463-7699 Dell N4064 48 Ports Rack-mountable Switch

Dell Networking N4064 48 Ports Managed Rack-Mountable Switch Overview

The 463-7699 Dell Networking N4064 48 Ports Managed Rack-Mountable Switch is a high-performance, scalable, and fully managed Layer 3 switch designed for demanding enterprise networks and data centers. Featuring 48 fixed 10/100/1000Base-T ports, dual internal hot-swappable power supplies, and full rack-mounting capabilities, this model delivers reliable and efficient switching for high-density networking environments. This category of switches is engineered to meet the growing bandwidth demands of modern IT infrastructures, enabling seamless network expansion and robust control capabilities.

Core Features of Dell N4064 48-Port Managed Switches

High Port Density for Enterprise Scalability

One of the standout features of the Dell N4064 switch is its 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, offering high port density ideal for mid-size to large enterprise networks. These ports support auto-sensing and auto-negotiation for maximum device compatibility and performance. This configuration allows for dense server aggregation, streamlined edge connectivity, and increased network flexibility without the need for multiple switches.

Dual Hot-Swappable Power Supplies

The dual internal hot-swappable power supply units (PSUs) included with the N4064 switch significantly enhance power redundancy and reliability. In enterprise and mission-critical settings, power failure protection is essential, and Dell addresses this by ensuring that each power module can be replaced without disrupting network operations. This feature supports business continuity and eliminates single points of failure within the hardware.

Advanced Layer 3 Switching Capabilities

As a fully managed Layer 3 switch, the Dell N4064 supports robust routing protocols including OSPF, RIP, and static routing. These capabilities allow for efficient packet routing between VLANs and across subnets, supporting advanced network segmentation and reducing latency across distributed environments. The inclusion of Layer 3 features enhances routing performance and streamlines network management for enterprise IT teams.

Redundant and Modular Hardware Design

In addition to dual power supplies, the N4064 model includes redundant fans for thermal management and increased fault tolerance. This redundancy reduces the risk of hardware failure and extends the operational lifespan of the device. Rack-mountable with dual rails, the switch is easy to install and maintain in standard 19-inch racks commonly used in enterprise and data center settings.

Performance and Throughput of Dell N4064 Switches

High Switching Capacity

The Dell N4064 delivers an impressive switching capacity of up to 1.28 Tbps and a forwarding rate of approximately 952 Mpps (million packets per second). This ensures optimal performance under heavy traffic loads and minimizes bottlenecks in core and edge networking scenarios. Whether used for voice, video, or data traffic, the switch maintains consistent throughput and low latency.

Support for 10GbE and 40GbE Uplink Modules

This switch supports modular uplinks via its dedicated module bays, allowing for 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) and 40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE) connections. These uplinks provide ample bandwidth for inter-switch links, server uplinks, or connections to aggregation layers. This flexibility makes it suitable for growing businesses needing a future-ready solution.

Hardware-Accelerated Performance

Hardware-based forwarding and routing acceleration ensures the Dell N4064 is not only responsive but also energy efficient under load. Network tasks such as access control list (ACL) enforcement, routing updates, and multicast forwarding are processed with minimal CPU intervention, offloading critical processing to dedicated ASICs for better performance and power savings.

Deployment Scenarios for the N4064 Switch

Data Center Aggregation and Edge Access

With its dense port count and advanced feature set, the Dell N4064 is suitable for both data center aggregation and edge access. It can aggregate multiple access layer switches or serve as an edge switch delivering Gigabit connections to end-user devices. This versatility makes it a valuable asset in high-performance computing and virtualization environments.

Campus Network Core or Distribution Layer

In larger campus networks, this model excels as a distribution layer switch. Its Layer 3 capabilities, high switching capacity, and support for advanced routing make it an ideal candidate for connecting multiple access switches to the core network. Its manageability and redundancy features ensure stability and easy troubleshooting.

High Availability and Redundancy

The dual power and cooling modules, along with support for spanning tree protocol (STP), VRRP, and link aggregation, enable high-availability topologies. These features are critical in financial services, healthcare, and education sectors where downtime is unacceptable. The N4064 switch is engineered for 24/7 uptime and failover resiliency.

Management and Configuration Capabilities

Fully Managed via CLI and GUI

The Dell N4064 supports comprehensive management options, including command-line interface (CLI), web-based graphical user interface (GUI), and SNMP-based centralized management tools. Administrators can configure VLANs, routing protocols, quality of service (QoS), security settings, and more using intuitive interfaces, enhancing operational efficiency.

Support for Dell OpenManage and Third-Party Platforms

Integration with Dell OpenManage Network Manager allows IT teams to streamline switch provisioning, firmware updates, and network monitoring. Additionally, compatibility with third-party management platforms such as SolarWinds or Nagios ensures broad ecosystem support for multi-vendor environments.

Advanced Monitoring and Diagnostics

The switch includes rich diagnostic tools such as sFlow, port mirroring, and event logging, empowering administrators with real-time visibility into network performance and traffic anomalies. These tools support rapid identification of issues, capacity planning, and proactive maintenance strategies.

Security Features in the Dell N4064 Managed Switch

Access Control and Policy Enforcement

The N4064 includes 802.1X port-based authentication, RADIUS and TACACS+ integration, and ACLs to restrict unauthorized access to network resources. Granular policy enforcement ensures that users and devices are authenticated and segmented appropriately, reducing the risk of internal threats and lateral movement.

Secure Management Interfaces

Secure Shell (SSH), HTTPS, and SNMPv3 are supported for encrypted remote access and secure management sessions. Role-based access control (RBAC) further limits administrative privileges to designated personnel, protecting the switch from unauthorized configuration changes or mismanagement.

Storm Control and Traffic Filtering

Broadcast, multicast, and unknown unicast storm control are built into the switch to mitigate network congestion and malicious traffic surges. These controls help maintain network stability and performance by preventing bandwidth overutilization and packet flooding scenarios.

Environmental Efficiency and Power Savings

Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE) Compliance

The N4064 complies with IEEE 802.3az Energy-Efficient Ethernet, automatically reducing power consumption during periods of low data activity. This makes it suitable for eco-conscious IT environments seeking to minimize energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint without compromising performance.

Smart Fan Control and Thermal Design

Variable-speed smart fans respond dynamically to internal temperature, optimizing airflow while reducing noise and energy use. The redundant fan design ensures continuous operation even in the event of fan failure, keeping internal components within safe operating thresholds.

Hardware Specifications and Build Quality

1U Rack-Mountable Form Factor

Measuring 1U in height, the Dell N4064 switch is designed for space-efficient installation in standard 19-inch racks. It includes rail kits for seamless integration into server rooms or data center environments, simplifying deployment and servicing.

Robust Metal Chassis for Durability

Built with enterprise-grade components and a sturdy metal enclosure, the N4064 can withstand harsh conditions in high-demand settings. The rugged design protects internal circuitry from environmental stress and physical impact, promoting long-term reliability.

LED Indicators and Console Ports

Front-facing LED indicators provide clear visibility into power status, link activity, and system health. RJ-45 and USB console ports allow for local configuration and recovery, offering flexibility for onsite network engineers.