NVIDIA Mellanox MSB7780-ES2F Switch-IB 2 InfiniBand EDR Router, 36-Port QSFP28, 1U Rack: This is a managed InfiniBand router built on the NVIDIA Mellanox Switch-IB 2 ASIC, exposing 36 QSFP28 ports running EDR 100Gb/s InfiniBand in a 1U rack-mount chassis. The switch ships with dual hot-swap AC power supplies and an x86 management CPU. This is an InfiniBand router, not an Ethernet switch, and not a Switch-IB (gen 1) device. This is a refurbished unit.
Engineering Context
The MSB7780-ES2F is purpose-built for federating multiple InfiniBand subnets into a single fabric using SHARP-aware routing on the Switch-IB 2 ASIC. Each of the 36 QSFP28 ports operates at 100Gb/s EDR (4x25Gb/s NRZ). The chassis uses Power-to-Connector (P2C) airflow and ships with a rail kit for standard 19-inch racks. An onboard x86 dual-core management complex runs Mellanox MLNX-OS for routing, monitoring, and SNMP/CLI access.
Deployment & Use Cases
InfiniBand subnet federation across HPC clusters, research data centers, and AI training facilities. Inter-subnet routing for very large fat-tree fabrics where a single subnet manager would exceed scale limits. Multi-tenant HPC where InfiniBand isolation between subnets is required. Connecting Switch-IB 2 EDR cores to legacy InfiniBand subnets via routed ports.
Technical Specifications
- OEM: NVIDIA Mellanox
- Part Number: MSB7780-ES2F
- Family: Switch-IB 2 InfiniBand Router
- Ports: 36x QSFP28
- Port Speed: 100Gb/s EDR (4x25G NRZ) per port
- Form Factor: 1U, 19-inch rack-mount
- Power Supplies: Dual AC, hot-swap
- Airflow: P2C (Power-to-Connector)
- Management CPU: x86 dual-core
- Management OS: MLNX-OS
- Accessories: Rail kit included
- Condition: Refurbished — Tested by T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
Compatibility & Hard Constraints
Operates as an InfiniBand router only — this is not an Ethernet switch and does not run Spectrum or Cumulus firmware. Compatible with EDR 100Gb/s InfiniBand fabrics; HDR (200Gb/s) and NDR (400Gb/s) endpoints will negotiate down to EDR rates only if both ports support EDR fallback. Pairs with Switch-IB 2 SB7800-series core switches and ConnectX-4/5/6 InfiniBand HCAs. Not compatible with QSFP-DD or QSFP56 cables natively; QSFP28 EDR cables and AOCs are required. P2C airflow direction must match the surrounding rack airflow plan; reverse-airflow racks require a different SKU.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the MSB7780-ES2F?
The MSB7780-ES2F is a Switch-IB 2 based EDR InfiniBand router with 36 QSFP28 ports, 1U.
Q. Is this a switch or a router?
It functions as an InfiniBand router, routing traffic between separate subnets, distinct from a standard non-routing switch.
Q. Will T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS confirm the configuration of MSB7780-ES2F before shipping?
Yes. T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS (tes-itsolutions.com) bench-tests each unit where test topology is available, before dispatch from EU stock.
Why Choose T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS bench-tests every Switch-IB 2 router for port link, PSU redundancy, and management OS boot before shipment. Visit tes-itsolutions.com for global shipping with 1–3 day handling and expert support on refurbished InfiniBand fabric hardware.