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They are different configurations, not interchangeable identifiers. Mellanox documents VLT-30111 as a 36-port Grid Director 4036 QDR switch. The available mapping for the 4036E applies specifically to VLT-30038-IBM: a 34-port QDR switch with an integrated Ethernet gateway for an IBM rack configuration. Check the complete part number and the chassis label before buying or planning compatibility.
What is a VLT-30111?
Mellanox’s Grid Director 4036/2036 Installation Manual lists VLT-30111 as a 1U Grid Director 4036 with 36 QDR ports, front-to-back cooling and two power supplies. The manual describes the power supplies and fan unit as hot-swappable. Mellanox states that each QDR port is 40 Gbps.
The same manual gives the 4036 an aggregate bandwidth figure of 2.88 Tbps and port-to-port latency of less than 100 nanoseconds. These are manufacturer specifications in the manual, not independent measurements of a particular unit.
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Is VLT-30038 a 4036E?
The specific mapping available is for VLT-30038-IBM, not an unqualified VLT-30038. A third-party-hosted product-details list describes that full part number as an IB/10GbE 4036E with 34 QDR ports and an Ethernet gateway, configured for an IBM rack: product-details list. Because this is not a primary Mellanox product page, do not assume every VLT-30038 suffix or chassis has that configuration.
The broader family distinction is supported by Mellanox’s 2012 solution brief, which describes the Grid Director 4036E as a 40 Gb/s QDR edge switch with an integrated Ethernet gateway. The brief identifies VLT-30034 as a 4036E; it supports the family’s gateway role but does not independently map VLT-30038: Mellanox solution brief.
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4036 vs. 4036E: the practical differences
| Check | VLT-30111 / 4036 | VLT-30038-IBM / 4036E |
|---|---|---|
| Documented configuration | 36-port QDR Grid Director 4036; installation manual | 34-port QDR 4036E with Ethernet gateway for an IBM rack; third-party-hosted product-details list |
| Ethernet gateway | Not identified for this VLT-30111 configuration in the cited manual | Integrated gateway identified for the 4036E family by Mellanox; the VLT-30038-IBM mapping is from the hosted list |
| Cooling direction | Front-to-back, per the manual’s VLT-30111 product-option entry | Not stated in the cited VLT-30038-IBM mapping |
| Power supplies | Two, per the manual’s VLT-30111 product-option entry | Not stated in the cited VLT-30038-IBM mapping |
| Rack context | Not stated in the cited product-option entry | IBM rack configuration, per the hosted list |
| Exact identifier to verify | VLT-30111 | VLT-30038-IBM; do not omit the IBM suffix when relying on this mapping |
The installation manual also says the 4036 and 2036 look identical and are distinguished by their product ID labels. Appearance alone is therefore not a reliable way to identify a chassis.
How to identify the switch before buying or deploying it
- Get a clear photograph of the product ID label. Confirm the entire part number, including any IBM, HP or other suffix, rather than relying on the listing title or front-panel appearance.
- Confirm the port and gateway configuration. Check whether the unit has 36 ports as documented for VLT-30111 or matches the 34-port 4036E IBM configuration described for VLT-30038-IBM. If Ethernet gateway functionality is required, have the seller confirm that feature on the actual unit.
- Check airflow, power supplies and rack fit. VLT-30111 is listed with front-to-back cooling and two power supplies. The cited VLT-30038-IBM list does not establish those details, so verify them directly along with rack-specific requirements.
- Confirm included and compatible parts. The 4036 manual covers QSFP copper and optical cabling and lists replacement FRUs. Match cable type and any replacement power supply or fan to the exact hardware and intended link; do not infer compatibility from the family name alone.
- Assess the specific used unit. Ask about condition and any relevant support or firmware information for that unit. Current support status and the condition of a particular listing are not established by the product identifiers.
Do not confuse VLT-30111 with VLT-30011
Mellanox firmware release notes list VLT-30011 as a 36-port InfiniScale IV QDR InfiniBand switch in the 4036 family: firmware release notes. That is a separate identifier from VLT-30111. The release-note entry does not establish the VLT-30111 configuration; use the installation manual’s product-option table for that mapping.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Performance
- 40 X HDR 200Gb/s ports in a 1U switch
- 80 X HDR100 100Gb/s ports (using splitter cables)
- 16Tb/s aggregate switch throughput
- Sub-90ns switch latency
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- Item Package Dimension: 29.61L X 22.05W X 6.1H Inches
- Item Package Weight - 24.01 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - Electronic Switch
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