Dell PowerSwitch S5248F-ON vs S5448F-ON
Dell PowerSwitch S5248F-ON (25GbE)
Dell PowerSwitch S5448F-ON (100GbE)
Both are Dell PowerSwitch open networking switches for the data center, and the deciding factor is how much speed your fabric needs at the server edge. The S5248F-ON is a 25GbE top-of-rack leaf built for dense server and storage access with 100GbE uplinks. The S5448F-ON steps up to 100GbE across the fabric for bandwidth-hungry east-west traffic. Uniqcli configures, quotes, and supports both, so the right pick comes down to workload and budget, not brand loyalty.
Side by side
| Dell PowerSwitch S5248F-ON (25GbE) | Dell PowerSwitch S5448F-ON (100GbE) | |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric role | 25GbE top-of-rack leaf. Aggregates dense server and storage access, then hands off to the spine over 100GbE uplinks. | 100GbE leaf or spine. Carries high east-west bandwidth for larger spine-leaf fabrics and demanding backbones. |
| Port speed | 48 ports of 25GbE (SFP28) for server access, with 100GbE (QSFP28) uplinks into the fabric. | 48 ports of 100GbE (QSFP28) with higher-speed uplink options, plus breakout to 25/50GbE where you need it. |
| Best-fit workloads | Virtualization, VDI, and general PowerEdge server farms, plus 25GbE VxRail and PowerStore access networks. | AI and GPU training clusters, NVMe-oF and all-flash storage backbones, and heavy analytics. |
| Bandwidth headroom | Plenty for today's 10/25GbE servers, with a clean 100GbE uplink path as racks grow. | Built for 100GbE at the edge, so it absorbs traffic spikes and future server refreshes without a fabric redesign. |
| Operating system | Runs Dell SmartFabric OS10. As an Open Networking (ON) platform, it can load a qualified third-party NOS. | Same OS10 and SmartFabric automation, same ON flexibility, so operations stay consistent across a mixed fleet. |
| Breakout and flexibility | 100GbE uplinks break out to 4x25GbE, useful for staged migrations off 10GbE. | 100GbE ports break out to 25/50GbE, so one switch can serve both high-speed and legacy server tiers. |
| Cost and power posture | Lower cost per port and per rack. The efficient choice while servers are still 10/25GbE. | Premium for the bandwidth. It pays off where 100GbE is the requirement, not a nice-to-have. |
| Federal readiness | TAA-compliant configurations available through Uniqcli for GSA, NASA SEWP V, and GPC buys. | Same TAA-compliant path, a fit for federal AI, HPC, and modernization programs. |
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Dell PowerSwitch S5248F-ON (25GbE)
Dell PowerSwitch S5448F-ON (100GbE)
Choose Dell PowerSwitch S5248F-ON (25GbE) when...
Your servers connect at 10 or 25GbE and you want dense, cost-efficient top-of-rack access. It fits virtualization clusters, VxRail and PowerStore deployments, and standard PowerEdge racks, with 100GbE uplinks that leave room to grow. If you are standardizing a leaf tier across many racks and watching cost per port, this is the workhorse. Send your rack layout on /bom and we will size the uplinks and optics.
Choose Dell PowerSwitch S5448F-ON (100GbE) when...
You need 100GbE at the server edge, not just on the uplinks. GPU training clusters, NVMe-oF storage, and high east-west analytics all live here. It also works as a 100GbE spine that breaks out to 25/50GbE for mixed server tiers, so one platform covers today and the next refresh. When bandwidth is the requirement, build the fabric around it. Start a /quote and we will map ports, optics, and cabling.
Neither switch is the default winner. The fabric speed your workloads demand makes the call. Choose the S5248F-ON for cost-efficient 25GbE server access with a clean 100GbE uplink path, and the S5448F-ON when 100GbE at the edge is non-negotiable for AI, HPC, or all-flash storage. Because both share OS10, SmartFabric automation, and Open Networking, you can even mix them, with S5248F-ON leaves under S5448F-ON aggregation. Uniqcli sells and supports both sides, and we will scope the right config, optics, and license mix for your topology. Send a /bom or start a /quote to get exact part numbers.
Talk to a specialistFrequently asked
Can I mix the S5248F-ON and S5448F-ON in the same fabric?
Yes. A common design puts S5248F-ON as 25GbE leaves under the S5448F-ON for 100GbE aggregation or spine. Both run OS10 and SmartFabric, so management stays unified. Share your topology on /bom and we will validate the uplinks.
Do both switches run the same Dell operating system?
Yes. Both ship with Dell SmartFabric OS10 and, as Open Networking (ON) platforms, support qualified third-party network operating systems. Your automation and CLI habits carry across both.
Which one is better for AI or GPU workloads?
The S5448F-ON. 100GbE at the server edge suits GPU training clusters and NVMe-oF storage. The S5248F-ON is a better match for 10/25GbE virtualization and general server access.
Are these available TAA-compliant for federal buys?
Yes. Uniqcli can configure TAA-compliant options for both, suitable for GSA, NASA SEWP V, and GPC purchases. Ask us to confirm the compliant part numbers on your /quote.
How do I get exact pricing and part numbers?
Send a /bom with your port counts and optics needs, or start a /quote. We return configured part numbers, optics, cabling, and license options for either switch.
Build your Dell bill of materials.
Send us the requirement, the project, or an existing quote to beat. We come back with a validated, TAA-compliant Dell configuration and a real price, often below list.
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