Dell 210-AFWU S6100-ON Review: Features, Connectivity, and Enterprise Networking

Key Takeaways

• Serious Throughput: Dell rates the S6100-ON at 6.4 Tbps of switching I/O bandwidth, up to 4,400 Mpps, and 300 ns Layer 2 latency.
• Flexible Port Mix: Fully populated, it scales to 32 x 100GbE, 64 x 40GbE or 50GbE, or 128 x 25GbE/10GbE with breakout cables.
• Built for Modern Fabrics: Layer 3 routing, VXLAN gateway support, data center bridging, and RoCE suit virtualization, hosting, and storage networks.
• Open Networking: ONIE support lets you run Dell Networking OS9 or supported third-party network operating systems such as SONiC.
• Refurbished Value: Listed at $125 for the chassis at the time of writing, the 210-AFWU delivers 100GbE-class capability for a fraction of new-switch cost.
• Empty Chassis by Design: The 210-AFWU network switch ships without I/O modules, so budget for modules, optics, and cables before deployment.

Overview

The most important thing to know is that this switch ships as an empty chassis. You choose the I/O modules, optics, and operating system yourself. That keeps the entry price low, as Direct Macro lists the refurbished chassis at $125, but the chassis is only one part of the total cost.

In this Dell 210-AFWU review, we explain what the part number includes, how the switch performs, which workloads it suits, and what to budget before deployment. The short answer from our Dell S6100-ON review: it is a strong choice for data center teams that want affordable 40GbE and 100GbE ports and can set up the modules themselves. It is not a plug-and-play switch for small offices.

Dell 210-AFWU Review: What You Get with This Part Number

Dell uses the 210-AFWU manufacturer part number for a Dell Networking (later branded PowerSwitch) S6100-ON configuration. The 210-AFWU network switch is listed as refurbished and in stock, and the listing documentation notes a 1-year replacement warranty.

The most important detail for any buyer is the phrase “empty slots.” Out of the box, the only data ports that work on the 210-AFWU network switch are the two fixed SFP+ ports. To carry real traffic, you add one to four I/O modules. That design keeps the entry price low and lets you pay only for the port speeds you need, but it also means the chassis price is not the full project cost.

• Included: S6100-ON chassis, two pre-installed AC power supplies, a UL-certified ground lug assembly with two nuts, and rack-mount hardware (model dependent).
• Not Included: I/O modules, transceivers or DAC cables, and any software support contract.
• Related Part Numbers: Direct Macro also lists the 210-AGZL PowerSwitch S6100-ON, the 210-AFRR reverse-airflow model, and the 210-AFRS configuration.

Other part numbers you may see: In this Dell 210-AFWU review, note that resellers also list S6100-ON chassis under part numbers such as C03KP, 5TMC1, 7JT4C, 93T30, and 0WKFYN. These variants can differ in airflow, power supplies, and installed OS, so compare each listing before you order.

Dell 210-AFWU Specifications at a Glance

For this Dell 210-AFWU review, the table below summarizes the core specifications from Dell’s published specifications sheet and the Direct Macro product listing for the 210-AFWU.

Dell 210-AFWU Switch Features That Matter

Specifications sheets list dozens of features. For this Dell 210-AFWU review, we focused on the features that make the biggest difference in day-to-day data center operations.

1.  Modular I/O Bays and Port Flexibility

As this Dell S6100-ON review shows, the switch sits between fixed 1U switches and large chassis systems. Dell’s installation guide lists three I/O module types: 16 x 40GbE QSFP+, 8 x 100GbE QSFP28, and a hybrid 4 x QSFP28 plus 4 x CXP module. You can mix modules in the same chassis, so one bay might serve 40GbE server links while another provides 100GbE uplinks to the spine.

Each QSFP28 port on the 100GbE module can run as a single 100G or 40G port, or break out into four 25G or four 10G links. That breakout capability is what lets one 2U chassis reach 128 server-facing ports.

2.  Throughput, Latency, and Buffers

For this Dell S6100-ON review, note that Dell rates the switch at 6.4 Tbps of non-blocking switching I/O bandwidth and up to 4,400 Mpps of forwarding capacity. Published latency is 300 ns at Layer 2 and 400 ns at Layer 3, which is low enough for HPC interconnects and latency-sensitive analytics traffic. The 16 MB shared packet buffer is typical for this class of Broadcom Tomahawk-based switch. It handles normal data center bursts well, but it is smaller than the buffers on deep-buffer switches built for heavy storage incast.

3.  Layer 3 Routing, VXLAN, and Data Center Bridging

Routing is a highlight of any S6100-ON review. As a full Layer 3 platform, the switch supports OSPF, BGP, and VRF-lite, which makes it suitable for routed leaf-spine designs. It can act as a VXLAN Layer 2 gateway that connects hypervisor overlay networks to non-virtualized infrastructure. For converged storage, Dell lists priority flow control (802.1Qbb), enhanced transmission selection (802.1Qaz), DCBX, iSCSI TLV support, and routable RoCE. The spec sheet also notes 128 link aggregation groups with up to 16 members each.

4.  Open Networking: OS9, SONiC, and ONIE

For this S6100-ON review, the “-ON” suffix is worth explaining: it stands for Open Networking. Because the switch includes ONIE, you can install Dell Networking OS9 or a supported third-party network operating system, and some secondary-market units run SONiC. Dell’s OS9 Info Hub lists only OS9 for the S6100, and the latest OS9 release notes for this platform cover version 9.14(2.x), so do not plan on Dell Smart Fabric OS10 for this switch. One owner tip from our Dell S6100-ON review research: SONiC builds are often validated for specific module combinations, so swapping modules can break a working SONiC install. This flexibility matters for teams that standardize on one NOS across vendors, and it extends the useful life of the hardware after vendor software development slows.

5.  Redundancy and Serviceability

Serviceability is another strength in this Dell S6100-ON review. Two hot-swappable 1,100W power supplies and hot-swappable fan modules let you replace failed parts without downtime. Direct Macro’s listing describes the rack mounting as Earthquake Zone 4 compliant, and Dell’s ReadyRails mounting system installs without tools. Typical power draw is about 350W and rises to around 750W at maximum load, so plan PDU capacity and cooling accordingly.

6.  Management, Security, and Automation

Day-to-day management happens through an RJ45 RS232 console port, a dedicated Gigabit Ethernet management port, and USB ports for firmware and configuration files. Dell’s spec sheet lists SSH, Telnet, TACACS+, RADIUS, NTP, and 802.1X support for secure access. For automation, this Dell S6100-ON review confirms that the switch supports Dell’s Open Automation Framework, OpenFlow 1.3 for SDN controllers, jumbo frames for large transfers, and multi-chassis VLT (mVLT) for redundant designs.

Connectivity Options: I/O Modules, Breakouts, and Transceivers

This part of our Dell 210-AFWU review matters most, because most of the real decisions in a build happen here. Use the table below to match each I/O module to the workloads it will serve.

For cabling, use passive DAC cables for runs inside a rack, active optical cables for adjacent racks, and SR4 or LR4 optics for longer distances. For dense fiber runs, Dell’s spec sheet also lists MTP-to-LC cable breakout kits in 1U 48-port and 64-port versions. Browse Direct Macro’s compatible transceivers and confirm that each optic works with your chosen NOS.

On the server side, pair the 210-AFWU network switch with 25GbE or 100GbE network adapters so that each host can use the bandwidth the modules provide.

1. Front-Panel and Management Interfaces

For this Dell S6100-ON review, the Direct Macro listing breaks down the physical interfaces on the 210-AFWU network switch as follows:

2. Compatible Components and Accessories

To complete a working build, this Dell S6100-ON review recommends planning for these ecosystem components:

• I/O Modules: 16 x 40GbE QSFP+, 8 x 100GbE QSFP28, or 4 x QSFP28 + 4 x CXP modules.
• Breakout Cables: 40GbE to 4 x 10GbE and 100GbE to 4 x 25GbE breakout cables for server-facing ports.
• Power And Cooling Spares:Hot-swappable 1,100W AC power supplies and fan modules that match the chassis airflow direction.
• Rack Mounting: A Dell ReadyRails kit for four-post racks.
• Software: A Dell Networking OS9 license (including the Layer 3 license for advanced routing) or a supported ONIE-based NOS such as SONiC.

Airflow Rule: I/O modules, fans, and power supplies must all match the chassis airflow direction. Mixing directions is not supported, and Dell notes the switch raises an alarm when airflow is mismatched.

Deployment Roles and Use Cases

Beyond the workload questions answered later in this Dell 210-AFWU review, the 210-AFWU network switch fits several network roles:

• Top-of-Rack (ToR) Switching: Connects server racks with 10/25/40GbE breakouts and 100GbE uplinks.
• End-of-Row (EoR) Aggregation: Collects uplinks from several rows of ToR switches in larger fabrics.
• Leaf-Spine Fabrics: Works as a leaf or a compact spine with up to 32 x 100GbE ports.
• Enterprise Core and Aggregation: Routes between VLANs and buildings with OSPF, BGP, and VRF-lite.
• HPC Cluster Interconnects: Sub-microsecond latency suits compute and research clusters.
• Cloud Service Provider Infrastructure:VRF-lite and VXLAN keep tenant networks separate on shared hardware.
• SAN and Converged Networks: DCB, PFC, ETS, and iSCSI TLV support carry storage traffic over Ethernet.

Who Should Buy the Dell 210-AFWU?

The 210-AFWU network switch rewards buyers who know exactly what their fabric needs and want to build it in stages. It is a strong fit for these groups:

• Data Center Managers Building Leaf-Spine Fabrics: The modular bays let you start with 40GbE and add 100GbE uplinks later without replacing the chassis.
• Private Cloud and Virtualization Teams: VXLAN gateway support and high port density suit VMware, Proxmox, and OpenStack clusters.
• HPC And Research Labs: Teams on a tight budget get 100GbE-class bandwidth for compute nodes and storage back ends.
• Network Engineers Exploring Open Networking: ONIE support makes the switch a low-cost platform for SONiC and open networking automation labs.
• Procurement Teams Standardizing on Dell: Shops already running Dell PowerEdge servers and Dell OS9 switches benefit from familiar tooling and shared spares.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Dell 210-AFWU?

This Dell S6100-ON review would be incomplete without the cases where the switch is the wrong tool:

• Small Offices and Branch Sites: The switch has no 1GbE copper access ports and no PoE, so it cannot power phones, cameras, or access points.
• Buyers Who Need a Turnkey Switch: The chassis ships with empty bays, so it is not production-ready without modules and optics.
• Noise- Or Power-Sensitive Spaces: Data center fans and a typical draw of about 350W make it unsuitable for closets or open offices.
• Organizations That Require Active Vendor Support: If policy demands current Dell software support and RMA coverage, confirm entitlement or choose a newer PowerSwitch model.
• Deep-Buffer Storage Workloads: Heavy incast traffic from large storage clusters may justify a deep-buffer switch instead.

Is the Dell 210-AFWU Suitable for Virtualization?

Yes. Our Dell S6100-ON review ranks virtualization as one of the 210-AFWU network switch’s strongest use cases. Virtualized environments generate heavy east-west traffic between hosts during live migration, storage replication, and container scheduling. A 25GbE or 40GbE link per host, with 100GbE uplinks to the spine, removes most network bottlenecks in typical virtualization clusters.

This S6100-ON review also highlights VXLAN gateway support, which helps connect overlay networks from VMware NSX or open-source SDN stacks to physical servers and appliances. Pair two S6100-ON switches with Dell’s Virtual Link Trunking (VLT) so that every host gets redundant, active-active uplinks without spanning-tree blocking.

Is the Dell 210-AFWU Suitable for Hosting?

For web hosting companies, managed service providers, and colocation operators, the 210-AFWU network switch works well as a top-of-rack or aggregation switch. Its 160,000-entry MAC table and Layer 3 routing handle many tenants and VLANs, while VRF-lite keeps customer routing domains separate. A single chassis populated with 100GbE modules broken out to 25GbE can serve more than 100 servers.

One caution from this S6100-ON review: hosting providers should pair it with a dedicated edge router or firewall for internet peering and DDoS protection. The switch routes internal traffic efficiently, but it is not designed to hold full internet routing tables.

Is the Dell 210-AFWU Suitable for Databases?

Database clusters are a strong fit in this Dell S6100-ON review, thanks to the 210-AFWU network switch’s low latency and lossless Ethernet features. Distributed databases such as Cassandra, MongoDB replica sets, and SQL Server Always On availability groups depend on fast, consistent node-to-node communication. At 300 ns of Layer 2 latency, the switch adds negligible delay compared with server and storage latency.

For databases that use shared storage over iSCSI, NVMe over TCP, or RoCE, enable PFC and ETS to protect storage traffic. Keep replication and client traffic on separate VLANs or VRFs to avoid contention during backups and maintenance windows.

How Much Memory Does the Dell 210-AFWU Have?

The 210-AFWU network switch itself has a fixed 8 GB of DDR3 system memory and a 16 MB packet buffer, and neither is user-upgradeable. That 8 GB comfortably handles routing tables, access control lists, and the NOS control plane in typical data center deployments.

Here is what that memory and the forwarding hardware support, according to Dell’s spec sheet:

1. Routing Tables: Up to 128K IPv4 and 64K IPv6 unicast routes, plus 64K IPv4 and 32K IPv6 multicast routes.
2. Layer 2 and Layer 3 Scale: 160K MAC addresses, 4K VLANs per port, and 512 Layer 3 VLANs per system.
3. Security and Policy: Up to 3K ACL entries for traffic filtering and access control.

Because these limits are fixed in hardware, plan your design around them. A key point in this Dell 210-AFWU review: the switch suits data center leaf and spine roles, not internet edge routing with full BGP tables. For the servers behind it, size RAM to the workload rather than to the switch.

Is the Dell 210-AFWU Suitable for Storage Networks?

Because the 210-AFWU network switch has no internal storage to configure, the storage question is about the fabric it supports. Three configurations work well:

• Converged iSCSI or NVMe/TCP: Use 25GbE server links and DCB-enabled VLANs for block storage over standard Ethernet.
• RoCE-Based Storage: Use 100GbE links with PFC and ETS configured end to end for low-latency NVMe over Fabrics.
• Hyperconverged Clusters: For vSAN, Nutanix, or Ceph, give each node dual 25GbE links to two switches and keep storage traffic on its own VLAN.

A practical S6100-ON review tip: spread storage targets across modules and port pipes rather than concentrating them on one module. Dell’s installation guide uses the same principle for link aggregation, and it helps you make the most of the shared buffer.

What Networking Configuration Should Buyers Consider?

A key lesson from this Dell 210-AFWU review: start from the number of servers and the uplink bandwidth you need, then choose modules. These sample builds cover the most common deployments:

The S6100-ON review checklist for networking is simple: run two switches as a VLT pair for redundancy, keep the out-of-band management port on a separate network, and plan your oversubscription ratio. A 3:1 ratio of server bandwidth to uplink bandwidth is common for general workloads, while storage and HPC fabrics often target 1:1.

Is Refurbished Hardware Worth Considering?

Every Dell 210-AFWU review has to answer this question, and for the S6100-ON, refurbished is often the most sensible way to buy. Dell’s last OS9 release notes for the platform date from 2021, and most S6100-ON units are now sold through the secondary market. Data center switches are built for continuous operation, and the main wear items, power supplies and fans, are hot-swappable and easy to replace.

Direct Macro lists the 210-AFWU network switch as refurbished and in stock at $125 for the chassis at the time of writing, with free shipping within the United States. The trade-off is software support: firmware downloads and Dell support stay tied to the original service contract, so confirm which NOS version is installed and which licenses are included.

Total Cost of Ownership: What a Dell 210-AFWU Build Really Costs

Price is where this Dell 210-AFWU review finds the biggest gap between list and street value. Dell price lists published by resellers show a list price of about $22,603 for the 210-AFWU chassis, compared with the $125 refurbished price noted above. The table below shows what else to budget beyond the chassis.

Power is a recurring cost too, and this Dell S6100-ON review treats it as part of the budget. Owners on the ServeTheHome forum report idle draw of roughly 115W with a single module installed, well below Dell’s rated typical figure. Factor in your electricity rate and cooling overhead when you compare the 210-AFWU network switch with a newer 1U switch.

What Should You Check Before Purchasing?

Use this checklist from our Dell 210-AFWU review before you place an order for any refurbished enterprise data center switch:

1. Airflow Direction: Direct Macro lists the 210-AFWU with standard I/O-to-PSU airflow, while some Dell price lists describe this SKU as PSU-to-I/O. Check the airflow labels on the PSUs and fans before racking, and follow the airflow rule in the compatibility section.
2. Installed Operating System: Confirm whether the unit runs OS9 or SONiC, or has only ONIE, and whether the OS9 Layer 3 license transfers.
3. Module Compatibility: Check module part numbers against the S6100-ON support matrix before ordering; the hybrid CXP module is a niche option.
4. Optics And Cables: Budget for QSFP+ or QSFP28 transceivers, DACs, or breakout cables, and test them with your NOS.
5. Power And Rack Space: Plan for 2U of rack space, two separate power feeds, and up to 750W per switch.
6. Warranty And Returns: Confirm the warranty length, testing process, and RMA turnaround with the seller.
7. Firmware And Security: Update to the latest NOS build available to you and reset all credentials before production use.
8. Total Cost: Add the chassis, modules, optics, rails, and support together before comparing against a fixed 32 x 100GbE switch.

Dell 210-AFWU vs Similar Enterprise Data Center Switches

Any honest Dell S6100-ON review needs context: the switch belongs to the same Broadcom Tomahawk generation as several well-known 32 x 100GbE switches. The main difference is form factor: most competitors are fixed 1U designs, while the Dell is a 2U modular chassis.

The takeaway from this Dell S6100-ON review: choose the switch when you need a mix of 40GbE and 100GbE today, want to spread costs over time, or value up to 128 breakout ports in one chassis. Choose a fixed 1U switch when rack space is tight and you want every port live on day one. For broader options, explore Direct Macro’s data center networking range and its guide to the best network switches.

Dell 210-AFWU: Pros and Cons

Pros

The Dell 210-AFWU review highlights these strengths, which make the S6100-ON a flexible, high-performance, and cost-effective enterprise data center switch.

• Modular Flexibility: Mix 40GbE and 100GbE modules in one chassis and upgrade bay by bay.
• High Performance:4 Tbps of switching I/O bandwidth and 300 ns Layer 2 latency.
• Open Networking: ONIE support for Dell OS9, SONiC, and other supported NOS options.
• High Availability: Redundant, hot-swappable power supplies and fans.
• Low Entry Price: The refurbished 210-AFWU network switch costs far less than a new 100GbE switch.

Cons

Every honest S6100-ON review must also cover limitations, so weigh these drawbacks of the 210-AFWU network switch before you buy.

• Hidden Costs: Empty bays mean modules and optics add significantly to the total budget.
• Larger Footprint: It uses 2U, compared with 1U for most fixed 32 x 100GbE competitors.
• Moderate Buffer: The 16 MB shared buffer limits performance under heavy storage incast.
• Aging Platform: Vendor software support depends on your contract and entitlement status.
• No Access Features: There is no PoE and there are no 1GbE copper ports for end-user devices.

What Direct Macro Recommends?

Our Dell 210-AFWU review recommendation: buy this switch if you are building or expanding a 10/25/40/100GbE data center fabric and want maximum flexibility for the lowest upfront cost. It is an excellent fit for virtualization clusters, hosting racks, database tiers, and lab environments where engineers can handle module selection and NOS setup.

1. Best Starter Build: One 8 x 100GbE QSFP28 module for 25GbE breakouts and 100GbE uplinks, then add modules as racks fill.
2. Best For Redundancy: Two chassis in a VLT pair with matching module layouts and airflow direction.
3. Best For Labs: One 16 x 40GbE module running SONiC to test automation before production rollout.

For advice on modules, optics, or volume pricing, call Direct Macro’s sales team at (855) 483-7810 or request a bulk quote on the Dell 210-AFWU product page. Direct Macro accepts purchase orders from businesses, government agencies, schools, and universities, and offers a price match request option. Review the return policy on the product page before ordering. If you need access-layer or smaller switches, browse the full Network Switches category or the wider enterprise switches range.

Further Reading:

• Cisco C9200L-48P-4X-A Review: 48-Port PoE+ Switch With 4x10G Uplinks
• Dell 1KNC8 Review: S4048T-ON 48-Port 10GbE Data Center Switch
• Arista 7050QX-32S Review (DCS-7050QX-32S-R): 40GbE Switch Specification and Deployment

Final Thoughts

The Dell 210-AFWU is worth buying for the right team. This Dell 210-AFWU review found a 2U modular switch that delivers 6.4 Tbps of throughput, sub-microsecond latency, and flexible 10GbE to 100GbE connectivity at a low entry price. It fits virtualization clusters, multi-tenant hosting, distributed databases, and converged storage networks.

The main caveat in this Dell S6100-ON review is that the chassis is only the starting point. Budget for I/O modules, optics, and software, confirm the airflow direction and NOS support, and you get an enterprise data center switch that grows with your racks instead of forcing a full replacement. For teams that plan their build carefully, the S6100-ON remains one of the best-value modular switches on the refurbished market.

Ready to build your fabric? Request a bulk quote for the 210-AFWU chassis, I/O modules, and transceivers, and our team will price the complete build for you. Not sure which modules or optics you need? Contact our networking specialists for a free configuration check before you order. Every refurbished switch is tested before it ships and backed by the Direct Macro warranty, so you can deploy with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Dell 210-AFWU?

It is Dell’s manufacturer part number for an S6100-ON modular top-of-rack switch with two fixed 1/10GbE SFP+ ports, four empty I/O module bays, and two redundant hot-swappable AC power supplies.

2. Does the Dell 210-AFWU include I/O modules?

No. The chassis ships with empty bays. You buy 16 x 40GbE QSFP+, 8 x 100GbE QSFP28, or hybrid QSFP28/CXP modules separately, along with optics or DAC cables.

3. What is the maximum port density of the Dell S6100-ON?

Fully populated, it supports up to 32 x 100GbE, 64 x 50GbE, 64 x 40GbE, or 128 x 25GbE or 10GbE ports with breakout cables, plus two fixed 10GbE SFP+ ports.

4. What operating systems does the Dell S6100-ON support?

It runs Dell Networking OS9, the only Dell OS that Dell lists for the S6100. Because it is an ONIE-based Open Networking switch, it can also run supported third-party network operating systems such as SONiC.

5. Does the Dell S6100-ON support PoE?

No. It is a data center switch without PoE or PoE+, so it cannot power phones, cameras, or wireless access points.

6. Is the Dell S6100-ON good for virtualization?

Yes. Its 6.4 Tbps fabric, low latency, VXLAN gateway support, and VLT redundancy make it well suited to VMware, Proxmox, and OpenStack clusters.

7. What is the difference between the 210-AFWU and the 210-AFRR?

Both are S6100-ON configurations. Direct Macro lists the 210-AFWU with standard I/O-to-PSU airflow and the 210-AFRR as the reverse-airflow model, but some Dell price lists describe the 210-AFWU as PSU-to-I/O. Check the fan and PSU labels and match airflow to your rack’s hot and cold aisles.

8. How much power does the Dell S6100-ON use?

Typical consumption is about 350W, with a maximum of about 750W, supplied by two redundant 1,100W hot-swappable AC power supplies.

9. Is a refurbished Dell S6100-ON reliable?

Yes, if the seller tests it before shipping. Check that both power supplies and all fans report healthy, confirm the warranty, and update to the latest OS9 or SONiC build before production use.

10. How much does the Dell 210-AFWU cost?

At the time of writing, Direct Macro lists the refurbished 210-AFWU chassis at $125. Modules, optics, and cables cost extra, and bulk quotes are available.

11. What was the original list price of the Dell 210-AFWU?

As this Dell 210-AFWU review notes, Dell price lists published by resellers show a list price of about $22,603 for the chassis. Refurbished units now sell for a small fraction of that, but modules and optics add to the total.

12. Is the Dell 210-AFWU still in production?

Dell has not published a current lifecycle status for this part number in the sources we reviewed. Dell’s most recent OS9 release notes for the S6100-ON date from February 2021, and the switch is now mainly sold as new open-box, refurbished, or used stock through IT resellers such as Direct Macro.