If you’re managing data center network infrastructure, knowing the support lifecycle of your switch equipment isn’t optional—it’s essential. For those running Dell PowerSwitch in production, this guide covers everything you need to know about Dell’s EOS (End of Sale) and EOL (End of Life) policies, along with detailed timelines for each model.
1. What is Dell PowerSwitch? – Product Overview and Lineup
Dell PowerSwitch is Dell Technologies’ (formerly Dell EMC) enterprise-grade network switch portfolio. These switches are designed to deliver high-performance networking across data centers, cloud environments, and enterprise networks.
Product Series Overview
Dell PowerSwitch is organized into several series based on use case and performance requirements:
N-Series (Campus/Enterprise)
- N1100, N1500, N2000, N2100, N2200, N3000, N3100, N3200, N4000 series
- Campus and enterprise access/distribution layer switches supporting 1GbE to 10GbE
- Runs on OS6 operating system
S-Series (Data Center/ToR)
- S3048, S4048, S4100, S4200, S5200, S5400, S5600, S6000, S6010, S6100 series
- High-performance Top-of-Rack (ToR) switches supporting 10GbE to 100GbE
- Runs on OS9 or SmartFabric OS10
Z-Series (Spine/Core Layer)
- Z9000, Z9100, Z9264, Z9332, Z9432, Z9500 series
- Ultra-high bandwidth from 40GbE to 400GbE
- Ideal for spine and core layers in large-scale data centers
E-Series (Enterprise Campus)
- E3200, E3300, E5500, E5600 series
- Advanced L3 switches for modern campus networking
- Latest product line running SmartFabric OS10
Network Operating Systems (NOS)
Dell PowerSwitch supports multiple network operating systems:
| Operating System | Applicable Series | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| OS6 | N-Series | Campus L2/L3 switching |
| OS9 | S-Series, Z-Series (legacy) | Advanced data center features, End of Sale Q4 2023 |
| SmartFabric OS10 | S-Series, Z-Series, E-Series | Modern open networking, automation-friendly |
| Enterprise SONiC | S-Series, Z-Series | Open-source cloud-native NOS |
Note that OS9 reached End of Sale in late 2023. SmartFabric OS10 and Enterprise SONiC are now the primary operating systems going forward.
2. EOS, EOL, EoSS – Key Terminology Explained
Understanding Dell’s end-of-support policy requires familiarity with the following terms:
Core Definitions
EoS (End of Sale)
- The date after which the product can no longer be purchased from Dell or authorized partners
- Software feature development and enhancements cease
- Support for existing deployments continues beyond this date
EoSS (End of Standard Support)
- Occurs 5 years after EoS
- After EoSS, existing software updates and patches remain available for download, but Dell no longer provides new software maintenance or updates
EoSecS (End of Security Support)
- For hardware, this aligns with the EoSS date
- Applies to PowerSwitch E, S, Z Series and VEP products
- Security patches and CVE responses are discontinued
EoL/EOSL (End of Life / End of Service Life)
- The complete end of the product lifecycle
- No form of support is guaranteed beyond this point
3. Dell PowerSwitch Support Policy – Key Points
Here’s a summary of Dell Technologies’ networking equipment support policy:
Standard Support Duration
- Initial Purchase: Up to 5 years of standard support (Basic Support, ProSupport, ProSupport Plus) available at purchase
- Renewal Period: Additional 2-year renewals possible (only until EoSS)
- Maximum Support Duration: Until EoSS or 7 years total, whichever comes first
Post Standard Support
After EoSS, some equipment may qualify for Post Standard Support for extended coverage. However, this isn’t available for all products and requires Dell’s eligibility assessment.
Warranty Types
| Warranty Type | Applicable Products | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime Limited Warranty (LLW) | N-Series, S3100 Series, PowerConnect fixed-port switches | 5 years from ship date (until EoSS) |
| Extended Life Warranty (ELW) | E-Series, X1000/X4000 Series, Aerohive/Ruckus APs | 5 years from ship date |
| Standard Warranty | Most S-Series, Z-Series | 1 year base, extensions available |
For detailed information, visit the Dell Networking Warranty Coverage page.
4. OS9-Based PowerSwitch Model EOS/EOL Timeline
The OS9 operating system reached End of Sale in late 2023. Below are detailed support timelines for OS9-based PowerSwitch models:
S-Series (OS9-Based)
| Model | EoS (End of Sale) | EoSS (End of Standard Support) |
|---|---|---|
| S3048-ON | April 30, 2022 | April 29, 2027 |
| S3100 | December 29, 2023 | December 28, 2028 |
| S4048-ON | January 30, 2022 | January 29, 2027 |
| S4048T-ON | October 30, 2021 | October 29, 2026 |
| S4810 | April 30, 2016 | April 29, 2021 (Ended) |
| S4820T | July 31, 2017 | July 31, 2022 (Ended) |
| S5000 | May 22, 2018 | May 21, 2023 (Ended) |
| S5048F-ON | June 30, 2020 | June 30, 2025 |
| S6000 | July 31, 2017 | July 31, 2022 (Ended) |
| S6000-ON | July 31, 2017 | July 31, 2022 (Ended) |
| S6010-ON | October 29, 2020 | October 29, 2025 |
| S6100-ON | September 30, 2019 | September 30, 2024 (Ended) |
Z-Series (OS9-Based)
| Model | EoS (End of Sale) | EoSS (End of Standard Support) |
|---|---|---|
| Z9000 | September 1, 2015 | September 1, 2020 (Ended) |
| Z9100-ON | December 30, 2020 | December 30, 2025 |
| Z9500 | July 31, 2017 | July 31, 2022 (Ended) |
C-Series and FN IOM
| Model | EoS (End of Sale) | EoSS (End of Standard Support) |
|---|---|---|
| C1048P | January 31, 2021 | January 30, 2026 |
| C7000 | September 30, 2014 | September 30, 2019 (Ended) |
| C9010 | January 31, 2021 | January 30, 2026 |
| FN IOM – FN410S, FN2210 | August 31, 2022 | August 30, 2027 |
| FN IOM – FN410T | January 10, 2022 | January 9, 2027 |
MX Series (Blade Chassis)
| Model | EoS (End of Sale) | EoSS (End of Standard Support) |
|---|---|---|
| M1000e IOA | October 30, 2019 | October 29, 2024 (Ended) |
| M1000e MXL | October 30, 2019 | October 29, 2024 (Ended) |
※ Source: Dell KB Article – OS9 Future State and Support
5. N-Series Switch Model EOS/EOL Timeline
The N-Series is widely deployed in campus and enterprise environments. Here are the support timelines by model:
N1500 Series
| Model | EoS (End of Sale) | EoSS (End of Standard Support) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| N1524 | July 29, 2023 | July 29, 2028 | LLW, 24-port GbE |
| N1524P | July 29, 2023 | July 29, 2028 | LLW, PoE+ |
| N1548 | July 29, 2023 | July 29, 2028 | LLW, 48-port GbE |
| N1548P | July 29, 2023 | July 29, 2028 | LLW, PoE+ |
N2000 Series
| Model | EoS (End of Sale) | EoSS (End of Standard Support) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| N2024 | October 29, 2020 | October 29, 2025 | LLW, 24-port GbE |
| N2024P | October 29, 2020 | October 29, 2025 | LLW, PoE+ |
| N2048 | October 29, 2020 | October 29, 2025 | LLW, 48-port GbE |
| N2048P | October 29, 2020 | October 29, 2025 | LLW, PoE+ |
N3000 Series
| Model | EoS (End of Sale) | EoSS (End of Standard Support) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| N3024 | September 23, 2018 | September 23, 2023 (Ended) | L3 routing |
| N3024F | September 23, 2018 | September 23, 2023 (Ended) | SFP model |
| N3024P | September 23, 2018 | September 23, 2023 (Ended) | PoE+ |
| N3048 | May 24, 2018 | May 24, 2023 (Ended) | 48-port |
| N3048P | May 24, 2018 | May 24, 2023 (Ended) | PoE+ |
N4000 Series
| Model | EoS (End of Sale) | EoSS (End of Standard Support) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| N4032 | April 29, 2019 | April 29, 2024 (Ended) | 24-port 10GbE |
| N4032F | April 29, 2019 | April 29, 2024 (Ended) | SFP+ model |
| N4064 | April 29, 2019 | April 29, 2024 (Ended) | 48-port 10GbE |
| N4064F | April 29, 2019 | April 29, 2024 (Ended) | 64-port SFP+ |
N1100-ON Series (Current, OS6-Based)
| Model | EoS (End of Sale) | EoSS (End of Standard Support) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| N1108T-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 8-port GbE |
| N1108P-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 8-port PoE |
| N1108EP-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 8-port PoE+, 137W |
| N1124T-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 24-port GbE |
| N1124P-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 24-port PoE+, 190W |
| N1148T-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 48-port GbE |
| N1148P-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 48-port PoE+, 375W |
N2100-ON / N2200-ON Series (Current, OS6-Based)
| Model | EoS (End of Sale) | EoSS (End of Standard Support) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| N2128PX-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 24-port PoE+, Multi-Gig |
| N2224X-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 24-port 10GbE |
| N2224PX-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 24-port PoE+, Multi-Gig |
| N2248X-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 48-port 10GbE |
| N2248PX-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 48-port PoE+, Multi-Gig |
N3100-ON / N3200-ON Series (Current, OS6/OS10-Based)
| Model | EoS (End of Sale) | EoSS (End of Standard Support) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| N3132PX-ON | Currently Available | TBD | L3, Multi-Gig |
| N3208PX-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 8-port Multi-Gig |
| N3224T-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 24-port GbE |
| N3224P-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 24-port PoE+ |
| N3224PX-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 24-port Multi-Gig PoE |
| N3248TE-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 48-port GbE |
| N3248P-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 48-port PoE+ |
| N3248PXE-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 48-port Multi-Gig PoE |
| N3248X-ON | Currently Available | TBD | 48-port 10GbE |
X-Series (Smart Managed Switches)
| Model | EoS (End of Sale) | EoSS (End of Standard Support) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| X1008 / X1008P | Ended | Ended | 8-port GbE, Web management |
| X1018 / X1018P | Ended | Ended | 16-port GbE |
| X1026 / X1026P | Ended | Ended | 24-port GbE PoE |
| X1052 / X1052P | Ended | Ended | 48-port GbE |
| X4012 | Ended | Ended | 12-port 10GbE SFP+ |
Legacy PowerConnect Series
| Model | EoS (End of Sale) | EoSS (End of Standard Support) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PowerConnect 2724 | Ended | Ended | 24-port GbE |
| PowerConnect 2808 | Ended | Ended | 8-port GbE, Web management |
| PowerConnect 2816 | Ended | Ended | 16-port GbE |
| PowerConnect 2824 | January 2015 | January 31, 2020 (Ended) | 24-port GbE |
| PowerConnect 2848 | Ended | Ended | 48-port GbE |
| PowerConnect 3524 / 3524P | Ended | Ended | 24-port L2 |
| PowerConnect 3548 / 3548P | Ended | Ended | 48-port L2 |
| PowerConnect 5524 / 5524P | Ended | Ended | 24-port L2+, Stacking |
| PowerConnect 5548 / 5548P | Ended | Ended | 48-port L2+, Stacking |
| PowerConnect 6224 / 6224P | Ended | Ended | 24-port L3 |
| PowerConnect 6248 | Ended | Ended | 48-port L3 |
| PowerConnect 6248P | August 27, 2015 | August 27, 2020 (Ended) | 48-port L3 PoE |
| PowerConnect 7024 / 7024P | Ended | Ended | 24-port L3 |
| PowerConnect 7048 / 7048P / 7048R | Ended | Ended | 48-port L3 |
| PowerConnect 8024 / 8024F | Ended | Ended | 10GbE L3 |
| PowerConnect 8132 / 8132F | Ended | Ended | 10GbE high-density |
| PowerConnect 8164 / 8164F | Ended | Ended | 64-port 10GbE |
※ For precise support end dates, check individual equipment Service Tags on the Dell Support Site.
6. SmartFabric OS10-Based Current Models
PowerSwitch models running SmartFabric OS10 are currently available and fully supported. Here’s the list of OS10-supported models:
Currently Available S-Series (OS10/SONiC-Based)
The S-Series is optimized for data center ToR (Top-of-Rack) and leaf-spine deployments.
S4100 Series (10GbE ToR)
| Model | Port Configuration | Bandwidth | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4112F-ON | 12x 10GbE SFP+ + 3x 100GbE | 960Gbps | Available |
| S4112T-ON | 12x 10GBASE-T + 3x 100GbE | 960Gbps | Available |
| S4128F-ON | 28x 10GbE SFP+ + 2x 100GbE | 1.2Tbps | Available |
| S4128T-ON | 28x 10GBASE-T + 2x 100GbE | 1.2Tbps | Available |
| S4148F-ON | 48x 10GbE SFP+ + 4x 100GbE | 1.76Tbps | Available |
| S4148T-ON | 48x 10GBASE-T + 4x 100GbE | 1.76Tbps | Available |
| S4148FE-ON | 48x 10GbE SFP+ + 4x 100GbE + 2x 40GbE | 1.76Tbps | Available |
| S4148U-ON | 24x 10GbE + 24x 25GbE + 4x 100GbE | 2.0Tbps | Available |
S4200 Series (25GbE ToR)
| Model | Port Configuration | Bandwidth | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4248FB-ON | 48x 25GbE SFP28 + 4x 100GbE + 2x 100GbE | 2.4Tbps | Available |
| S4248FBL-ON | 48x 25GbE SFP28 + 4x 100GbE + 2x 100GbE | 2.4Tbps | Available (Lite version) |
S5200 Series (25/100GbE ToR/Leaf)
| Model | Port Configuration | Bandwidth | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| S5212F-ON | 12x 25GbE SFP28 + 3x 100GbE | 1.2Tbps | Available |
| S5224F-ON | 24x 25GbE SFP28 + 4x 100GbE | 1.6Tbps | Available |
| S5232F-ON | 32x 100GbE QSFP28 | 6.4Tbps | Available |
| S5248F-ON | 48x 25GbE SFP28 + 4x 100GbE + 2x 100GbE-DD | 4.0Tbps | Available |
| S5296F-ON | 96x 25GbE SFP28 + 8x 100GbE | 6.4Tbps | Available |
S5400 Series (100/400GbE Leaf/Spine)
| Model | Port Configuration | Bandwidth | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| S5448F-ON | 48x 100GbE SFP56-DD + 8x 400GbE | 12.8Tbps | Available |
Currently Available Z-Series
| Model | Port Configuration | Bandwidth | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z9264F-ON | 64x 100GbE (or 128x 50GbE breakout) | 12.8Tbps | Available |
| Z9332F-ON | 32x 400GbE (or 128x 100GbE breakout) | 25.6Tbps | Available |
| Z9432F-ON | 32x 400GbE (or 128x 100GbE breakout) | 25.6Tbps | Available |
| Z9664F-ON | 64x 400GbE | 51.2Tbps | Available (Latest) |
| Z9864F-ON | 64x 800GbE | 51.2Tbps | Available (Latest) |
Virtual Edge Platform (VEP) Series
Dell VEP is an edge platform designed for SD-WAN and virtual network functions (VNF).
| Model | Use Case | Key Features | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| VEP1400 Series (VEP1420/1425/1445/1485) | Small branch SD-WAN | Intel Atom processor, low power | Available |
| VEP4600 Series | Medium/large branch SD-WAN | Intel Xeon processor, high performance | Available |
VEP Series Support Policy: Same as E/S/Z Series—EoSecS (End of Security Support) aligns with EoSS.
E-Series (Modern Campus)
Dell PowerSwitch E-Series are L3 switches designed for modern campus networking, supporting both OS10 and Enterprise SONiC.
| Model | Port Configuration | Use Case | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| E3224F-ON | 24x 1GbE SFP + 4x 10GbE + 2x 100GbE | Campus distribution | Available |
| E3248P-ON | 48x 1GbE PoE + 4x 10GbE + 2x 100GbE | Campus distribution, 30W PoE | Available |
| E3248PXE-ON | 48x Multi-Gig PoE + 4x 25GbE + 2x 100GbE | Multi-Gig, 90W PoE | Available |
| E5524F-ON | 24x 25GbE + 4x 100GbE | Campus core | Available |
| E5548F-ON | 48x 25GbE + 6x 100GbE | Campus core | Available |
| E5600 Series | Various 100/400GbE configurations | Large campus spine | Available |
E-Series Key Features:
- MLAG (Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation) for high availability
- VRF-lite for virtual router separation
- 802.3bt (60W/90W) PoE support (select models)
- Enterprise SONiC and SmartFabric OS10 support
EoS/EoSS dates for currently available models have not been announced. Per Dell’s standard policy, 5 years of standard support will be provided after End of Sale.
7. Dell PowerSwitch Licensing
Here’s what you need to know about Dell PowerSwitch licensing:
SmartFabric OS10 Licensing
License Type: Perpetual License
Trial Period: 120 days
- OS10 Enterprise Edition available for 120 days without a license
- Perpetual license required after 120 days
How to Obtain a License:
- Download from Dell Digital Locker (DDL)
- Entitlement ID sent to registered email at purchase
- For channel partner purchases, request entitlement transfer from partner
License Installation:
OS10# license install scp://user:password@10.1.1.10/license-file.xml
License installation success.
Enterprise SONiC Licensing
Enterprise SONiC also requires licensing, though in-OS license installation is not yet implemented. Software licenses can be obtained through Dell Digital Locker.
OS6/OS9 Licensing
N-Series (OS6) and legacy S/Z-Series (OS9) switches operate without separate software licenses. Firmware updates are provided based on hardware warranty and support contracts.
Software Support Policy
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Major/Minor/Maintenance Releases | 36 months of standard support from RTW (Release to Web) |
| Post-EoS Updates | Existing updates available for download, no new development |
| ProSupport Plus | Priority patch and feature update request privileges |
8. How to Check Your Equipment’s Support Status
To find the exact support end date for your Dell PowerSwitch:
Check via Service Tag
- Visit Dell Support Site
- Enter your Service Tag
- Check warranty status under “Warranty and Contracts”
Dell Support Documentation
- Networking Warranty Information – EoS/EoSS schedules by series
- OS9 Support Status – Detailed schedules for OS9-based models
- EOL Product List – Complete Dell product EOL documentation
Dell Community
For models where support end dates aren’t clearly documented, the Dell Technologies Community is a reliable resource for getting answers from Dell experts.
9. Practical Strategies for End-of-Support Planning
How should you manage equipment approaching end of support? Here are some practical strategies:
Proactive Planning Timeline
- 12+ months out: Identify EoSS dates and begin evaluating replacement options
- 6 months out: Secure budget and develop migration plan
- 3 months out: Order new equipment and set up test environment
Migration Options
Option 1: Replace with New Equipment
- Pros: Latest features, long-term support, performance improvements
- Considerations: Upfront cost, configuration migration required
Option 2: Post Standard Support Extension
- Pros: Keep existing equipment, reduced additional costs
- Considerations: Not available for all equipment, limited security patches
Option 3: Third-Party Maintenance
- Providers like Park Place Technologies, CXtec offer third-party maintenance
- Typically 30-40% cost savings vs. OEM support
- Focus on hardware support; software updates may be limited
Risk Management
Risks of continuing to operate equipment past end of support:
- Security Vulnerabilities: No CVE patches increases security exposure
- Compliance Issues: Potential audit findings for regulatory compliance
- Incident Response Challenges: Limited technical support and parts availability
- Increased Operational Costs: Unplanned downtime from unexpected failures
10. Summary – Key Takeaways
Here’s a quick summary of Dell PowerSwitch EOS/EOL policy:
- 5 years of standard support provided after EoS (End of Sale) until EoSS
- OS9 reached End of Sale in late 2023; most models will reach EoSS between 2025-2028
- SmartFabric OS10 and Enterprise SONiC are now the primary operating systems
- Always verify exact support end dates using your Service Tag
- Develop a migration plan well before support ends
Managing the lifecycle of network equipment is fundamental to maintaining stable infrastructure. Hope this guide serves as a useful reference for anyone running Dell PowerSwitch in production. 🙂
Reference Links:
- Dell Networking Warranty Coverage
- OS9 Future State and Support
- Dell EOL Product List
- SmartFabric OS10 Getting Started Guide
- SmartFabric OS10 Hardware Compatibility List