Dell Connectrix MDS-9148T
The Dell Connectrix MDS-9148T is an enterprise 1U Fibre Channel switch manufactured under Cisco OEM specifications and qualified by Dell Technologies. Delivering forty-eight autosensing 32Gb Fibre Channel ports with on-demand licensing from 24 to 48 ports, it provides 1.536 Tbps of line-rate non-blocking throughput. Driven by Cisco NX-OS software, the MDS-9148T features comprehensive hardware telemetry, virtual SAN (VSAN) segregation, and enterprise-grade security encryption. When sourcing pre-owned units, verify NX-OS license packages and test port transceivers.
Also written as: Connectrix MDS-9148T, Dell MDS 9148T, Cisco MDS 9148T Dell OEM, MDS-9148T 32Gb FC Switch
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | Connectrix |
| Form factor | 1U rack |
| Released | Jan 2019 |
| Ports | 48x 32Gb/16Gb/8Gb/4Gb SFP28 Fibre Channel ports (base 24 ports, expandable to 48 via 8-port licenses) |
| Switching capacity | 1.536 Tbps aggregate system bandwidth |
| Power supply | Dual redundant hot-plug power supplies with integrated fans |
Works together
How the Dell Connectrix MDS-9148T connects to servers, storage and the network: 1 way, with the parts and products on each path.
Fibre Channel SAN
Match the speed: 16Gb and 32Gb FC HBAs, switches and array ports work together, and each generation also runs one or two speeds below its own (a 32Gb port runs at 16Gb and 8Gb).
Servers
Dell PowerEdge R750 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R760 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R6515 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R7515 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R6525 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R7525 2U rack
Adapters for the server
540-BCMT Dell QLogic 2772 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BCMU Dell Emulex LPe35002 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BBUU Dell Emulex LPe31002 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
540-BBUV Dell QLogic 2692 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
Storage
Dell Unity XT 480XT 2U rack
Dell PowerStore 5000T 2U rack
Dell Unity XT 380F 2U rack
Dell Unity XT 380XT 2U rack
Dell Unity XT 480F 2U rack
Dell Unity XT 680F 2U rack
Optics
Plan and size it
- Draw this setup in the topology planner mrplanb.com
- Add up rack power and space rack-density.com
- Virtualization storage Ledger: scored storage platforms mrplanb.com
- SAN transport and NVMe over FC for backup mrplanb.com
- Dell E-Lab Navigator (Dell interoperability) dell.com
Check compatibility with Dell
Before you buy, confirm the exact configuration against the vendor's own lists: firmware levels, operating systems, adapters and optics that Dell has tested with the Dell Connectrix MDS-9148T.
- Compatibility Dell E-Lab Navigator (storage and SAN interoperability) (free vendor sign-in)
- Support Dell Support: drivers, manuals and service tag lookup
Equivalent models from other brands
Buying a used MDS-9148T: what to check
Verify active port activation licenses (24 to 48 ports) and Enterprise Software Package entitlements. Test redundant power supplies and ensure console serial connection establishes cleanly.
FAQ
What operating system runs on the Connectrix MDS-9148T?
The switch runs Cisco NX-OS Software optimized and qualified by Dell for enterprise storage SAN deployments.
Does the MDS-9148T support VSANs?
Yes, Cisco VSAN technology allows hardware-isolated logical fabrics to operate within a single physical switch chassis.
Buying or selling MDS-9148T?
New, refurbished or used. Tell us the quantity and condition and we connect you with a vetted reseller in your region, usually within one working day.
Sources
- Dell Connectrix MDS-9148T Specification Sheet, checked 2026-10-27