-001 SN2100M excels in a variety of environments:

• Cloud Service Providers (CSPs): High-speed east-west traffic support for VM migrations and internal data replication.
• High-Performance Computing (HPC): Ultra-low latency networking for compute cluster interconnects.
• Enterprise Data Centers: Scalable spine-and-leaf architectures to support hybrid cloud workflows.
• Storage Networks: Non-blocking 100GbE connections ideal for iSCSI, NFS, and NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF).

Power Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

The SN2100M is designed with energy efficiency in mind, consuming significantly less power per port compared to traditional 10GbE and 40GbE switches. The switch features dynamic fan speed control, efficient voltage regulation modules, and optimized PCB design to minimize power draw without sacrificing performance.

Green IT Compliance

HPE’s SN2100M adheres to several environmental standards, including RoHS, WEEE, and REACH. These certifications ensure that the switch is manufactured with minimal environmental impact and complies with global sustainability regulations.

HPE Ecosystem Integration

Customers investing in the SN2100M benefit from HPE’s extensive global support infrastructure. The switch comes with standard limited lifetime, and optional HPE Pointnext services are available for installation, proactive maintenance, and 24/7 technical assistance. Furthermore, the switch integrates seamlessly with other HPE products such as ProLiant servers, Synergy composable infrastructure, and Aruba networking gear.

HPE InfoSight Compatibility

Although primarily associated with storage and compute devices, HPE InfoSight provides predictive analytics for infrastructure health. When paired with compatible systems, SN2100M users gain insights into network behavior, performance trends, and failure predictions, further enhancing operational efficiency.

Deployment and Configuration Considerations

Before deploying the P17527-001, it is important to evaluate factors such as rack space, airflow orientation, cabling requirements, and transceiver compatibility. With a depth of under 18 inches and weight of approximately 5.5 kg, the SN2100M is one of the most versatile switches in its class.

Easy Integration with Existing Infrastructure

Whether upgrading from legacy 10GbE infrastructure or expanding into a full-fledged 100GbE environment, the SN2100M provides multiple transition paths. The switch can serve as a top-of-rack (ToR), leaf, or spine switch depending on the topology requirements, offering unmatched deployment versatility.