Mellanox Spectrum SN2100 Review: The Compact 100GbE Switch Built for Speed and Scalability
The Mellanox Spectrum SN2100 is a compact, half-width 1U switch delivering 100GbE performance in a space-saving and power-efficient design. Ideal for data centers and edge deployments, it offers 16 QSFP28 ports, flexible breakout options, and up to 3.2 Tbps switching capacity—all while drawing less than 100W. Powered by NVIDIA’s Spectrum ASIC, the SN2100 supports cut-through switching for ultra-low latency and handles advanced features like VXLAN, Layer 3 routing, and telemetry. With modular OS support (Onyx, Cumulus Linux, ONIE), it fits seamlessly into both traditional and software-defined networks. Its short-depth chassis, hot-swappable PSUs, and airflow options make it perfect for edge, colocation, or dense AI/HPC environments. Whether deployed in a leaf/spine architecture or a top-of-rack configuration, the SN2100 excels in performance, scalability, and operational efficiency. For enterprises building modern AI-ready networks, this switch is a versatile, future-ready investment.