MX9116N Dell Ethernet Network Switch with 4X 100gbe Qsfp28+ and 12X Qsfp28 Fb Ports

Dell MX9116N Ethernet Network Switch Overview

The Dell MX9116N Ethernet Network Switch is a high-performance networking solution designed for modern data centers and enterprise environments. Featuring 4x 100GbE QSFP28+ and 12x QSFP28 FB ports, this switch delivers ultra-fast connectivity, scalability, and flexibility to meet the demands of high-bandwidth applications.

Key Features of the Dell MX9116N Switch

The Dell MX9116N is packed with advanced features that enhance network performance, reliability, and manageability. Below are some of its standout capabilities:

High-Speed Connectivity

With 4x 100GbE QSFP28+ ports and 12x QSFP28 FB ports, this switch supports ultra-high-speed data transfer rates, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications such as cloud computing, virtualization, and big data analytics.

Scalability and Flexibility

The MX9116N is designed to scale with your network needs. Its modular architecture allows for easy upgrades and expansions, ensuring future-proof performance in evolving IT environments.

Advanced Management Capabilities

Equipped with Dell’s OpenManage Network Manager, this switch provides comprehensive monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting tools, simplifying network administration.

Technical Specifications

Understanding the technical details of the Dell MX9116N helps in assessing its suitability for your networking requirements.

Port Configuration

• 4x 100GbE QSFP28+ ports – Supports high-speed 100Gbps connections.
• 12x QSFP28 FB ports – Flexible breakout options for 40GbE or 10GbE connectivity.

Performance Metrics

• Switching Capacity: Up to 6.4 Tbps.
• Forwarding Rate: Up to 4.8 Bpps (Billion packets per second).
• Latency: Ultra-low latency for high-performance applications.

Power and Cooling

• Power Supply: Redundant, hot-swappable power supplies for high availability.
• Cooling System: Energy-efficient, variable-speed fans for optimal thermal management.

Advanced Port Configuration and Network Throughput

• Internal Connectivity: Includes 16x 25GbE internal ports for seamless integration within the chassis environment.
• External Expansion: Features 4x 100GbE QSFP28 uplink ports for extended external network access.
• Enhanced Uplinks: Equipped with 12x QSFP28-DD 100GbE uplink ports—each port capable of delivering bandwidth for 8x 25GbE lanes (compatible cables required, not included).

Comprehensive Management and Accessibility Options

This switching engine offers versatile management capabilities to simplify control and monitoring tasks:

• Micro USB (Type-B): Console and management access interface.
• Standard USB 2.0 (Type-A): For storage or firmware update operations.

Purpose-Built for the MX7000 Modular Platform

Exclusively compatible with the Dell EMC MX7000 modular infrastructure, the MX9116n ensures seamless interoperability and reliable data transport. It’s architected for environments that demand speed, scalability, and modular design.

Scalability and Speed with Next-Gen QSFP28-DD Uplinks

Each QSFP28-DD uplink offers multi-lane capabilities, maximizing data throughput while reducing cabling complexity. These double-density ports scale efficiently with evolving networking demands.

• Port versatility: Each QSFP28-DD supports up to 200Gbps aggregated bandwidth
• 8-lane compatibility: Breakout to 8x 25GbE connections per port

Use Cases and Applications

The Dell MX9116N is versatile and can be deployed in various scenarios to enhance network performance.

Data Center Deployments

Ideal for modern data centers, the MX9116N supports high-density server connectivity, virtualization, and storage networking with minimal latency.

Cloud Computing Environments

With its high-speed ports and scalability, this switch is perfect for cloud service providers requiring robust and flexible networking infrastructure.

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

The switch’s low latency and high throughput make it suitable for HPC applications, including scientific research and financial modeling.

Advanced Networking Features

The Dell MX9116N includes several advanced networking capabilities that optimize performance and security.

Quality of Service (QoS)

Prioritizes critical traffic to ensure optimal performance for latency-sensitive applications.

Virtual LAN (VLAN) Support

Enables network segmentation for improved security and traffic management.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switching

Supports both Layer 2 (data link layer) and Layer 3 (network layer) switching for versatile routing and forwarding.

Compatibility and Integration

The Dell MX9116N is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing network infrastructure.

Multi-Vendor Compatibility

Works with a wide range of networking equipment from different vendors, ensuring interoperability.

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Support

Compatible with SDN frameworks like OpenFlow, enabling programmable network management.

Reliability and Redundancy

Built for mission-critical environments, the MX9116N ensures maximum uptime and reliability.

Hot-Swappable Components

Allows for easy replacement of power supplies and fans without downtime.

High Availability Features

Includes features like redundant management modules and fast failover to minimize disruptions.

Security Features

The Dell MX9116N incorporates multiple security measures to protect network integrity.

Access Control Lists (ACLs)

Restricts unauthorized access to network resources.

Port Security

Prevents unauthorized devices from connecting to the network.

Encryption Support

Supports advanced encryption protocols to secure data in transit.

Management and Monitoring

Efficient management tools simplify network oversight and maintenance.

Dell OpenManage Network Manager

Provides a centralized platform for configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting the switch.

SNMP and CLI Support

Offers multiple management interfaces, including Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and Command Line Interface (CLI).

Energy Efficiency

The Dell MX9116N is designed with energy-saving features to reduce operational costs.

Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE)

Reduces power consumption during periods of low network activity.

Variable-Speed Cooling

Adjusts fan speeds based on temperature, optimizing energy use.

Warranty and Support

Dell provides comprehensive support and warranty options for the MX9116N.

Standard Warranty

Includes a limited hardware warranty with next-business-day replacement.

ProSupport Options

Extended support plans are available for mission-critical deployments.

Final Thoughts

The Dell MX9116N Ethernet Network Switch is a powerful, scalable, and feature-rich solution for high-performance networking. Whether you're managing a data center, cloud environment, or HPC cluster, this switch delivers the speed, reliability, and flexibility needed to meet modern networking demands.