Description
HPE SN2100M 100GbE 16QSFP28 ONIE Connector to Power Airflow Switch
Engineered for the most demanding data centers, the HPE SN2100M is a high-performance 100 Gigabit Ethernet switch designed to tackle the relentless growth of east-west traffic, accelerating access to flash storage, and supporting modern workloads with extraordinary speed and reliability. This switch is purpose-built to power dense, scalable fabric architectures while simplifying deployment through ONIE-based provisioning. With 16 QSFP28 ports delivering massive bandwidth in a compact 1U footprint, the SN2100M is the backbone you need for next-generation data center networking, AI/ML accelerators, and data-intensive applications. Whether you are building a leaf-spine fabric, consolidating storage networks, or enabling high-speed server-to-storage connectivity, the SN2100M offers the performance, efficiency, and manageability that today's enterprises demand.
- Ultra-high-speed connectivity: The SN2100M features 16 QSFP28 ports that support 100GbE, delivering exceptional aggregate throughput and enabling true scalable fabrics. This dense port configuration allows you to connect a large number of servers, storage arrays, and accelerators without compromising performance, latency, or headroom for future growth. Ideal for NVMe-over-Fabric deployments and flash-forward storage networks, it keeps data moving at the speed your applications require.
- ONIE-ready deployment and lifecycle management: Built to simplify OS installation and upgrades, the ONIE (Open Network Install Environment) connector enables rapid, automated provisioning of the switch software. This means faster rack-to-production timelines, easier OS image management, and reduced risk during firmware updates. With ONIE compatibility, you can leverage standardized installer workflows to deploy your preferred network operating system with minimal downtime.
- Low latency, high-efficiency fabric: Designed for low-latency forwarding and deterministic performance, the SN2100M minimizes queuing delays and microbursts even under heavy traffic. The robust switching fabric ensures steady throughput for latency-sensitive workloads, including databases, virtualization farms, and real-time analytics. This performance edge translates directly into faster query responses, smoother hyperconverged operations, and improved user experiences for end-users and developers alike.
- Seamless integration with HPE Airflow Switch ecosystems: Engineered to integrate with the broader HPE airflow switch family, the SN2100M benefits from cohesive cooling, modular design, and streamlined management across your data center. The optimized airflow design reduces hotspotting and supports energy-efficient operation in dense racks, helping you achieve lower total cost of ownership while maintaining peak performance under load. This synergy makes it an excellent choice for modern data centers adopting modular, scalable fabric architectures.
- Future-proof scalability for flash and AI workloads: As data centers evolve toward flash-centric storage, machine learning, and AI inference, the SN2100M provides a forward-looking 100GbE fabric capable of supporting large-scale server-to-storage topologies. Its architecture accommodates growing line rates and increasing virtualized workloads, enabling you to extend your fabric without overhauling your network. By investing in the SN2100M, you’re equipping your data center with a flexible, scalable backbone that adapts to changing technology requirements and workload profiles.
Technical Details of HPE SN2100M
- Port count and type: 16 x QSFP28 ports delivering 100GbE connectivity for high-density server, storage, and accelerator interconnectivity.
- Switch fabric and performance: High-performance switching fabric designed for low latency and deterministic forwarding to support demanding data center workloads.
- Management and installation: ONIE-compatible system for simplified OS installation and lifecycle management, enabling rapid deployment and straightforward software upgrades.
- Form factor and deployment: 1U rack-mount form factor suitable for standard data center racks and scalable leaf/spine topologies.
- Power and cooling considerations: Designed for efficient operation with support for standard data center power and cooling schemes, optimized for airflow in energetic rack environments.
- Compatibility and ecosystem: Built to integrate with the HPE Airflow Switch ecosystem, offering cohesive management, monitoring, and performance optimization across your fabric.
how to install HPE SN2100M
- Prepare the rack and workspace: Ensure adequate space in a standard 19-inch rack, with proper cable routing, clearance for airflow, and a stable power source. Verify that your cooling solution meets the density requirements for a 1U network switch in a busy data center environment.
- Mount the switch: Slide the SN2100M into a 1U rack slot and secure it with the provided mounting screws. Route power cables to a suitable power distribution unit and confirm that the rails and cabling do not obstruct airflow or access to ports.
- Connect optical cables or copper DACs: Attach the 16 QSFP28 ports to your adjacent switches, servers, or storage fabrics using appropriate QSFP28 cables or DAC assemblies. Maintain proper cable management to prevent bend radius issues and minimize signal loss.
- Power on and initialize: Apply power and access the management interface to begin the ONIE-based installation workflow. If you are deploying a preferred operating system, boot the installer image via ONIE and proceed with the OS provisioning steps as guided by the installer prompts.
- Configure networking and security: After installation, configure essential parameters such as management IP, VLANs, routing (if applicable), and security policies. Validate connectivity with a test plan that includes reachability tests, throughput tests, and failover checks to ensure the fabric behaves as expected under load.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the HPE SN2100M best used for? The SN2100M is designed for high-density 100GbE networking in data centers, enabling fast server-to-server, server-to-storage, and inter-switch connectivity. It is well suited for leaf-spine fabrics, NVMe storage fabrics, and environments requiring substantial east-west traffic handling and low-latency performance.
- How many 100GbE ports does it have? It provides 16 QSFP28 ports, each capable of delivering 100GbE bandwidth, which makes it ideal for dense top-of-rack and edge deployments within a fabric.
- Does the SN2100M support ONIE? Yes, the SN2100M includes an ONIE connector to streamline OS installation and lifecycle management, enabling automated deployment workflows and easier upgrades across a fleet of switches.
- Is it compatible with the HPE Airflow Switch ecosystem? Yes. The SN2100M is designed to integrate seamlessly with the HPE Airflow Switch family, providing cohesive management, cooling efficiency, and consistent performance across your networking fabric.
- What kind of workloads is it optimized for? The SN2100M is optimized for data center workloads that require high bandwidth and low latency, such as virtualization, AI/ML inference, database backends, real-time analytics, and intensive flash-based storage networks.
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