Mellanox MSN2700-CS2FO 32 Ports Manageable Switch 100 Bulk

The Mellanox MSN2700-CS2FO is a Spectrum-based switch, featuring advanced technology to meet the demanding requirements of modern networking environments. This switch is designed for high-performance data centers, offering exceptional capabilities that make it a preferred choice for various applications. This 100 Gigabit Ethernet switch is specifically engineered to provide advanced networking capabilities while maintaining manageability and scalability.

The MSN2700-CS2FO switch boasts a compact and efficient design with a 1u high form factor. The 1u designation refers to its rack unit height, indicating that it takes up only one standard rack space. This compact size is ideal for optimizing space in data center environments where real estate is often limited.

The switch features 32 ports, each utilizing the Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable (QSFP) 28 interface. QSFP28 is a compact, hot-pluggable transceiver used for high-speed communication over optical fiber. The 100 Gigabit Ethernet support in each port ensures blazing-fast data transfer rates, making it suitable for demanding applications in modern data center architectures.

At the heart of the MSN2700-CS2FO is Spectrum-based technology. Spectrum is a switching ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) developed by Mellanox Technologies to deliver high-performance networking solutions. This technology is known for its ability to handle large amounts of data traffic efficiently and is optimized for low-latency communication, critical in data center operations.

Reliable power is a fundamental requirement for any network switch, and the MSN2700-CS2FO addresses this need with AC power supplies. AC, or alternating current, is a standard form of electrical power in many regions. The switch supports AC power, ensuring compatibility with common power sources in data centers.

Having multiple power supplies adds a layer of redundancy to the system. In case one power supply unit fails, the others can continue to provide power, reducing the risk of downtime. Redundancy is a crucial feature in mission-critical environments where continuous operation is paramount.

The MSN2700-CS2FO switch is equipped with Layer 3 (L3) support, enhancing its capabilities beyond basic Layer 2 switching. In networking, the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is divided into several layers, with Layer 2 focusing on data link functions and Layer 3 dealing with network layer routing. By supporting Layer 3, the MSN2700-CS2FO switch can make routing decisions based on IP addresses, enabling more advanced and efficient networking configurations.

Layer 3 support is particularly valuable in larger networks where routing between different subnets is necessary. It allows for intelligent and dynamic routing decisions, optimizing the flow of data within the network.

Optical fiber is the backbone of high-speed data transmission, and the MSN2700-CS2FO switch is designed with modular optical fiber capabilities. The use of modular optics provides flexibility in choosing the appropriate transceiver modules based on specific networking requirements.

The QSFP28 ports mentioned earlier support optical fiber connections, ensuring reliable and high-bandwidth data transmission. Fiber optics offer advantages such as longer reach, higher data rates, and immunity to electromagnetic interference, making them a preferred choice in modern data center networks.

The rack-mountable design of the MSN2700-CS2FO switch enhances its ease of installation and integration into standard data center racks. Rack-mountable devices are secured in place within the rack, providing a tidy and organized infrastructure layout. This design is essential for efficient space utilization, allowing data center administrators to maximize the available rack space.

Rail-mountable functionality adds an extra layer of versatility. Rails are hardware components that allow the switch to be smoothly slid in and out of the rack for easy maintenance or replacement. This feature simplifies the installation process and contributes to the overall manageability of the networking infrastructure.

Now that we've explored the technical specifications of the Mellanox MSN2700-CS2FO, let's delve into the practical benefits that this switch brings to network environments.

With its support for 100 Gigabit Ethernet and Spectrum technology, the Mellanox MSN2700-CS2FO delivers high-performance networking. This is crucial for applications where rapid data transfer and low latency are paramount, such as in data centers handling large-scale computational tasks.

The 32 ports and modular optical fiber support make the switch highly scalable. Whether an organization is expanding its network or dealing with varying connectivity requirements, the Mellanox MSN2700-CS2FO can easily adapt to changing circumstances. This scalability is essential for future-proofing network infrastructure investments.

Mellanox places a strong emphasis on energy efficiency in its networking solutions. The Spectrum technology, coupled with AC power supplies, ensures that the Mellanox MSN2700-CS2FO operates optimally while minimizing power consumption. This is not only cost-effective but also aligns with the growing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly technologies.

The switch's 1U form factor, combined with rail-mountable and rack-mountable options, provides versatility in installation. Network administrators can choose the most suitable mounting method based on the available space and infrastructure constraints. This adaptability simplifies the integration of the switch into diverse networking environments.

The Layer 3 support of the Mellanox MSN2700-CS2FO empowers it with advanced routing capabilities. This is particularly valuable in scenarios where complex routing is required to optimize data flow between different networks. The switch's ability to operate at the network layer adds a layer of intelligence to the network infrastructure.

The use of modular optical fiber connections enhances the reliability and robustness of the switch. Optical fiber is less susceptible to electromagnetic interference and offers higher data transfer rates over longer distances compared to traditional copper cabling. This makes the Mellanox MSN2700-CS2FO suitable for applications that demand resilient and high-performance connectivity.

Understanding the use cases for the Mellanox MSN2700-CS2FO is essential for assessing its applicability to various scenarios. Here are some common use cases where this switch excels:

In large-scale data centers where the demand for high-speed data transfer is constant, the Mellanox MSN2700-CS2FO can serve as a core switch, connecting multiple racks and facilitating seamless communication between servers.

For enterprises with diverse networking requirements, including the need for advanced routing and scalability, the Mellanox MSN2700-CS2FO can act as a central networking hub, accommodating a variety of devices and services.

In environments where high-performance computing (HPC) is essential, such as scientific research institutions and laboratories, the Mellanox MSN2700-CS2FO can play a crucial role in ensuring fast and efficient communication between computational nodes.

Cloud service providers handling vast amounts of data from multiple clients can benefit from the Mellanox MSN2700-CS2FO's scalability and high-speed connectivity. The switch can form the backbone of cloud infrastructure, supporting the rapid exchange of data between virtualized environments.

• Manufacturer: Mellanox
• Part Number or SKU# MSN2700-CS2FO
• Product Type: Manageable Switch

• Uplink Port: No
• Modular: Yes
• Stack Port: No
• Port/Expansion Slot Details: 32 x 100 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot

• Media Type Supported: Optical Fiber
• Ethernet Technology: 100 Gigabit Ethernet
• Network Technology: 100GBase-X

• Number of Total Expansion Slots: 32
• Expansion Slot Type: QSFP28
• Shared SFP Slot: No

• Layer Supported: 3

Management & Protocols

• Manageable: Yes

Power Description

• Power Source: Power Supply
• Redundant Power Supply Supported: No

In general, the Mellanox MSN2700-CS2FO switch is a feature-rich solution that addresses the evolving needs of high-performance data centers. Its Spectrum-based architecture, compatibility with QSFP 28 connectors, Layer 3 support, and other advanced features make it a reliable and versatile choice for organizations seeking a robust networking solution. By understanding its capabilities and considering key deployment factors, organizations can harness the full potential of this switch to optimize their network infrastructure.