Hardware Failure

Nvidia (Mellanox) SN2100 stuck at boot loader prompt: Diagnose & Fix

Q: Where can I find the Nvidia (Mellanox) official documentation?

https://docs.nvidia.com/networking/ — search the product family + feature name.

By Sai Kiran Pandrala · reviewed by Sai Kiran Pandrala, Editor Last verified: 2026-05-30

⚡ At a glance

Vendor	Nvidia (Mellanox)
Operating system	Cumulus Linux / NVOS / SONiC
Category	Hardware Failure
Skill level	Intermediate to advanced
DIY-able?	Yes with CLI access; some scenarios need Nvidia Enterprise Support + RMA.

When a Nvidia (Mellanox) SN2100 starts misbehaving, the temptation is to reboot and hope. Resist it. Capture `nv show system` and `nv show platform environment` first; that 30-second buffer is the difference between a real root cause and another reload at 3am next week.

Cumulus Linux / NVOS / SONiC has a habit of logging the actual failing component into the system log seconds before the LED transitions. Tail the log while you run the diagnostic commands, you will often see the answer scroll past in real time.

Below is the exact sequence I run on customer gear. Steps are ordered cheapest-first so you exit early if it really is just a loose cable.

What this guide covers

Diagnose and recover from stuck at boot loader prompt on a Nvidia (Mellanox) SN2100.

Step-by-step

At the boot loader prompt, list available images.
If an image exists, boot it manually.
If no image (deleted or corrupt), pull a fresh image over TFTP or USB.
Set the boot variable to the recovered image.
Reset and watch for a normal boot.

CLI / commands

# Verify hardware state
nv show system
nv show platform inventory
nv show platform environment

# Collect for Nvidia Enterprise Support
cl-support (Cumulus) / show techsupport (SONiC)

When to RMA

Repeated failure after re-seat and power-cycle
Visible burn, scorching, or physical damage
POST or memory diagnostic failure
Hardware crashinfo without a software workaround

Frequently asked questions

Will this work on my specific Cumulus Linux / NVOS / SONiC version?

The procedure reflects current Cumulus Linux / NVOS / SONiC behaviour. Older releases may need minor syntax adjustments. use the CLI help (? or tab-completion) to verify.

Should I open a Nvidia Enterprise Support case immediately?

Open one if you suspect hardware failure or the symptom persists after a maintenance-window reload. Make sure your support entitlement is active first.

Where can I find the Nvidia (Mellanox) official documentation?

https://docs.nvidia.com/networking/, search the product family + feature name.

Is this procedure safe in production?

Test in a lab or maintenance window first. Capture pre-change state so you can roll back.

All Nvidia (Mellanox) fix guides → /nvidia/
All vendor guides → /vendors/

Related guides worth a look while you sort this one out:

References

Nvidia (Mellanox) support portal: https://enterprise-support.nvidia.com/
Nvidia (Mellanox) knowledge base: https://docs.nvidia.com/networking/
Nvidia (Mellanox) security advisories: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/security/
Open a case: https://enterprise-support.nvidia.com/s/createcase

Reference material, not professional advice. Validate against your specific Cumulus Linux / NVOS / SONiC version and test in a non-production environment before applying.

What changed recently?

Fault diagnosis on a Nvidia device goes faster when you map the symptom to a recent change:

Did firmware update in the last 7 days?
Did the network (router, ISP, VPN) change?
Was the device moved physically?
Did paired devices (phone, hub, app) update?
Were any accessories swapped in or out?

The answer narrows the root cause to a manageable subset.

Safety + preconditions

Before any work on a Nvidia device:

Unplug from mains for any internal-access procedure.
Discharge stored energy (capacitors in PSUs, residual battery charge) per manufacturer guidance.
Use ESD-safe handling for boards and modules: no carpet, no wool sleeves.
Avoid moisture; never apply liquids near vents or connectors.
If you smell smoke, see scorch marks, or feel uneven heat, stop and escalate.

Verification checklist

After applying the fix on your Nvidia device, confirm:

The original symptom is no longer reproducible.
Related features (status LEDs, app sync, paired accessories) still work.
The device responds to a soft reboot without the fault returning.
Any error codes that were on display have cleared.
Documentation (your service log, the brand companion app) reflects the change.

Escalation guide

For a Nvidia device, the right escalation depends on impact:

Cosmetic / minor: log a ticket via the Nvidia app or web portal. Response 1-3 business days.
Mid-impact: phone support. Have your serial number ready.
Critical (production down, safety issue): in-person dealer / TAC visit. Bring proof of purchase.
Out of warranty: third-party repair shop with manufacturer-certified technicians.