When finding the right networking solutions for your enterprise, a switch of exceptional quality is always worth consideration (this is especially true if you have your own internal server for your operations).

Before we delve into Dell switches, let’s briefly explore;

What Is A Switch And Why Are They Important?

A networking switch is an important tech for operations with various workstations and servers that all need to communicate seamlessly.

A network switch connects all the devices on a network and allows them to transfer data directly between machines using packeting switching. A switch allows computers to send and receive data directly without getting too into the nitty-gritty of it.

A switch differs from a router in that a router sends the data to a network and then to its final destination. Routers become useful when they can be used to connect multiple switches to create an even larger network.

As you can see, switches are important as they will allow your computers to communicate with one another easily.

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What Dell Switches Are There?

Trying to narrow down what switch will be best for your operation will not be an easy task. Currently, Dell has the following switch ranges available for enterprise setups:

• Dell Networking N-Series
• Dell Networking S-Series
• Dell Networking X-Series
• Dell Networking Z-Series
• Dell M-Series Blade Switches
• Dell EMC Edge Platforms (virtual)

The main differences between these switches will be their specification, capacity, and ability to handle greater quantities of data, and their overall total cost will reflect this.

Some recommendations for small enterprises could be:

Dell Networking N3024 Switch

Belonging to the N-Series of Dell Switches, this switch is an entry-level option that will provide a small-scale operation with everything it could need from a switch.

It comes with 24 x 1Gb RJ45 auto-sensing ports and 2 x 10Gb SFP+ accessory ports. It is a layer 3 networking switch that comes with 1 x 200W hot-swap power supply with 1 hot-swap expansion module bay (for any scaling needs).

The N3024 runs off the Dell OS6 operating system and has a 1U rack-mountable chassis with a 2-post rack kit. However, the option to use a 4-post A5 rail kit is available and usually sold separately.

For a Dell N3024, you can expect to pay in the region of £500.

Dell Force10 S4810-ON Switch

This Dell switch belongs to the S-Series and is more of an entry-to-mid-level option as far as switches go. This kind of switch is good for those operations that are thinking of scaling up and need a switch that can handle an expansion of your operation’s internal network.

For ports, the Force10 S4810-ON comes with 48 x 10Gb SFP+ ports and 4 x 40Gb QSFP+ ports. This switch is also a layer three switch, and it comes with 2 x 350W hot-swap power supply units.

In terms of the operating system, this switch runs with Open Network Dell OS9 with an OS9 perpetual licence pre-installed.

This switch also comes with the standard 1U rack-mountable chassis type and usually comes with rack ears (depending on the stockist).

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Dell EMC SD-WAN Edge 610 Switch

The Dell EMC SD-WAN Edge 610 is a great entry-level option for those looking for a virtual edge platform.

This switch comes with features such as:

• 2 x 1GB SFP ports
• 6 x 1Gb RJ45 ports
• A 2-core Denverton Atom Processor
• 4 GB of memory
• 16 GB of storage

This switch has an external power supply unit and a desktop form factor chassis type. This specific model is console managed and comes with support for a Native Linux operating system that supports KVM or ESXi hypervisors.

While this specific type of switch is a niche, if you want to try out a virtual edge platform, this is a good starting point for your operation.

Dell Networking 10Gb RJ45 QP Stacking Module

For the small to medium enterprises out there that need their full switch setup capacity to expand, stacking modules are your saviour! This particular model of stacking module is a part of the Dell M-Series Blade switches and can bring your operation features such as 10 Gb RJ45 stacking ports.

Do note that this stacking module is compatible with the following:

• PC81xx
• Dell Networking N40xx
• Force10 MXL
• I/O Aggregator Switches

Most stacking modules won’t come with the cables supplied, so you’ll likely need to source them separately.

As a late note, ensure the stacking module you buy is compatible with your switch!

Conclusion

Networking can be tricky and confusing, but if done right can raise your operation to a new level. If you aren’t sure what switch will work best, then it’s always advisable to talk to an expert before buying.