What is the difference between N3024EF-ON and N3024ET-ON?

N3024EF-ON provides twenty-four 1GbE SFP fiber access ports, while N3024ET-ON provides twenty-four 10/100/1000Mb RJ-45 copper access ports. Neither is a PoE model.

Which Dell N3024E model provides PoE?

N3024EP-ON provides twenty-four powered copper ports: twelve support PoE+ up to 30.8W and twelve support up to 60W, according to Dell's specification sheet.

DELL CAMPUS SWITCH SELECTION

Dell N3000E Fiber, Copper and PoE Model Guide

A model-level comparison of N3024EF-ON, N3024ET-ON and N3024EP-ON for fiber access, copper access and powered endpoints.

Published July 14, 2026Official sources reviewed July 14, 2026

ACCESS PORTS24 per model

INTEGRATED UPLINKS2 x 10GbE SFP+

SWITCH FABRIC212Gbps full duplex

FORWARDING158Mpps

The suffix defines the access medium

The three 24-port N3000E models share switching capacity, integrated 10GbE uplinks, combo ports and an expansion bay, but they are not interchangeable. The EF model is built around SFP fiber access, the ET model around unpowered copper, and the EP model around powered copper endpoints.

Model	Access interfaces	PoE	Included PSU	Best-fit starting point
N3024EF-ON	24 x 1GbE SFP; official sheet identifies 1000-SX up to 500m or 1000-LX up to 10km	No	200W	Fiber-fed buildings, secure optical access or long campus links.
N3024ET-ON	24 x 10/100/1000Mb RJ-45	No	200W	Ordinary copper access where endpoints have local power.
N3024EP-ON	24 x 10/100/1000Mb RJ-45	12 ports up to 30.8W PoE+; 12 ports up to 60W	715W, C15 plug required	Phones, cameras, access points and other powered endpoints.
Shared front uplinks	2 x 10GbE SFP+ plus 2 x GbE combo media ports	Not applicable	Model-specific	Distribution uplinks and mixed copper/fiber edge requirements.
Expansion bay	Optional 2-port 10GBASE-T or 2-port 10GbE SFP+ module	Not applicable	Power impact must be checked	Additional 10GbE uplink capacity when supported by the design.

Shared performance does not mean shared deployment

Dell publishes 212Gbps full-duplex switch fabric and 158Mpps forwarding for all three 24-port models. Each has two rear stacking ports supporting 84Gbps full duplex, and the N3000E platform supports larger stacks than mixed stacks with legacy N3000 members.

Those common values simplify a like-for-like performance comparison, but cable plant, endpoint power and optics remain the decisive differences. A copper-to-fiber media converter or external PoE injector can add operational complexity that outweighs a superficially cheaper chassis.

Fiber access

Choose N3024EF-ON when optical access is the design requirement, then specify every SFP by fiber type, wavelength and reach.

Copper without PoE

Choose N3024ET-ON where endpoints use standard 1GbE copper and do not draw power from the switch.

Powered copper

Choose N3024EP-ON only after calculating endpoint class, per-port demand, aggregate PoE budget and redundant-power needs.

Power supply and expansion choices belong in the BOM

Item	Official platform boundary	Procurement check
200W redundant PSU	Adds redundancy to N3024ET-ON and N3024EF-ON.	Confirm the second supply, V-Lock and correct power cords.
715W redundant PSU	Adds redundancy or additional PoE power to N3024EP-ON.	Confirm total endpoint load and C15 power-cord requirement.
10GBASE-T expansion	Two-port hot-swappable copper uplink module.	Confirm peer speed, cabling category, distance and thermal plan.
10GbE SFP+ expansion	Two-port hot-swappable optical uplink module.	Optics are separate and must match fiber plant and peer.
Integrated optics	Dell lists SFP and SFP+ classes and reaches as optional.	Do not assume optics or DACs are included with the switch.

Selection logic for a 24-port block

Inventory endpoints: copper or fiber, speed, connector and whether switch power is required.
Inspect the plant: copper category, fiber type, wavelength, patching and measured distance.
Calculate PoE: endpoint class, maximum and expected draw, startup peaks and growth.
Map uplinks: integrated SFP+, combo ports, optional expansion and stacking usage.
Plan resilience: second PSU, circuits, stack topology, spare optics and failure domains.
Confirm software: OS6/ONIE requirements, stack compatibility and feature support.

Procurement checklist

Do not release the order until these fields are explicit

Exact PID including EF, ET or EP and the -ON suffix.
New or remanufactured condition, warranty and support scope.
Primary and redundant power supplies plus correct cords.
Expansion module PID, stacking cables and rack kit.
Every optic or DAC PID, quantity, reach and endpoint compatibility.
Software image, licensing, configuration service and delivery date.

Related N3000E product records

Compare the exact suffix before requesting a quote.

N3024EF-ON fiber N3024ET-ON copper N3024EP-ON PoE

Official manufacturer sources

This independent selection guide is not a Dell publication and does not claim partner authorization. Confirm current support, software, optics, power and final order contents with Dell documentation before purchase.