Dell S5296F-ON, 96 × 25GbE SFP28 / 8 × 100GbE QSFP28 L3, 4 Hot-Swap Fans, Dual AC Power Supply, 2U

Dell EMC Networking S5296F-ON is a high-density, high-performance Dell network switch built for modern data centre networking and enterprise environments. This Dell switch features 96 × 25GbE SFP28 ports and 8 × 100GbE QSFP28 uplinks, delivering exceptional throughput and low latency ideal for spine-leaf architectures, server aggregation, and cloud workloads. Its compact 1U form factor ensures scalability and efficient rack utilisation, while redundant hot-swappable AC power supplies and N+1 fan modules with configurable airflow enhance reliability.

Running Dell OS10, Cumulus Linux, or SONiC, this versatile Dell networking platform supports open automation, telemetry, and seamless integration into heterogeneous environments. With advanced Layer 2/3 switching, VXLAN, and programmable management, the Dell EMC S5296F-ON Gigabit switch delivers enterprise-grade performance for multi-tenant and virtualised infrastructures an ideal, power-efficient PoE switch alternative and scalable Power over Ethernet switch solution for next-generation data centres.

KEY FEATURES:

• Total Ports: 96x 25GbE SFP28 + 8x 100GbE QSFP28
• Switching Capacity: 3.2 Tbps (6.4 Tbps full duplex)
• Forwarding Rate: 2.4 Bpps (4.8 Bpps full duplex)
• CPU: Multicore x86 processor
• System Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Flash Storage: 64 GB SSD
• Packet Buffer: 32 MB
• MAC Address Table Size: 288K max
• VLAN Support: Up to 4K VLANs
• Latency: Sub-microsecond (approx. 850 nanoseconds)
• Form Factor: 2U rack mountable
• Airflow Options: I/O Panel to PSU or PSU to I/O Panel
• Fans: Redundant hot-swappable fans
• Power Supply: 2x hot-swappable redundant AC PSUs (100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz)
• Power Consumption: Maximum power-893W, Typical power-457W
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 17.4 x 3.4 x 20.1 inches (442 x 87 x 511 mm)
• Weight: 15.1kg (33.2lbs)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F)
• Supported OS: Dell SmartFabric OS10, ONIE for third-party OS installation
• Management Ports: 1x RJ45 console/management port, plus out-of-band management
• Mounting: Standard 19-inch rack mount with included mount kits
  

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION:

HARDWARE:

PERFORMANCE:

SECURITY:

MANAGEMENT:

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL:

ADVANCED FEATURES:

Open Networking & OS Flexibility:

The S5296F-ON supports Dell OS10 Enterprise, Cumulus Linux, and SONiC, giving full programmability and multi-vendor interoperability. It enables software-defined networking (SDN), automated provisioning, RESTful APIs, and CLI automation for seamless integration into modern data centers. The switch allows template-based configuration, role-based access control, virtualized network overlays, and multi-tenant orchestration. It also supports containerized applications, hybrid cloud connectivity, and cross-vendor orchestration platforms, allowing IT teams to deploy flexible, future-ready networking infrastructures. Additionally, custom network policies, traffic segmentation, and telemetry integration ensure visibility, control, and operational efficiency.

High-Density Connectivity & Scalable Topology:

With 96 × 25GbE SFP28 and 8 × 100GbE QSFP28 uplinks, the switch is ideal for leaf-spine, Top-of-Rack (ToR), and aggregation layer deployments. It supports Layer 2/3 switching, VXLAN overlays, MLAG, VRFs, and dynamic routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, IS-IS) for efficient multi-tenant traffic handling. Features like QoS, traffic shaping, congestion management, link aggregation, and uplink redundancy ensure performance for mission-critical applications. The switch also enables high-speed server interconnects, multi-site replication, and scalable spine-leaf topologies for enterprise and cloud-scale deployments.

Redundancy, Reliability & High Availability:

Equipped with dual hot-swappable AC PSUs and 4 N+1 redundant fan modules, the switch ensures continuous operation during maintenance. It supports In-Service Software Upgrades (ISSU), redundant backplane architecture, VRRP, HSRP, multi-chassis LAG, and predictive monitoring. Additional reliability features include automated fault detection, preemptive alerts, non-disruptive firmware updates, and rapid component replacement, ensuring maximum uptime. The switch also supports redundant routing paths, failover mechanisms, and proactive system health checks for enterprise-grade resilience.

Ultra-Low Latency & High Performance:

Optimized for sub-microsecond latency on 25GbE ports, the S5296F-ON is ideal for high-frequency trading, AI/ML workloads, real-time analytics, and large-scale cloud deployments. Features like cut-through forwarding, jumbo frame support, deep packet buffers, hardware acceleration, and multi-traffic prioritization ensure consistent low-latency performance. The switch also provides low-latency VXLAN routing, optimized multicast handling, and adaptive flow control, supporting predictable performance even in dense data center fabrics.

Advanced Security & Network Protection:

Security features include MACsec, 802.1X, RADIUS/TACACS+, ACLs, role-based access control (RBAC), DHCP Snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection, BPDU Guard, Root Guard, port security, storm control, and DoS mitigation. The switch integrates with centralized security management, monitoring tools, multi-tenant isolation, encrypted management protocols, logging, and audit trails. Additional protections include segmentation enforcement, access policy automation, and real-time threat detection, providing a comprehensive security posture for enterprise workloads.

Automation, Orchestration & Programmability:

Supports Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP), Ansible, Puppet, Chef, Python scripting, and REST APIs for automated deployment and configuration. Event-driven automation allows template-based provisioning, automated rollback, cross-site orchestration, SDN controller integration, and compliance enforcement. The switch also provides programmable telemetry, API-driven monitoring, workflow automation, and scheduled configuration tasks, reducing manual intervention and operational risk.

Monitoring, Telemetry & Analytics:

Provides sFlow, NetFlow, SNMP, Syslog, streaming analytics, CloudVision integration, and real-time traffic visibility. Supports predictive analytics, historical performance trends, anomaly detection, automated alerts, event correlation, customizable dashboards, and centralized monitoring. Additionally, the switch allows AI-assisted traffic insights, cross-vendor network visibility, capacity planning, and resource optimization, giving IT teams complete control over network performance.

Flexible Deployment & Environmental Adaptability:

Supports Front-to-Back or Back-to-Front airflow, 1U form factor, hot-swappable fan modules, and dual AC PSUs. Includes temperature, humidity, and airflow monitoring, predictive thermal alerts, and energy-efficient operation. The switch is suitable for edge, multi-tenant, high-density server racks, and cloud data centers, while reducing cooling and power costs. Additional deployment versatility includes rack orientation flexibility, airflow redundancy, and compatibility with standard rack environments.

Future-Ready Networking & Scalability:

Designed for high-bandwidth cloud applications, hybrid cloud integration, AI/ML workloads, and edge computing, supporting emerging protocols, telemetry standards, modular software upgrades, and overlay scalability. Features include cross-data-center consistency, high-performance spine-leaf expansion, and programmable network fabrics, ensuring long-term investment protection. The switch also supports software feature evolution, protocol updates, and scalable orchestration, enabling future-ready infrastructure.

Operational Efficiency & Cost Optimisation:

Centralized management, predictive analytics, automated provisioning, and energy-efficient design reduce TCO and operational overhead. Supports streamlined maintenance, faster troubleshooting, automated firmware upgrades, and consolidated monitoring, improving operational efficiency. Additionally, the switch enables capacity planning, performance optimization, and IT resource savings, allowing teams to focus on strategic tasks.

Enhanced Enterprise Features & Deployment Versatility:

Supports multicast routing, VXLAN bridging, hierarchical QoS, MPLS, dynamic link aggregation, hybrid topologies, cross-site orchestration, high-availability deployment, and multi-tenant environments. Advanced monitoring, logging, and automation reduce manual workload, speed troubleshooting, and enhance service continuity. The switch also provides flexible deployment in large-scale enterprise, service provider, and cloud networks, ensuring maximum versatility for growing networks.

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.