TL;DR
- Dell EMC PowerSwitch S5248F-ON delivers high-speed 25/100GbE switching for modern data centers.
- Latest 2025 firmware enhances security, telemetry, and automation capabilities.
- Designed for open networking: supports Dell SmartFabric OS10 and third-party NOS options.
- Ideal for enterprise, service provider, and cloud workloads requiring flexible L2/L3 capabilities.
- Balanced cost-to-performance ratio with strong ROI for scalable infrastructure deployments.
What’s New or Important Now
As of 2025, the Dell EMC PowerSwitch S5248F-ON remains one of the most versatile 25GbE top-of-rack switches in Dell’s open networking lineup. The latest firmware integrates optimized telemetry and stronger encryption to meet enterprise compliance requirements. Dell supports the switch through ongoing updates to its SmartFabric OS10 software stack and automation frameworks.
Industry updates also reflect Dell’s continuous alignment with open networking initiatives such as OCP standards and SONiC adoption, enabling organizations to leverage hardware flexibility while integrating with cloud-native management environments.
Overview of the Dell EMC PowerSwitch S5248F-ON
The S5248F-ON is a 1RU fixed-form-factor switch optimized for leaf and spine architectures. It features up to 48 ports of 25GbE and six 100GbE uplinks, combining density and throughput to support virtualization clusters, converged infrastructure, and high-performance storage fabric needs. Equipped with a broad ASIC pipeline and non-blocking architecture, it achieves low latency and wire-speed performance across ports.
Architect and Buyer Guidance
Choosing the S5248F-ON makes sense when a network design demands open, programmable hardware integrated with automation workflows. System architects should consider several key deployment profiles:
- Enterprise Core/Distribution: Enables scalable 25GbE connectivity between leaf/spine layers with automation via SmartFabric Services.
- Private Cloud / HCI: Tight integration with Dell VxRail and VMware NSX environments offers predictable fabric consistency.
- Service Provider Edge: Compact footprint and high port density ease multi-tenant network edge growth.
Sizing considerations: For edge aggregation, a single S5248F-ON can support approximately 2–3 racks of 25GbE servers. For spine roles, dual S5248F-ONs can support up to 96 downlinks, providing redundancy and bandwidth flexibility. Larger fabrics can scale using Dell’s SmartFabric architecture.
Comparison Table: Dell EMC PowerSwitch Portfolio
| Model | Port Configuration | Use Case | Performance | Operating System Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S5248F-ON | 48x25GbE + 6x100GbE | Enterprise leaf/spine | Up to 2.0 Tbps switching capacity | SmartFabric OS10, SONiC |
| S5296F-ON | 96x25GbE + 8x100GbE | High-density leaf | Up to 4.0 Tbps | SmartFabric OS10 |
| S5232F-ON | 32x100GbE | Spine or aggregation | Up to 6.4 Tbps | SmartFabric OS10, SONiC |
| Z9332F-ON | 32x400GbE | Next-generation core | Up to 12.8 Tbps | SmartFabric OS10 |
Mini Implementation Guide
Prerequisites
- Valid support subscription for firmware and OS10 updates.
- Access to Dell Networking Repository and console connectivity (SSH or serial).
- Configured management VLAN and IP addressing plan.
- Out-of-band management network for monitoring and telemetry.
Deployment Steps
- Download the latest firmware and OS10 image.
- Install firmware and verify checksum integrity.
- Initial device boot and configuration of management interface (mgmt0).
- Apply fundamental L2/L3 templates using SmartFabric Services or CLI.
- Integrate with orchestration systems (Ansible, VMware vCenter, or Kubernetes CNI).
- Validate routing and VLAN segmentation through test traffic flows.
- Enable telemetry and secure SNMPv3 for monitoring integration.
Common Pitfalls
- Ignoring firmware dependency checks before upgrading OS10 can disrupt network services.
- Misconfigured MTU across uplinks and servers can lead to frame drops in VXLAN environments.
- Lack of redundant uplinks or misaligned LACP hashing can result in uneven load distribution.
Cost and ROI Considerations
The PowerSwitch S5248F-ON offers a strong return on investment by combining 25GbE density with open networking agility. Compared to proprietary switching ecosystems, enterprises can save between 15%–25% in operational expenses through simplified automation and vendor-agnostic interoperability. The cumulative cost depends on software licensing (SmartFabric or SONiC), optics, and support levels but remains competitive for mid-tier and high-performance campus backbones.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What operating systems are supported on the S5248F-ON?
It supports Dell SmartFabric OS10 and open source SONiC for flexible management models.
2. Is the S5248F-ON compatible with VxRail?
Yes, it’s validated for VxRail and VMware Cloud Foundation under Dell SmartFabric Services.
3. What types of transceivers are supported?
The switch supports standard SFP28 and QSFP28 optics, DACs, and AOCs for 25/100GbE links.
4. Can it function as a spine node?
Yes, though typically used as a leaf switch, it can serve as a spine in small or edge fabrics.
5. How is security handled?
Latest OS10 firmware in 2025 supports secure boot, signed images, role-based access, and encryption for management traffic.
6. What’s the typical power consumption?
Approximately 400–600W depending on transceiver type and port utilization.
Conclusion
For enterprises seeking a well-balanced mix of open networking flexibility and high-speed performance, the Dell EMC PowerSwitch S5248F-ON delivers a proven and modern data center foundation. Backed by Dell’s updated OS10 ecosystem and extensive automation support, this model allows IT teams to evolve infrastructure with agility and cost efficiency. To explore deeper configuration and certification paths, visit LearnDell Online.