Dell PowerSwitch Z-Series vs S-Series
Dell PowerSwitch Z-Series
Dell PowerSwitch S-Series
Both the PowerSwitch Z-Series and S-Series are Dell's open networking data center switches, and both run the same Dell SmartFabric OS10 operating system on ONIE-enabled hardware — so this is not a choice between two ecosystems, but between two roles in the same fabric. The Z-Series is Dell's high-density spine and aggregation tier, built around 100GbE and 400GbE; the S-Series is the broader top-of-rack (ToR) and leaf family, optimized for 10/25GbE server and storage access with 100GbE uplinks. For most buyers the real question is where the switch sits in the leaf-spine topology and what link speeds the attached endpoints need, not which line is "better."
Side by side
| Dell PowerSwitch Z-Series | Dell PowerSwitch S-Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary role in the fabric | Spine / aggregation switch for leaf-spine and hyperscale data center designs | Top-of-rack (ToR) / leaf switch for server and storage access, plus smaller-scale spine duty |
| Port speeds & form factor | High-density 100GbE and 400GbE (QSFP28 / QSFP56-DD), with breakout down to 10/25/40/50/100/200GbE | Predominantly 10/25GbE access ports (SFP+/SFP28) with 100GbE uplinks; some models offer 100GbE port density (e.g. S5232F-ON) |
| Port density & switching capacity | Very high — e.g. Z9664F-ON delivers up to 64x 400GbE or 256x 100GbE with 51.2Tbps non-blocking fabric in 2RU | Optimized for rack-level density — e.g. S5248F-ON with 48x 25GbE plus 100GbE uplinks; S5232F-ON with 32x 100GbE / 3.2Tbps |
| Operating system & openness | Dell SmartFabric OS10, ONIE-based open networking; supports third-party NOS options | Identical — Dell SmartFabric OS10, ONIE-based; same automation, L2/L3, QoS and SmartFabric Services feature set |
| Typical deployment scale | Large enterprise, service provider and AI/HPC fabrics needing aggregation of many high-speed leaf uplinks | Enterprise and mid-size data centers, edge and rack-level deployments; pairs with Z-Series or higher S-models as spine |
| Rack footprint | Compact for its density (e.g. 2RU for 64x 400GbE), but a higher-cost, higher-power aggregation device | Mostly 1RU, lower per-unit power and cost, deployed in volume across racks |
| AI / high-bandwidth readiness | Positioned for AI and distributed-training fabrics where 400GbE spine bandwidth and low oversubscription matter | Suited to 25/100GbE compute and storage access tiers feeding into a higher-speed spine |
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Dell PowerSwitch Z-Series
Dell PowerSwitch S-Series
Choose Z-Series for the spine and high-speed aggregation
Specify the Z-Series when the switch's job is to aggregate many leaf uplinks or anchor a hyperscale leaf-spine design. Its 100/400GbE density (up to 64x 400GbE or 256x 100GbE on the Z9664F-ON, with a 51.2Tbps non-blocking fabric in 2RU) gives you the bandwidth and low oversubscription that large enterprise, service-provider, and AI/HPC fabrics demand. If the customer is scaling toward 400GbE spines, building distributed-training networks, or consolidating many racks behind a single aggregation tier, Z-Series is the right layer.
Choose S-Series for top-of-rack server and storage access
Specify the S-Series when you need cost-effective, high-volume connectivity to servers and storage at the rack. Models like the S5248F-ON (48x 25GbE plus 100GbE uplinks) and S5232F-ON (32x 100GbE, breakout to 128x 10/25GbE) are 1RU, lower-power, and priced for deployment across many racks as leaf or ToR switches. For most enterprise data centers, edge sites, and mid-size fabrics — especially where 10/25GbE endpoints dominate — the S-Series is the workhorse access tier, and it can serve as a small-scale spine on its own.
This is a layer decision, not a rivalry. Because both families share Dell SmartFabric OS10, ONIE, and the same management and automation model, they are designed to be deployed together: S-Series as the leaf/ToR access tier and Z-Series as the high-density spine. For a buyer, scope it by endpoint speed and topology position — 10/25GbE server and storage access points to S-Series, while 100/400GbE aggregation and large leaf-spine or AI fabrics point to Z-Series. Resellers can confidently propose a mixed fabric: the operational tooling and skills carry across both, so customers aren't locked into one line, and they can start with S-Series ToR and add Z-Series spine as bandwidth needs grow. Final port counts, breakout options, airflow direction, and power draw vary by specific model and configuration, so confirm the exact SKU against the workload before quoting.
Talk to a specialistFrequently asked
Do the Z-Series and S-Series run the same operating system?
Yes. Both families run Dell SmartFabric OS10 on ONIE-enabled open networking hardware, so they share the same Layer 2/3 switching and routing, QoS, automation, and SmartFabric Services. Both also support third-party network operating systems via ONIE. That means a unified management and skills model across leaf and spine — a key reseller selling point — with the hardware differing mainly in port speed, density, and role.
Can I mix Z-Series and S-Series in the same fabric?
That is the intended design. A common Dell leaf-spine topology uses S-Series switches (such as the S5248F-ON or S5232F-ON) as leaf/ToR access for 10/25/100GbE servers and storage, with Z-Series switches (such as the Z9664F-ON) as the 100/400GbE spine. Because both use OS10 and ONIE, the two tiers integrate cleanly, and customers can scale the spine independently of the access layer.
Which series should I quote for an AI or high-bandwidth workload?
Lead with Z-Series for the spine and aggregation tier, since it provides the 400GbE density and non-blocking fabric capacity that AI and distributed-training networks need to keep oversubscription low. Pair it with S-Series at the access layer where 25/100GbE compute and storage connect. Always validate the specific endpoint speeds, required uplink bandwidth, and per-switch power and airflow against the chosen SKUs, as these vary by model and configuration.
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