Mellanox SX6036 Switch with HP part number - What should I know?

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Sniper_X

Member
Mar 11, 2021
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I have access to a few Mellanox SX6036 switches, but they have HP part numbers (674865-001).

I have read many threads here about EMC/IBM/HP versions of these switches, but I am unclear as to what "gotchyas" I sould be on the lookout for.
  • Are these as functional as the MLNX version?
  • How easy is it to return these to native MLNX firmware?
    • Should I?
  • What problems might I face getting these vs. native MLNX units?
Maybe there should be a sticky thread that educates folks about these versions of the SX6036?
(Am i missing that one does exist?) :)
 

Sniper_X

Member
Mar 11, 2021
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Will this unit be able to handle Ethernet as well?
Is it just a license that allows it?

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EDIT:
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Okay, so this article says:

"Starting from MLNX-OS 3.4.3002, 56GbE speed is enabled by default, meaning that there is no need for a license. You can simply change the port speed to 56000 without installing the license key. "

However, this will be an HP version.
Do they just use Mellanox firmware with HP branding?

(These haven't arrived yet, sos I haven't seen it)

HP Doesnt seem to have a "downloads" page for this switch that I can find (yet).
 
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Rand__

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Mar 6, 2014
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This is the theoretical ability to run 56GBit IB or ETH.

ETH has a separate license that you need to obtain
 

i386

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Mar 18, 2016
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Germany
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theminer3746

New Member
Oct 19, 2020
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This means you don't need the extra license to get 56GBE bandwidth support. You still need the gateway/ethernet license to use the switch in ethernet mode.

Edit:
Yes, you could use the mlnx-os image file from hpe to upgrade your mellanox switch. Better: use the image file from lenovo, it has a slightly newer version: Lenovo Intelligent Cluster (under the "switches" tab)
So there's no way to use this switch as an ethernet switch without buying a license?
That's a shame, I thought I'm gonna be able to upgrade my core network to 40G for cheap.