NVIDIA Spectrum SN3000 Series MSN3420-CB2FC Data Center Switch
1. MSN3420-CB2FC Product Overview
The MSN3420-CB2FC is a high-performance, open Ethernet network switch from the NVIDIA Spectrum SN3000 series, specifically engineered for modern data center top-of-rack (ToR) applications. This 1U form factor switch delivers a powerful combination of 48 ports of 10/25GbE and 12 ports of up to 100GbE, providing a total throughput of 4.8 Tb/s. It is pre-installed with Cumulus Linux, offering a flexible, automated, and scalable networking solution ideal for web-scale IT, cloud, and storage environments.
2. MSN3420-CB2FC Key Characteristics
- High-Density Port Configuration: 48 x SFP28 (25GbE) and 12 x QSFP28 (100GbE) ports for versatile connectivity.
- Cumulus Linux OS: A powerful, open network operating system built for automation and scalability.
- Spectrum-2 ASIC: Delivers 6.4Tb/s bidirectional switching capacity, consistent low latency, and a fully shared 42MB packet buffer.
- Advanced Telemetry: Features like NVIDIA's What Just Happened (WJH) provide deep visibility and drastically reduce mean time to issue resolution.
- Open Networking: Supports disaggregated networking principles, avoiding vendor lock-in.
3. MSN3420-CB2FC Core Technology
The SN3000 series is powered by the NVIDIA Spectrum-2 ASIC, which supports a comprehensive suite of technologies including VXLAN routing and bridging, IPv6 segment routing, RoCE (RDMA over Converged Ethernet), and advanced network virtualization. The platform is designed for open networking, supporting multiple operating systems like Cumulus Linux, SONIC, and NVIDIA Onyx through the Open Network Install Environment (ONIE).
4. Operational Principle
The network switch operates at wire speed, utilizing cut-through switching to minimize latency. The Spectrum-2 ASIC's fully shared packet buffer architecture ensures fair and predictable bandwidth allocation, preventing bottlenecks for mission-critical traffic. The programmable pipeline allows for deep packet inspection (up to 512B) and custom packet parsing, processing, and editing, enabling support for both legacy and emerging protocols.
5. Application & Usage
The MSN3420-CB2FC SN 2000 series switch is ideally deployed as a top-of-rack (ToR) leaf switch in modern data centers. Its high-density 25GbE server connectivity and 100GbE uplinks make it perfect for:
- Cloud infrastructure and hyper-scale data centers
- High-performance computing (HPC) and AI/ML clusters
- Hyperconverged storage (NVMe-oF) environments
- Financial services and media & entertainment networks requiring low latency
6. Specifications & Selection
| Attribute | Specification |
| Model | MSN3420-CB2FC |
| Series | SN3000, SN 2000 |
| Ports | 48 x 10/25GbE SFP28, 12 x 100GbE QSFP28 |
| Throughput | 4.8 Tb/s |
| Switching Capacity | 6.4 Tb/s |
| Latency | 425 ns (cut-through) |
| OS | Cumulus Linux |
| Power Supplies | 2 (1+1 redundant), Hot-swappable |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 1.72" x 16.84" x 17" (44mm x 428mm x 432mm) |
7. Advantages & Selling Points
- Uncompromised Performance: The Spectrum-2 ASIC ensures line-rate, low-latency performance even with advanced features enabled.
- Operational Agility: The open Ethernet model with Cumulus Linux allows for full automation and integration into DevOps workflows.
- Future-Proof Design: High port density and support for 25G/100G speeds cater to evolving data center demands.
- Superior Visibility: WJH telemetry provides unprecedented insights into network performance and issues.
- Robust Ecosystem: Part of NVIDIA's end-to-end solution, compatible with ConnectX NICs and LinkX cables.
8. Service & Support
The MSN3420-CB2FC network switch comes with a standard one-year limited hardware warranty. Our company provides robust technical support, including 24/7 consultation. We ensure accurate and timely delivery of goods, backed by a professional sales and technical team with over a decade of industry experience, serving a global customer base.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What operating systems can run on this switch?
A: This model comes pre-installed with Cumulus Linux. The SN3000 series platform also supports NVIDIA Onyx and can be deployed as a bare-metal switch with any ONIE-compatible NOS.
Q: Can the 100GbE QSFP28 ports be split?
A: Yes, the 100GbE ports can be split into 4x25GbE or 2x50GbE ports using appropriate breakout cables, offering tremendous flexibility in connectivity.
Q: Is this switch suitable for RoCE (RDMA) traffic?
A: Absolutely. The Spectrum-2 ASIC provides robust RoCE transport, making it an ideal choice for NVMe-oF storage and machine learning applications leveraging GPUDirect.
10. Precautions
- Ensure the operating environment temperature is maintained between 0°C to 40°C.
- Verify compatibility of transceivers and DAC/AOC cables using the NVIDIA compatibility matrix.
- The switch complies with safety standards (CB, CE, cTUVus) and EMC regulations (FCC, CE, VCCI).
- Plan airflow direction (P2C or C2P) during procurement to match your data center's cooling scheme.
- For secure boot requirements, consider the cyber-resilient (SG) variant of the SN3000 series.
11. Company Introduction
With over a decade of experience, we are a leading provider of premium networking solutions. We operate a large factory and are supported by a strong technical team. Our extensive experience has allowed us to accumulate a significant number of satisfied customers worldwide. We pride ourselves on offering the most competitive pricing for top-tier products and superior service quality.
We are authorized agents for renowned brands including Mellanox (NVIDIA), Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme. Our main product offerings comprise original brand-new equipment such as network switches, network adapters, wireless access points, wireless controllers, and cables. We maintain a vast inventory exceeding $10 million, ensuring we can provide a wide variety of products and accommodate large-volume orders efficiently.
