- 48x 25GbE ports and 2x 200GbE QSFP28-DD uplinks for dense, high-bandwidth deployments.
- Dell SmartFabric OS10 enables open networking and automation-friendly operations.
- Ideal for spine-leaf architectures in modern data centers.
- Supports both 10GbE and 25GbE for flexible transition paths.
- Highly scalable for VMware, Hyper-V, and containerized workloads.
What’s New or Important Now
As of 2025, the Dell EMC PowerSwitch S5248F-ON continues to be a compelling choice for enterprises modernizing to 25GbE. Enhanced SmartFabric OS10 updates have improved automation capabilities and open networking support, enabling more seamless integrations. Additionally, organizations are increasingly adopting 25GbE top-of-rack solutions for AI/ML workloads, high-density virtualization, and latency-sensitive applications (source).
Buyer and Architect Guidance
Use Cases: The S5248F-ON fits perfectly in leaf roles of spine-leaf fabrics, TOR aggregation for hyperconverged infrastructure, or high-performance SAN environments. It is also well-suited for organizations moving from 10GbE to 25GbE without a forklift upgrade.
Sizing Considerations: With 48 x 25GbE SFP28 ports, you can connect a large number of servers or storage nodes. The dual 200GbE QSFP28-DD uplinks provide ample bandwidth for spine aggregation. Consider growth over a 3–5 year horizon; port licensing is not an issue, but optics costs should be factored in.
Trade-offs: While performance and density are excellent, the power and cooling requirements may be higher than lower-speed alternatives. Also, not all legacy devices will support 25GbE optics or DAC cables, requiring transitional adapters.
Feature and Specification Comparison
| Model | Port Configuration | Uplinks | Operating System | Best Fit Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell EMC S5248F-ON | 48 x 25GbE SFP28 | 2 x 200GbE QSFP28-DD | SmartFabric OS10 | Spine-leaf leaf switch, high-density 25GbE |
| Dell EMC S5232F-ON | 32 x 100GbE QSFP28 | 2 x 400GbE QSFP-DD | SmartFabric OS10 | Spine switch or high-capacity aggregation |
| Dell EMC S4148F-ON | 48 x 10GbE SFP+ | 6 x 40GbE QSFP+ | SmartFabric OS10 | Legacy 10GbE leaf, cost-conscious upgrades |
Mini Implementation Guide
Prerequisites
- Rack space and power/cooling capacity calculated for S5248F-ON.
- SFP28 optics or DAC cables for 25GbE server connections.
- QSFP28-DD optics or cables for 200GbE uplinks.
- Configured management network for SmartFabric OS10 setup.
Steps
- Unbox and rack-mount the S5248F-ON using manufacturer rails.
- Connect management interface and configure initial OS10 parameters (IP, user credentials).
- Install required transceivers and connect server/storage nodes.
- Configure VLANs, MLAG/stacking, and routing protocols as per design.
- Test uplink connectivity to spine/core.
- Enable monitoring and logging per compliance requirements.
Pitfalls
- Overlooking DAC/optics compatibility between devices.
- Inadequate cooling causing thermal throttling.
- Neglecting firmware alignment with the rest of the fabric.
Cost and ROI
An S5248F-ON investment often delivers ROI through reduced port counts (25GbE over 10GbE), lower latency, and extended lifecycle before capacity upgrades are needed. However, optics and cabling for 25GbE/200GbE can be costlier upfront, and budget planning should include those accessories along with ongoing support contracts.
FAQs
Q1: Does the S5248F-ON support 10GbE devices?
Yes, it supports backward compatibility through appropriate 10GbE SFP+ optics or DACs in its SFP28 slots.
Q2: Can it operate in a non-Dell network environment?
Yes. As an open networking switch running OS10, it interoperates with industry-standard protocols and multi-vendor fabrics.
Q3: What management options are available?
CLI, REST APIs, SNMP, and integration with Dell’s OpenManage Network Manager.
Q4: Is it suitable for high-frequency trading workloads?
While low-latency performance is excellent, ultra-low-latency specialist switches may be preferable for certain HFT use cases.
Q5: What is the typical lead time for delivery?
Lead times vary by region; in 2025, many organizations report 4–8 weeks depending on component availability.
Q6: Does OS10 require additional licensing?
The base OS10 is included; advanced automation and fabric services may require additional subscriptions.
Conclusion
The Dell EMC PowerSwitch S5248F-ON remains a versatile, high-performance option for enterprises in 2025 aiming to modernize their networking infrastructure. With its rich port density, open networking OS, and strong feature set, it bridges the current and future needs of data center fabrics. For deeper guidance on Dell infrastructure solutions, visit LearnDell Online.