NVIDIA Mellanox MSN2100-BB2F 40GbE 1U Open Ethernet Switch (16x QSFP28, Spectrum ASIC): This is a standalone 1U, half-width, short-depth Open Ethernet switch built on the Mellanox Spectrum ASIC, not a passive interconnect or a NIC. It exposes 16 QSFP28 cages factory-configured for 40GbE Ethernet, with dual AC redundant power supplies and Port-to-Connector (P2C) airflow. This is a refurbished unit.
Engineering Context
The MSN2100-BB2F is the dual-PSU, P2C-airflow, 40GbE base SKU of the MSN2100 family. It is targeted at compute-edge and storage-edge aggregation in racks where space is constrained: the 1U short-depth chassis occupies roughly half the depth of a standard 1U switch, freeing rear cabling room. The Spectrum architecture delivers deterministic forwarding and zero-packet-loss behavior across all port configurations. The QSFP28 cages remain electrically capable of higher speeds, but the BB2F licensed configuration ships as 40GbE; running at 100GbE requires an upgrade SKU. The Rangeley CPU runs the system management plane.
Deployment & Use Cases
Top-of-Rack 40GbE aggregation for hyperconverged or virtualization clusters where servers are dual-homed with QSFP+ NICs. Storage-pod uplinks for 40GbE iSCSI or NFS targets. Compact lab and remote-site deployments where standard-depth 1U switches do not fit. Out-of-band management aggregation for dense rack rows. Replacement chassis for existing MSN2100 fleets running Mellanox Onyx or Cumulus Linux.
Technical Specifications
OEM: NVIDIA Mellanox
Part Number: MSN2100-BB2F (NVIDIA reference 920-9N100-00F4-0X0)
Switching ASIC: Mellanox Spectrum
Ports: 16x QSFP28 cages, factory-licensed for 40GbE
Form Factor: 1U, short-depth, half-width
Management CPU: Intel Rangeley
Power Supplies: Dual AC, hot-swappable, 1+1 redundant
Airflow: P2C (Port-to-Connector / front-to-rear from port face)
Operating System: Open Ethernet — supports Mellanox Onyx, Cumulus Linux, ONIE-installable NOS
Protocol: Ethernet (40GbE on QSFP28 cages)
Condition: Refurbished — Tested by T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
Compatibility & Constraints
Accepts MSA-compliant QSFP28 and QSFP+ optical transceivers, AOCs, and DAC assemblies rated for 40GbE. Compatible with Mellanox Onyx, Cumulus Linux, and any ONIE-installable Open Ethernet NOS. Not an InfiniBand switch — does not run native HDR, EDR, or FDR fabrics. The BB2F license caps each port at 40GbE; running at 100GbE per port requires the CB2F or higher SKU rather than a software toggle. Airflow is fixed P2C; deploying in a hot-aisle (C2P) row will recirculate exhaust and may trigger thermal events. Dual AC PSUs are required for the 1+1 redundancy claim.
Why Choose T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS bench-tests every Spectrum switch for port-by-port link, PSU redundancy, and fan tray operation before shipment. Visit https://www.tes-itsolutions.com for current inventory. Handling time is 1-3 business days with international shipping and a comprehensive warranty.