Product Details Introduction
What is PowerSwitch N3248TE-ON？
The Dell PowerSwitch N3248TE-ON is a sophisticated networking device designed to enhance data center management and support workloads at the network edge. This product is equipped with a range of advanced features aimed at improving performance, reliability, and energy efficiency. It is tailored to meet the demands of modern network architectures, ensuring seamless operation and scalability.
Overview
The Dell PowerSwitch N3248TE-ON is a 1RU (Rack Unit) switch that provides a power-efficient and resilient 1 Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) switching solution. It integrates advanced Layer 3 distribution capabilities with 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) SFP+ and 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GbE) QSFP28 ports. The switch is designed with a non-blocking architecture, ensuring wire-speed performance even under unexpected traffic loads. It features dual internal hot-swappable power supplies certified by 80PLUS Platinum, which not only enhances availability but also contributes to power efficiency. The device supports Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF), a technology that allows the switch to be partitioned into multiple virtual routers, each with its own isolated control and data planes.
Performance and Efficiency
The N3248TE-ON boasts a data rate of up to 576 Gigabits per second (Gbps) in full duplex mode and a forwarding rate of up to 800 million packets per second (Mpps). It includes energy-saving features such as Energy-Efficient Ethernet and lower power PHYs, which reduce power consumption for inactive ports and idle links. The switch also complies with Dell Fresh Air standards, allowing operation in environments with temperatures up to 113°F (45°C), thereby reducing cooling costs.
Deployment, Configuration, and Management
The switch supports OpenConfig gNMI interface for system management, enhancing flexibility in network configurations. It includes support for Private VLAN extensions and Private VLAN Edge, which are crucial for secure network segmentation. Authentication, authorization, and accounting mechanisms like AAA, TACACS+, and RADIUS are supported for comprehensive secure access. High availability and full bandwidth utilization are achieved through Multi-Link Aggregation (MLAG), and firmware upgrades can be performed without taking the network offline.
Network Operating System
The N3248TE-ON offers options with or without an operating system (NO-OS). The NO-OS version is recommended for use with Enterprise SONiC Distribution by Dell Technologies, while the OS10 version comes pre-installed with Dell's SmartFabric OS10. This operating system provides advanced Layer 3 IPv4 and IPv6 functionality, including protocols like BGP, VRF, BFD, PIM, IGMP/MLD, RIP, and OSPF.
Physical and Environmental Specifications
The hardware specifications include 48 RJ45 ports for 1GbE, four SFP+ ports for 10GbE, and two QSFP28 ports for 100GbE. It also features an out-of-band management port, USB port for configuration, and console ports for direct access. The switch is designed for rack mounting and has a compact form factor. It operates within a wide temperature range and relative humidity, ensuring reliability in various environments.
Compliance and Lifecycle Services
The N3248TE-ON meets stringent safety and emissions standards across multiple regions, including Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Japan, and the USA. It also complies with RoHS and WEEE regulations, demonstrating Dell's commitment to environmental responsibility. Dell offers comprehensive IT lifecycle services, including planning, deployment, education, management, optimization, and retirement, to help customers maximize the value of their networking investments.
What are the main functions of PowerSwitch N3248TE-ON？
The Dell PowerSwitch N3248TE-ON is a high-performance networking device designed to offer a range of essential functions for data center management and network edge operations. Here are its key features:
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High-Performance Switching: With a non-blocking architecture, it provides wire-speed performance, handling unexpected traffic loads efficiently.
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Advanced Layer 3 Distribution: Integrated with 10GbE SFP+ and 100GbE QSFP28 ports, it supports advanced network distribution capabilities.
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Dual Power Supplies: Equipped with dual internal hot-swappable 80PLUS Platinum certified power supplies for high availability and power efficiency.
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Energy Efficiency: Features energy-saving technologies like Energy-Efficient Ethernet and lower power PHYs, reducing power consumption for inactive ports and idle links.
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VRF Support: Supports Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF), allowing the switch to be partitioned into multiple virtual routers with isolated control and data planes.
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High Data Rate and Forwarding Rate: Offers a data rate up to 576Gbps (full duplex) and a forwarding rate up to 800Mpps.
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MLAG Support: Enables high availability and full bandwidth utilization through Multi-Link Aggregation (MLAG).
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Firmware Upgrades: Supports firmware upgrades without taking the network offline, ensuring continuous operation during updates.
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Security Features: Includes comprehensive secure access support with AAA authorization, TACACS+ accounting, and RADIUS.
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OpenConfig gNMI Interface: Supports OpenConfig gNMI for system management, providing flexibility in network configurations.
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Layer 3 Advanced IPv4 and IPv6 Functionality: Includes protocols like BGP, VRF, BFD, PIM, IGMP/MLD, RIP, and OSPF for advanced routing capabilities.
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VXLAN Support: Facilitates network virtualization and overlays, enhancing network flexibility and scalability.
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Environmental Resilience: Complies with Dell Fresh Air standards, allowing operation in environments up to 113°F (45°C), reducing cooling costs.
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Comprehensive Management: Features an out-of-band management port, USB port for configuration, and console ports for direct access, making deployment and management straightforward.
These features make the Dell PowerSwitch N3248TE-ON a versatile and robust solution for modern network infrastructures.
What are the usage scenarios and advantages of PowerSwitch N3248TE-ON?
The Dell PowerSwitch N3248TE-ON is designed for a variety of use cases where high-performance, reliability, and advanced network capabilities are essential. Here are some typical scenarios where this switch would be particularly beneficial, along with the advantages it offers in each:
1. Data Centers
Advantages:
- High-Density Connectivity: With 48 1GbE ports and multiple 10GbE and 100GbE ports, it supports high-density connections needed in data centers.
- Scalability: The switch's non-blocking architecture and high data rate facilitate easy scaling as data center demands grow.
- Energy Efficiency: Energy-saving features reduce operational costs in power-hungry data center environments.
2. Network Edge
Advantages:
- Performance Assurance: High data rate and forwarding rate ensure that edge devices handle network traffic efficiently.
- Security: VRF and secure access features like AAA, TACACS+, and RADIUS enhance security at the network edge.
3. Enterprise Campus Networks
Advantages:
- Flexibility: Supports a wide range of protocols and functions, making it suitable for complex enterprise networks.
- Redundancy: Dual power supplies and MLAG support ensure high availability and reliability.
4. Service Provider Networks
Advantages:
- Aggregation: Efficiently aggregates traffic from various services, supporting the diverse needs of service providers.
- Scalability and Performance: High throughput and non-blocking architecture cater to the large-scale demands of service providers.
5. Cloud Infrastructure
Advantages:
- Virtualization Support: VXLAN support enables efficient network virtualization, crucial for cloud environments.
- Management: OpenConfig gNMI interface simplifies management in dynamic cloud infrastructures.
6. Research and Education Institutions
Advantages:
- High-Performance Research Networks: The switch's capabilities support the high-performance requirements of research networks.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Energy efficiency and long-term warranty reduce total cost of ownership.
7. Financial Institutions
Advantages:
- Low Latency: High performance and non-blocking architecture minimize latency, critical for financial trading systems.
- Security: Advanced security features protect sensitive financial data.
8. Healthcare Networks
Advantages:
- Reliability: High availability features ensure that healthcare networks remain operational, which is crucial for patient care.
- Compliance: Meets stringent regulatory and safety standards, essential for healthcare IT infrastructure.
9. Government Networks
Advantages:
- Security: Robust security features align with government security requirements.
- Compliance: Adheres to government regulations and standards, ensuring compliance with procurement policies.
10. Internet of Things (IoT) Networks
Advantages:
- Connectivity: High-density port configuration supports the large number of devices typical in IoT deployments.
- Scalability: Easy to scale as the number of IoT devices grows.
In these scenarios, the Dell PowerSwitch N3248TE-ON leverages its high performance, energy efficiency, security features, and advanced management capabilities to provide a robust networking solution that meets the specific needs of each environment.