Dell PowerSwitch N3224T-ONF 24-Ports Rack-Mountable L3 Switch

Overview

The Dell N3224T-ONF is a Layer 3 network switch designed to deliver high-speed connectivity and robust port density for growing networks. It features twenty-four auto-sensing 1 Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 ports for connecting desktops, printers, phones, or IoT devices, alongside four 10 Gigabit SFP+ uplinks that ensure smooth traffic flow to aggregation or core layers. Additionally, two 100 Gigabit QSFP28 ports provide direct links to modern spine or storage fabrics, enabling scalable bandwidth as network demands increase.

This switch is well suited for campus wiring closets, branch offices, and edge racks in small data centers. It can serve as a top-of-rack switch for servers or as an access switch for office floors and classrooms. Its Layer 3 routing capabilities help keep east-west traffic local, reducing latency for collaboration tools, virtual desktops, and real-time analytics.

Key features

• Twenty-four auto-sensing 1G RJ-45 ports that support a wide range of devices including desktops and IoT endpoints
• Four 10G SFP+ uplinks to prevent bottlenecks when connecting to aggregation or core network layers
• Two 100G QSFP28 ports for high-capacity connections to spine or storage fabrics, supporting future bandwidth growth
• Layer 3 managed switching powered by Dell Networking OS6, simplifying network segmentation and routing
• Support for VLAN and VXLAN to separate traffic types and extend Layer 2 domains for virtualized workloads
• Rack-mountable 1U design with front-to-back airflow optimized for hot-aisle and cold-aisle data center layouts
• Redundant, hot-swappable power supplies and fans that allow maintenance without network downtime
• Integration with common orchestration platforms and REST APIs to automate network management tasks

Key specs

• Ports: 24 auto-sensing 1 Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45
• Uplinks: 4 x 10 Gigabit SFP+
• High-speed ports: 2 x 100 Gigabit QSFP28
• Switching layer: Layer 3 managed
• Operating system: Dell Networking OS6
• Form factor: 1U rack-mountable
• Cooling: Front-to-back airflow
• Power supplies: Redundant, hot-swappable

Connectivity and compatibility

This switch offers versatile connectivity options to fit into various network environments. The 24 RJ-45 ports accommodate standard Ethernet devices, while the 10G SFP+ uplinks provide fiber or direct attach cable connections to higher-tier switches or servers. The 100G QSFP28 ports enable direct integration with high-performance spine switches or storage fabrics, making it a flexible choice for evolving network architectures.

• Supports VLANs for traffic segmentation and enhanced security
• VXLAN support extends Layer 2 networks across multiple racks or sites
• Compatible with common network orchestration tools through REST APIs

Performance and reliability

Designed for continuous operation, this switch includes hardware features that maintain uptime and simplify maintenance. The front-to-back airflow aligns with typical data center cooling strategies, ensuring efficient heat dissipation within a standard 1U rack space. Redundant power supplies and fans can be replaced without interrupting network services, which is critical for environments where downtime is not an option.

Ideal uses and environments

The Dell N3224T-ONF fits well in environments that require a balance of port density, speed, and advanced Layer 3 features. It is a strong choice for campus networks, branch offices, and small data centers that need reliable access or top-of-rack switching. Teams managing virtualized workloads or real-time collaboration tools will benefit from its low-latency routing and traffic segmentation capabilities.