It is a frustratingly common scenario in 2026: your AI, HPC, or high-performance storage fabric is fully designed and approved. The CTO and network architects have finalized the architecture, often built around the Mellanox MQM9790 (HDR InfiniBand) or the MSN3700 (100G Spectrum-2 Ethernet).
But when procurement attempts to execute, the project hits a hard stop.
The response is consistent across regions:
“No stock”
“Lead time 8–16 weeks”
At this point, the challenge is no longer technical—it is operational. Deployment timelines slip not because of design limitations, but because critical hardware cannot be delivered.
If you are facing this issue, you are not alone. As of 2026 Q2, these shortages are widespread across global markets.
So the real question becomes:
How do you move forward when your specified hardware simply isn’t available?
- Part 1: Why Shortage Happens
- Part 2: Smart Sourcing
- Part 3: Alternatives Strategy
- Part 4: Procurement Execution
- Part 5: Final Thoughts
- Part 6: FAQ
Part 1: Why MQM9790 and MSN3700 Are Out of Stock in 2026
AI and GPU Demand Is Outpacing Supply
The rapid expansion of AI infrastructure is the primary driver behind the shortage.
- GPU clusters require high-bandwidth interconnects
- NVMe-over-Fabrics is becoming standard
- East-west traffic inside data centers is increasing dramatically
Both MQM9790 and MSN3700 are core components in these environments:
- MQM9790 → HDR 200G InfiniBand fabric
- MSN3700 → 100G Ethernet leaf/spine
As demand scales, supply—especially for high-end switching silicon—has struggled to keep up.
ASIC Constraints and Allocation Priority
These platforms rely on advanced switching architectures:
- Spectrum-2 ASIC (MSN3700)
- HDR InfiniBand switching silicon (MQM9790)
Production is constrained, and available supply is often:
- Prioritized for hyperscale deployments
- Allocated through long-term contracts
- Limited in open distribution channels
Traditional Procurement Models Are Breaking Down
Most enterprises still rely on:
OEM → Distributor → Regional Partner → Customer
In 2026, this model introduces delays because:
- Inventory is not locally stocked
- Orders depend on upstream allocation
- Lead times are unpredictable
Part 2: The Smart Sourcing Pivot: Check Real Availability First
When local distributors cannot fulfill orders, waiting becomes a risk—not a strategy.
Instead, many buyers now check real-time availability and pricing through IT-Price, which aggregates global inventory and helps avoid outdated or unavailable quotes.
This approach provides:
- Immediate visibility into available SKUs
- Pricing transparency across regions
- Faster decision-making for procurement teams
Part 3: The Alternative Strategy Framework: What You Can Deploy Now
If your original model is unavailable, the key is not to wait—it is to pivot to technically compatible, deployable alternatives.
MSN3700 Alternatives (100G / 200G Ethernet)
Original Requirement: High-density 100G/200G leaf/spine, Spectrum-2 architecture, AI or storage fabric.
Alternative comparison overview:
| Original Model | Status | Recommended Alternative | Strategic Advantage |
| MSN3700 / MSN3700C | Out of Stock | MSN2700 (Spectrum-1) | Ready stock, lower cost, stable 100G performance |
| MSN3700 / MSN3700C | Out of Stock | MSN4600 (Spectrum-3) | 200G-ready, future-proof design |
| MSN3700 / MSN3700C | Out of Stock | SN3000 Series | Maintains Spectrum-2 architecture alignment |
If your workload is primarily 100G, earlier-generation platforms like MSN2700 can often deliver the same functional outcome—with better availability and lower cost.
MQM9790 Alternatives (HDR InfiniBand)
Original Requirement: 200G HDR InfiniBand for GPU/HPC interconnect.
When MQM9790 is unavailable, there are two viable paths:
Many modern environments are shifting toward Ethernet-based architectures due to availability and flexibility.
Part 4: Executing the Procurement: From Alternative to Deployment
Identifying an alternative is only part of the solution. The real challenge is ensuring it can be delivered on time.
Suppliers like Router-switch focus on bridging this gap by aligning inventory, sourcing, and logistics:
- Inventory-backed sourcing (not dependent on backorders)
- Global supply access across multiple regions
- Typical delivery timelines of 7–10 days for in-stock models
Coordinating NIC and Switch Availability
In many deployments, switching hardware is only part of the equation. NIC availability—especially for ConnectX-6—can also become a bottleneck.
For a detailed breakdown of how delivery timelines are managed at the NIC layer, see: How Router-Switch Delivers Mellanox MCX6 Series in 7–10 Days
Part 5: Final Thoughts
The shortage of MQM9790 and MSN3700 reflects a broader shift in 2026:
Demand for AI and high-performance networking is no longer predictable—and traditional supply chains are not designed to handle it.
For most organizations, successful deployment now depends on:
- Flexibility in hardware selection
- Real-time visibility into inventory
- Working with suppliers that can execute quickly
The best hardware is not the one specified in your design—it’s the one you can deploy on time.
Part 6: FAQ
Will MQM9790 and MSN3700 be back in stock soon?
Availability may improve, but lead times remain unpredictable due to sustained global demand.
Is MSN2700 a viable replacement for MSN3700?
Yes, for many 100G deployments, it offers comparable functionality with better availability.
Can Ethernet replace InfiniBand in AI clusters?
In many scenarios, RoCE-based Ethernet fabrics can provide similar performance with greater flexibility.
How can I avoid long lead times?
Always verify real-time inventory and avoid relying solely on distributor estimates.
What is the fastest way to secure deployment hardware?
Work with suppliers that maintain actual stock and can provide predictable delivery timelines.
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