099K11 Dell S5296F-ON 96Ports SFP28 8P QSFP28 OS10 100GB Networking Switch

Dell 099K11 S5296F-ON 100GBE Network Switch 

The Dell 099K11 S5296F-ON is a carrier-grade, high-capacity data center switch designed for scalable spine-leaf architectures. Built to handle intensive east-west traffic, this platform delivers consistent throughput, low latency, and flexible connectivity for modern enterprise and cloud networks.

Product Identification

• Brand: Dell
• Part Number: 099K11
• Series: S5296F-ON
• Switch Category: Open Networking Data Center Switch

Downlink SFP28 Interface Details

• Equipped with 96 SFP28 ports supporting 1GbE, 10GbE, and 25GbE speeds
• Optimized for top-of-rack and leaf switch deployments
• Ensures seamless integration with high-performance servers and storage systems

Uplink QSFP28 Capabilities

• 8 QSFP28 uplink ports delivering up to 100GbE per interface
• Ideal for spine connections and bandwidth-intensive aggregation layers
• Supports scalable network expansion without bottlenecks

Total Port Density Advantages

• High port count reduces the need for additional switching layers
• Improves rack efficiency and cable management
• Designed for hyperscale and enterprise data centers

Dell OS10 Enterprise Edition

• Runs on Dell OS10 Enterprise for advanced network control
• Supports automation, programmability, and open networking standards
• Enables simplified management across large-scale infrastructures

Enterprise Networking Features

• Enhanced security and segmentation support
• Optimized for virtualized and cloud-native environments
• Consistent software experience across Dell open networking switches

Chassis and Form Factor

• 2U rack-mountable chassis suitable for standard data center racks
• Durable construction for continuous 24/7 operation
• Engineered for efficient airflow and thermal stability

Airflow and Cooling Configuration

• Configured with reverse airflow design
• Aligns with hot-aisle / cold-aisle data center layouts
• Helps maintain consistent performance under heavy workloads

Operational Continuity Benefits

• Reduces downtime during maintenance or power module replacement
• Enhances overall network resilience

Deployment Use Cases

• Leaf and spine architectures in data centers
• High-performance enterprise networking
• Cloud service provider and colocation facilities

Architectural Design and Core Specifications

At its heart, the 099K11 S5296F-ON is built on the principles of disaggregation and choice. It leverages the Open Networking Install Environment (ONIE) for simplified installation of compatible network operating systems, with Dell’s OS10 Enterprise Edition being the optimized choice for full feature functionality. This architectural approach decouples hardware from software, granting organizations unprecedented flexibility to tailor their network to specific operational needs.

Performance and Switching Capacity

With a massive aggregate switching capacity of 6.4 Tbps and a forwarding rate of over 4.7 billion packets per second (Bpps), the 099K11 S5296F-ON is engineered to handle the most demanding data center traffic patterns without congestion. Its deep packet buffers are crucial for accommodating bursty traffic common in big data and financial applications, preventing packet loss and ensuring smooth application performance.

High-Performance Data Center Leaf Layer

As a leaf switch, it aggregates traffic from a rack or row of servers. Its high 25GbE port density is ideal for connecting to servers equipped with dual 25GbE NICs, providing ample bandwidth for NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF), vMotion, and high-frequency trading applications. The 100GbE uplinks provide non-blocking connectivity to the spine layer.

Storage Networking and Hyper-Convergence

The switch’s low latency and high throughput are perfect for storage area network (SAN) extensions and all-flash array connectivity. In HCI environments like VMware vSAN or Nutanix, it delivers the low-latency, high-bandwidth fabric necessary for node-to-node communication and storage data mobility. For private cloud builders and telecom operators, the support for advanced features like VXLAN routing and bridging, MPLS, and comprehensive QoS is critical. The S5296F-ON, powered by OS10, provides a robust feature set for network segmentation, multi-tenancy, and service chaining.

Dell OS10 Enterprise Edition: The Intelligent Network Operating System

The true potential of the 099K11 S5296F-ON hardware is unlocked by Dell EMC Networking OS10. This modern, Linux-based NOS offers a rich L2/L3 feature set with the programmability and automation tools required for today's agile operations.

Open Networking and Disaggregation Advantages

The "ON" in 099K11 S5296F-ON signifies its status as an Open Networking platform. This model provides significant strategic benefits. While Dell OS10 is the recommended and fully validated NOS, the ONIE boot loader allows the installation of third-party operating systems from the Open Compute Project (OCP) community or other vendors. This prevents vendor lock-in and allows networks to be tailored with specialized software for unique use cases.

Streamlined Operations and Lifecycle Management

Disaggregation simplifies software lifecycle management. Network operating system updates, patches, and feature rollouts can be managed independently of hardware refreshes. This leads to faster innovation adoption and potentially longer hardware lifespans. The switch features port-side exhaust airflow (standard) with reversible fan modules that can be configured for port-side intake. It is powered by hot-swappable, redundant AC or DC power supply units (PSUs) with 1+1 redundancy, ensuring continuous operation in the event of a PSU failure.

Fan Module Redundancy

The modular fan trays are also N+1 redundant. The system can sustain a fan failure while maintaining operational temperatures, alerting administrators for a timely replacement without causing an immediate outage. Dual, hot-swappable management modules provide redundancy for the switch's control plane. This allows for true in-service software upgrades (ISSU)—the standby module can be updated, a controlled failover occurs, and then the new active module is updated—minimizing downtime during maintenance windows.

Compatibility

The 099K11 S5296F-ON is designed to fit seamlessly into existing and new data center ecosystems. It integrates with leading management platforms, including Dell EMC Smart Fabric Services, VMware vCenter, and Microsoft System Center. For large-scale automation, it supports integration with Ansible Automation Platform, Red Hat Open Shift, and Kubernetes for container networking.

Optics and Cabling Recommendations

The switch is designed to work with a broad ecosystem of optics. It supports Dell-branded optics and cables, which are 100% tested and validated, while also being compatible with a wide range of industry-standard SFP28 and QSFP28 transceivers (SR, LR, AOC, DAC) from qualified third-party manufacturers, offering flexibility in sourcing.

Value vs. Traditional Closed Switches

Compared to traditional proprietary switches from Cisco or Juniper, the 099K11 S5296F-ON offers a significantly lower total cost of ownership (TCO) due to competitive hardware pricing, disaggregated software licensing, and reduced operational costs through automation. The open model provides greater flexibility and avoids punitive licensing models.

Flexibility Advantage

Its combination of 96 x 25GbE and 8 x 100GbE in a 2RU form factor offers an excellent port density ratio. The breakout capability on the QSFP28 ports provides unmatched configuration flexibility, allowing network architects to right-size their spine and server links without over-provisioning. Dell OS10 Enterprise Edition requires appropriate licensing for advanced features. It is crucial to understand the licensing tiers (Base, Advanced, Premium) to ensure the required protocols like BGP or VXLAN are available. Dell Pro Support and Pro Support Plus offer critical 24/7 technical support and next-business-day parts replacement.

The Future-Proof Network Switch

The Dell EMC 099K11 S5296F-ON (099K11) is more than just a switch; it is a strategic platform designed to evolve with data center demands. Its commitment to open standards, high-performance hardware, and a modern, programmable operating system positions it as a foundational element for enterprises building agile, scalable, and efficient networks for the next decade. By providing a seamless path from 10GbE to 25GbE to 100GbE, it protects infrastructure investments and enables organizations to scale bandwidth on demand to support emerging applications in AI/ML, real-time analytics, and immersive technologies.