Mellanox SN2700 Open Ethernet Switch

The Mellanox SN2700 Open Ethernet Switch is a high-density, open-networking solution purpose-built for modern data centers that demand predictable performance, scalable fabric, and flexible deployment models. Engineered around Spectrum technology and the Mellanox Onyx operating system, the SN2700 delivers robust 100GbE connectivity in a compact 1U form factor. This open Ethernet switch is designed to simplify integration with white-box servers and open-management ecosystems, enabling agile network architectures that can scale from hyperscale data centers to edge deployments. With 32 QSFP28 ports, dual power supplies, a short-depth chassis, forward airflow, and an included rail kit, the SN2700 represents a practical, future-ready building block for fabric-based networks, AI workloads, storage connectivity, and high-performance computing environments. The device is RoHS6 compliant, underscoring a commitment to responsible design while maintaining enterprise-grade reliability and feature richness.

Designed for open, scalable data center networking, the SN2700 provides a highly predictable and dense fabric capable of exchanging large volumes of data with ultra-low latency. Its Spectrum-based architecture combines efficient silicon, programmable throughput, and software-driven control to deliver consistent performance under varying load conditions. Operators benefit from straightforward lifecycle management, telemetry-rich Onyx tooling, and the freedom to craft network topologies that fit either traditional three-tier designs or modern leaf-spine fabrics. The switch supports a range of deployment options—from centralized data centers to space-constrained colocation facilities—without compromising reliability or ease of operation. In environments where every microsecond matters, the SN2700’s deterministic forwarding behavior, high port density, and energy-conscious design help reduce total cost of ownership while accelerating time-to-value for key workloads.

Performance and scale are the core strengths of the SN2700. The 32 QSFP28 ports enable high-density 100GbE leaf-links that simplify spine-and-leaf configurations and enable aggressive link aggregation strategies. By combining a 1U chassis with forward airflow and a compact depth, the switch fits into tight rack layouts while maintaining excellent airflow for cooling efficiency. Mellanox Onyx, the switch’s operating system, provides a modern CLI and web-based management interfaces with rich telemetry, health monitoring, and automation hooks that empower network engineers to implement scripted deployments, rapid rollouts, and consistent configurations across large fleets. The open Ethernet approach ensures interoperability with a broad ecosystem of open networking tools, standard APIs, and open-source management platforms, making the SN2700 a flexible choice for teams embracing software-defined networking, network functions virtualization, and programmatic data-center operations.

In terms of resilience and reliability, the SN2700 features dual AC power supplies, designed to deliver redundancy and uptime in critical environments. The short-depth footprint is advantageous for data centers with tight rack spacing or future-proofed cabling strategies that reduce turbulence and cable management challenges. The forward airflow design optimizes cooling in densely populated racks, helping to keep performance consistent across workloads that place sustained pressure on network hardware. Whether you’re building a new fabric from scratch or migrating from older 10/40GbE architectures, the SN2700 provides a scalable, future-proof option that aligns with open networking principles while delivering enterprise-grade performance, security, and manageability.

Businesses looking to optimize total cost of ownership will appreciate the SN2700’s ability to leverage a single, scalable platform for diverse workloads. By consolidating high-density 100GbE connectivity into a single switch, organizations can reduce the complexity of cabling and minimize hop counts across the fabric. The Mellanox Onyx software stack offers robust control, simplification through automation, and a clear upgrade path as network requirements evolve. This makes the SN2700 a strong fit for data center corridors supporting cloud-native applications, analytics pipelines, HPC clusters, and storage networks requiring fast, reliable interconnects. The open Ethernet philosophy behind the SN2700 also supports experimentation and rapid prototyping—critical for teams exploring new operating models or evaluating next-generation networking paradigms without vendor lock-in. With its combination of density, speed, reliability, and openness, the SN2700 stands out as a compelling choice for organizations pursuing scalable, future-ready network fabrics.

Key advantages of adopting the SN2700 include a balance of performance, density, and openness that translates into tangible outcomes: faster application delivery, expanded capacity for growth, simpler lifecycle management, and the ability to evolve the network without disruptive overhauls. The switch is particularly well-suited for environments that demand consistent 100GbE performance across a fabric of servers, storage nodes, and edge devices. Operators can implement advanced traffic engineering, segmentation, and security policies through Onyx, while benefiting from the platform’s diagnostic capabilities and proactive health monitoring. In addition, the SN2700’s compliance with RoHS6 reflects a commitment to responsible manufacturing and environmental stewardship, a factor increasingly prioritized by organizations pursuing sustainable data center footprints.

• High-density 100GbE connectivity: 32 QSFP28 ports enable compact, scalable leaf-spine or spine-leaf topologies with abundant uplinks and downlinks, supporting modern data-center workloads with large data transfers and low latency.
• Open networking with Onyx OS: Mellanox Onyx provides a robust, programmable control plane, rich telemetry, and automation-friendly interfaces that accelerate deployment, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• 1U form factor with short depth: Designed to maximize rack space efficiency while maintaining excellent airflow and cooling, suitable for dense data center racks and edge deployments.
• Redundant power and reliability: Dual AC power supplies offer power redundancy and resilience for mission-critical workloads, reducing risk of downtime due to power events.
• Open Ethernet platform for flexibility: Spectrum-based architecture supports open-management approaches, integration with white-box servers, and adaptable network architectures to future-proof your investment.

Technical Details of Mellanox SN2700 Open Ethernet Switch

• Port count: 32 QSFP28 ports for high-density 100GbE connectivity
• Network speed: 100GbE per port (QSFP28), enabling scalable fabric performance
• Operating system: Mellanox Onyx, with modern tooling and telemetry
• Power: 2 x AC power supplies for redundancy
• Form factor: 1U chassis with short depth for space-efficient deployments
• Cooling: Forward airflow design optimized for dense racks
• Open networking: Supports open-management workflows and integration with diverse ecosystems
• Compliance: RoHS6
• Includes: Rail kit for quick rack integration

How to install Mellanox SN2700 Open Ethernet Switch

• Prepare the rack: Ensure a compatible rack with sufficient space and airflow; install the included rail kit and align the SN2700 for a secure, accessible position.
• Mount and connect power: Install the switch in the rack, connect both AC power supplies, and verify redundancy indicators on the front panel.
• Network and management cabling: Connect management interfaces and data-plane uplinks using appropriate cables to switch fabric or spine devices; route cables neatly to optimize airflow.
• Initial boot and Onyx configuration: Power on the device and access the Onyx CLI or GUI to set up basic management access, firmware, and initial fabric configuration; apply security policies and user roles as needed.
• Fabric provisioning: Define VLANs, ACLs, routing or bridging policies, and link aggregation as required by your data center design; validate connectivity and performance across the fabric.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many ports does the SN2700 have? A: It features 32 QSFP28 ports, delivering high-density 100GbE connectivity.
• Q: Does the SN2700 support redundancy? A: Yes, it includes two AC power supplies for redundancy and high availability.
• Q: What operating system does it run? A: The switch runs Mellanox Onyx, offering modern management, automation, and telemetry capabilities.
• Q: Is the device RoHS compliant? A: Yes, the SN2700 is RoHS6 compliant.
• Q: Is it designed for open networking? A: Absolutely—it's an Open Ethernet platform intended for interoperable deployments with open management tools and white-box ecosystems.