Dell EMC S5212F-ON - 12 × 25GbE SFP28 Top-of-Rack Switch for High-Performance Data Centers

The Dell EMC S5212F-ON is a compact, half-width, high-performance Top-of-Rack switch designed for next-generation data centers, cloud, and enterprise environments. It features 12 × 1/10/25 GbE SFP28 access ports and 3 × 100 GbE QSFP28 uplinks, offering flexible connectivity for spine-and-leaf architectures. Built for open networking, it supports ONIE (Open Network Install Environment) for zero-touch deployment of third-party network operating systems such as Dell SmartFabric OS10, SONiC, or IP Infusion OcNOS. Its energy-efficient design, deep packet buffering, and VXLAN-ready architecture make it ideal for high-density server aggregation and converged workloads.

With dual hot-swappable AC or DC power supplies and redundant, variable-speed fans, the S5212F-ON ensures high availability and uninterrupted operation in mission-critical environments. Advanced telemetry, per-port monitoring, and automation capabilities provide real-time insights and proactive management, enabling IT teams to optimize performance, troubleshoot issues quickly, and scale networks seamlessly. Its compact 1RU form factor and flexible airflow options allow deployment in diverse rack configurations while maintaining efficient cooling and energy usage.

KEY FEATURES:

• Total Ports: 12 × 1/10/25 GbE SFP28 + 3 × 100 GbE QSFP28 uplinks
  
• Switching Capacity: 1.08 Tbps (full-duplex)
  
• Forwarding Rate: 892 Mpps
  
• CPU: Multi-core Intel x86 processor
  
• System Memory: 8 GB DDR4
  
• Flash Storage: 16 GB mSATA SSD
  
• Packet Buffer: 32 MB dynamic shared buffer
  
• MAC Address Table: Up to 160K entries
  
• VLAN IDs: Up to 4,094
  
• Latency: < 700 ns cut-through switching
  
• Form Factor: 1RU half-width fixed rackmount (two units per 1U slot)
  
• Airflow: I/O Panel → PSU (Front-to-Back) or PSU → I/O Panel (Back-to-Front)
  
• Fans: Fixed dual fan modules (non-hot-swappable)
  
• Power Supply: Internal AC power supply
  
• Weight: Approx. 4.5 kg (9.9 lb)
  
• Supported OS: Dell SmartFabric OS10, SONiC, OcNOS
  
• Mounting: Half-width tray for standard 19″ rack
  
  

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

HARDWARE :

PERFORMANCE :

SECURITY :

MANAGEMENT :

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL :

ADVANCED FEATURES:

High-Performance Architecture:

The Dell EMC S5212F-ON is built for speed and reliability, providing a 480 Gbps switching capacity with low latency and wire-speed throughput on all ports. It supports advanced packet buffering and large MAC address tables to accommodate high-traffic environments and multiple tenant networks. This ensures consistent performance for latency-sensitive applications such as financial transactions, virtual machine migration, or large-scale cloud operations.

Open Networking Flexibility:

Engineered for open networking, the S5212F-ON enables full disaggregation of hardware and software. It supports ONIE, allowing the installation of third-party NOS (Network Operating Systems), offering organizations greater flexibility and control. Users can select from Dell’s own SmartFabric OS10 or other compatible systems to match their operational models, giving them the freedom to innovate and optimize performance without being locked into proprietary software ecosystems.

Automation & Programmability:

With RESTful APIs, Python scripting, and Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP), the switch enables automation of network deployment, configuration, and management. Integration with Dell’s OpenManage Network Manager (OMNM) and SmartFabric Services simplifies complex provisioning tasks. Administrators can easily manage thousands of devices, automate policy enforcement, and dynamically scale networks to meet workload demands.

High Availability & Redundancy:

To ensure business continuity, the S5212F-ON is equipped with dual hot-swappable power supplies and redundant fan trays for uninterrupted operation. Support for MLAG (Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation) and VLT (Virtual Link Trunking) provides network-level redundancy, allowing seamless failover and preventing single points of failure. Non-disruptive software upgrades and hardware resiliency make it ideal for mission-critical enterprise deployments.

Energy Efficiency & Compact Design:

Occupying just 1RU of rack space, the switch delivers maximum port density in minimal footprint. Advanced power management features and Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) reduce operational costs while maintaining peak performance. The available front-to-back or back-to-front airflow configurations ensure compatibility with hot-aisle/cold-aisle data center designs.

Comprehensive Security:

The S5212F-ON includes a robust security framework, supporting features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs), 802.1X port-based authentication, RADIUS/TACACS+, and Secure Shell (SSH) for management access. It also integrates with Dell’s SmartFabric software for policy-based segmentation and traffic isolation - vital for securing sensitive enterprise workloads and multi-tenant environments.

Scalable Deployment Options:

Supporting both Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionalities including OSPF, BGP, VRRP, and PBR (Policy-Based Routing) the switch is future-ready and easily integrates into spine-leaf topologies. With 10GbE access and 40GbE uplinks, it offers a scalable path toward next-generation 25/100GbE networks, ensuring long-term investment protection.

ORDERING INFORMATION:

WARRANTY & SUPPORT:

Manufacturers are responsible for warranties, which are based on the purchase date and validity. We make sure the products we sell are delivered on time and in their original condition at Grabnpay. Whether it's physical damage or operational issues, our team will help you find a solution. We help you install, configure, and manage your devices. We'll help you file a warranty claim and guide you every step of the way.

All listed prices reflect standard market rates. Final commercial terms, including volume-based discounts, will be provided based on purchase volume, MOQ, and other applicable criteria. For more information about switches & other accessories, contact our technical support team.