The NVIDIA Mellanox® MSN3420-CB2FC (NVIDIA P/N: 920-9N213-00F7-0C0) is a Spectrum-2-based 1U Open Ethernet leaf switch with 48× 25GbE SFP28 access ports and 12× 100GbE QSFP28 uplinks, factory-loaded with Cumulus Linux. This is a half-width-class fixed-configuration leaf — not a modular chassis switch, an InfiniBand HDR/NDR fabric switch, or a 400GbE ASIC platform. Condition: NEW — sealed unit, port and PSU integrity checked before dispatch.
Engineering Context. Built around the NVIDIA Spectrum-2 ASIC, the MSN3420 supports cut-through forwarding with low, deterministic per-packet latency across all packet sizes. Native port speeds include 1/10/25GbE on the SFP28 array and 40/100GbE on the QSFP28 uplinks, with QSFP28 ports configurable for 4×25GbE breakout when paired with breakout DACs/AOCs. The integrated x86 control-plane CPU runs Cumulus Linux for telemetry, automation, and full L2/L3 features (BGP, EVPN-VXLAN, MLAG). Two hot-swappable AC PSUs and field-replaceable fan trays provide N+N power redundancy and serviceability.
Deployment & Use Cases. Top-of-rack leaf for AI/ML training racks, NVMe-oF storage spines, EVPN-VXLAN data center fabrics, OpenStack/Kubernetes private-cloud underlays, and SONiC/Cumulus open-networking deployments where 25GbE access and 100GbE uplinks are the throughput target.
Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: NVIDIA Mellanox
- Model: MSN3420-CB2FC
- NVIDIA P/N: 920-9N213-00F7-0C0
- Switch ASIC: NVIDIA Spectrum-2
- Access Ports: 48× SFP28 (1/10/25GbE)
- Uplink Ports: 12× QSFP28 (40/100GbE; 4×25GbE breakout supported)
- Operating System: Cumulus Linux (factory loaded)
- Control Plane CPU: x86
- Form Factor: 1U rackmount
- Power Supplies: Dual AC, hot-swappable (N+N)
- Airflow Direction: P2C (power-to-connector / front-to-rear)
- Condition: NEW — sealed unit
Compatibility & Constraints. Compatible with NVIDIA/Mellanox QSFP28 and SFP28 DACs, AOCs, and transceivers; third-party optics may require coding for full link-up. Cumulus Linux licensing is bound to the chassis serial — confirm subscription terms with your reseller before redeployment. P2C airflow only — do not install in racks specified for reverse (C2P) airflow without confirming chassis bay keying. Not an InfiniBand switch (no SHARP/HDR support) and not a 400GbE platform; for 400GbE leaf/spine roles use an MSN4xxx or MSN5xxx Spectrum-3/Spectrum-4 SKU.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the MSN3420-CB2FC?
The MSN3420-CB2FC is a Spectrum-based Open Ethernet switch with 48 ports at 25GbE and 12 uplinks at 100GbE, Cumulus Linux pre-loaded.
Q. Can Cumulus Linux be replaced with a different NOS?
Yes, since the platform is ONIE-based, but reinstalling requires a supported ONIE image.
Q. Will T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS confirm the configuration of MSN3420-CB2FC 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 TES. T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS stocks new and certified-refurbished NVIDIA Mellanox Spectrum and Quantum switches, ConnectX adapters, and matching DAC/AOC/transceiver inventory. Orders ship from EU stock with 1-3 business day handling, pre-dispatch port and PSU testing, and integration support.