1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the NVIDIA Spectrum-2 MSN3700C Ethernet Switch. The MSN3700C is a high-performance 1U 32-port 100GbE Open Ethernet Network switch designed for spine or high-density leaf applications in data center environments.

Figure 1: NVIDIA Spectrum-2 MSN3700C Ethernet Switch. This image displays the front panel of the switch, highlighting its compact 1U form factor and the arrangement of its 32 SFP+ ports, designed for high-speed network connectivity.
2. Safety Information
Observe the following safety precautions to prevent injury and damage to the equipment:
- Ensure proper grounding before connecting power.
- Do not operate the switch in environments exceeding the specified temperature range (up to 60 Degrees Celsius).
- Use only the provided power supplies.
- Avoid blocking ventilation openings to prevent overheating.
- Only qualified personnel should perform installation and maintenance.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in the package:
- 1 x NVIDIA Spectrum-2 MSN3700C Ethernet Switch
- 2 x Power Supplies (AC)
- 1 x Rail Kit
4. Setup
4.1. Physical Installation
The MSN3700C switch is designed for rail mounting, suitable for standard server racks.
- Attach the provided rail kit to the server rack according to the rail kit instructions.
- Carefully slide the switch onto the installed rails until it clicks into place.
- Secure the switch to the rack using the appropriate screws.
4.2. Power Connection
Connect the two AC power supplies to the switch and then to a grounded power source.
- Insert each power supply unit into its designated slot on the switch.
- Connect the power cables from the power supply units to separate, grounded AC outlets for redundancy.
- Verify that the power indicator LEDs on the switch illuminate.
4.3. Network Connections
The switch features 32 SFP+ ports for 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity.
- Insert compatible SFP+ transceivers into the desired ports.
- Connect optical fiber cables from the transceivers to your network devices (servers, other switches).
- The ports can be split to support up to 128x 10/25GbE ports using appropriate splitter cables and transceivers.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1. Basic Functionality
The MSN3700C supports comprehensive Layer-2 and Layer-3 switching capabilities.
- Layer-2 Switching: Facilitates efficient data forwarding within a local network segment.
- Layer-3 Switching: Enables routing between different network segments and subnets.
5.2. Advanced Features
The switch incorporates advanced features for modern data center networking:
- RoCE Transport: Robust support for RDMA over Converged Ethernet, powering NVMe over Fabric and Machine Learning applications leveraging NVIDIA GPUDirect.
- VXLAN: Best-in-class VXLAN scale for network virtualization, supporting high-performance single-pass VXLAN routing.
- Network Telemetry: Features like NVIDIA What Just Happened (WJH) telemetry, hardware-accelerated histograms, and Inband Network Telemetry (INT)-ready hardware provide deep visibility into network performance and dramatically reduce mean time to issue resolution.
- Programmable Pipeline: Allows programmatic parsing, processing, and editing of packets for flexible network operations.
6. Maintenance
6.1. Environmental Conditions
Maintain the operating environment within specified limits to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
- Temperature: Do not exceed 60 Degrees Celsius. Ensure adequate airflow.
- Humidity: Keep within recommended non-condensing humidity levels.
6.2. Cleaning
Periodically clean the exterior of the switch and ensure ventilation openings are free from dust and debris.
- Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning.
- Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols directly on the device.
- Ensure power is disconnected before cleaning.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your NVIDIA Spectrum-2 MSN3700C Ethernet Switch, consider the following basic troubleshooting steps:
- No Power: Verify power cable connections and ensure power outlets are functional. Check power supply unit status LEDs.
- Link Issues: Confirm SFP+ transceivers are correctly seated and optical fiber cables are undamaged and properly connected. Check link status LEDs on the switch and connected devices.
- Performance Problems: Utilize the switch's telemetry features (WJH, histograms) to diagnose network congestion or packet loss. Consult network configuration.
- Configuration Access: Ensure management interfaces are correctly configured and accessible.
For advanced troubleshooting or persistent issues, refer to the NVIDIA support resources.
8. Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | NVIDIA |
| Model Number | MSN3700-CS2RC |
| Number of Ports | 32 |
| Interface Type | SFP+ |
| Ethernet Technology | 100 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Layer Support | Layer 2, Layer 3 |
| Power Source | Power Supply (AC) |
| Mounting Type | Rail Mounting |
| Case Material | Metal |
| Upper Temperature Rating | 60 Degrees Celsius |
| Product Dimensions | 31.75 x 23.75 x 4.2 inches |
| Item Weight | 32.8 pounds |
| Manufacturer | MELLANOX TECHNOLOGIES |
| Date First Available | October 15, 2022 |
9. Warranty Information
NVIDIA products typically come with a standard limited warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions applicable to your NVIDIA Spectrum-2 MSN3700C Ethernet Switch, please refer to the warranty documentation included with your purchase or visit the official NVIDIA website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
10. Support
For technical assistance, product documentation, software downloads, and further support, please visit the official NVIDIA support portal:
You may also find additional resources and community forums on the NVIDIA website.





