NVIDIA Mellanox MSN2100-CB2R Spectrum-Based 100GbE Open Ethernet Switch (ONIE): This is a 1U short-depth top-of-rack Ethernet switch with 16 QSFP28 ports, shipping in ONIE state with no network operating system pre-loaded. NVIDIA part number 920-9N100-00R7-0X0. This is the ONIE-only / bring-your-own-OS SKU, not the Cumulus-loaded MSN2100-CB2RC or the Onyx-loaded MSN2100-CB2RO. This is a refurbished unit, fully tested.
Engineering Context
The MSN2100-CB2R is built on the Mellanox Spectrum ASIC and provides 3.2 Tb/s of non-blocking switching capacity across 16 QSFP28 ports at 100GbE per port. Each QSFP28 port supports 2x50GbE or 4x25GbE / 4x10GbE breakouts, giving up to 64 SFP-equivalent ports of 25GbE in a single 1U chassis. The unit ships with C2P (Connector-to-Power) airflow, dual hot-swappable AC PSUs, and an Intel Atom (Rangeley) control-plane CPU. ONIE (Open Network Install Environment) is pre-installed in the boot loader so the operator can install Cumulus Linux, SONiC, Onyx, or another supported NOS over the network or USB.
Deployment & Use Cases
For sites that want full control of the NOS lifecycle: bare-metal switching at top-of-rack, leaf positions in 100GbE spine-leaf fabrics, SONiC pilots, NPI labs, telco / MEC enclosures with vendor-neutral OS strategies, and HPC / AI cluster aggregation. Customers procure Cumulus Linux, SONiC, or Onyx licenses separately according to their preferred NOS.
Technical Specifications
Switching ASIC: Mellanox Spectrum (SN2000 family)
Throughput: 3.2 Tb/s non-blocking
Port-to-port latency: ~300 ns (cut-through)
Ports: 16x QSFP28 at 100GbE per port
Breakout: 2x50GbE or 4x25GbE / 4x10GbE per port (up to 64 SFP-equivalent)
Form factor: 1U, short depth
Airflow: C2P (Connector-to-Power)
Power supplies: 2x hot-swappable AC, redundant
Control CPU: Intel Atom (Rangeley)
Pre-loaded OS: ONIE only (no NOS pre-installed)
NVIDIA P/N: 920-9N100-00R7-0X0
Compatibility & Constraints
Pairs with NVIDIA Mellanox QSFP28 100GbE optics, DACs (MCP1600 series), AOCs (MFA1A00 series), and 4x25GbE breakout cables (MCP7H00 series). Operates with ConnectX-4 / -5 / -6 adapters end-host. This SKU does NOT include Cumulus, Onyx, or SONiC licenses; the operator is responsible for procuring and installing a NOS via the ONIE installer. For pre-loaded Cumulus Linux pick MSN2100-CB2RC; for pre-loaded Onyx pick MSN2100-CB2RO. Rail kit is sold separately. Power redundancy requires both PSUs populated on independent feeds.
Why TES
T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS ships this switch professionally refurbished and tested, with port diagnostics and ONIE boot verified. Handling time is 1–3 business days; worldwide shipping is available. For multi-unit pricing, integration support, or NOS guidance, contact us before ordering.