Dell part number 196TN identifies the 196TN - Dell 10Gbs Dual Port SFP+ PCIe x8 Network Interface Card, an enterprise-grade Network Adapters unit appropriate for data-center, server-room, and workstation deployment. Technical specifications include interface of PCIe. Typical use cases include enterprise LAN core-distribution-access architecture, hyperconverged cluster east-west traffic, SAN fabric uplinks, and replacement of EOL/EOSL networking infrastructure under existing OEM warranty contracts. Pro Disk Network sources the 196TN through reputable distribution channels and applies a verification check against the OEM compatibility matrix before each unit is added to active inventory. Each unit ships from a US fulfillment hub (Hillsboro OR, Atlanta GA, or Phoenix AZ) with same-day dispatch on in-stock orders before 3pm ET. 90-day Pro Disk Network functional warranty included; free US ground shipping on orders over $150.
The 196TN is a Dell network adapters component with interface PCIe. Pro Disk Network sells the 196TN for $172.17 with same-day US shipping and a 30-day return guarantee.
Quick Answer: Is the 196TN compatible with my switch?
Pro Disk Network validates every 196TN against the target switch's published compatibility matrix before shipment. If you let us know your switch model and firmware version, we will confirm fitment and code the module appropriately (Cisco-coded, Juniper-coded, HPE-coded, etc.) at no extra charge.
How fast does the 196TN ship?
196TN orders placed before 3 pm ET ship the same business day from US warehouses. Delivery is next business day to most metro ZIPs via FedEx/UPS overnight; ground delivery covers remaining US in 1-4 business days.
The 196TN is deployed by US enterprises, MSPs, government, and education customers across multiple infrastructure scenarios. Below are the most common deployment patterns Pro Disk Network sees in real-world orders.
Server Uplink — 10G/25G server-to-leaf uplink — pair with matching DAC or AOC at the host NIC to avoid optic mismatch.
DCI (Data Center Interconnect) — Inter-DC routing or aggregation. LR4/LR8 transceivers for 10–80 km, ER4 for 40 km, ZR4 for coherent long-haul.
Campus Distribution — Catalyst-class campus distribution between IDF and MDF closets. PoE+ where wireless APs and IP phones share infrastructure.
Branch / Edge — Smaller form-factor switches and routers for branch sites. SD-WAN-compatible or static-VPN-attached as the architecture dictates.
What is the 196TN?
The 196TN is a Dell enterprise networking device with interface PCIe, manufactured by Dell. Pro Disk Network ships this part new and certified-refurbished from our US warehouse with same-day dispatch on orders placed before 3 PM ET, backed by a 30-day return guarantee.
Pros & Cons of 196TN
Pros
Matched-pair option for redundant link orders
Cabling and DAC/AOC labels clearly mark optic class
Cons
DAC cables capped at 7 m — use AOC or fibre for longer runs
SR optic vs LR optic confusion — verify before ordering
Refurbished tier optic does not include retail vendor packaging
Frequently Asked Questions about 196TN
Is the 196TN a genuine Dell part?
Yes. Pro Disk Network sources every 196TN as factory-original Dell inventory. New units arrive sealed in OEM packaging; refurbished units are pulled from decommissioned Dell servers, surface-tested, and re-warranted by Pro Disk Network for 90 days.
Is the 196TN compatible with my switch?
Pro Disk Network validates every 196TN against the target switch's published compatibility matrix before shipment. If you let us know your switch model and firmware version, we will confirm fitment and code the module appropriately (Cisco-coded, Juniper-coded, HPE-coded, etc.) at no extra charge.
How fast does the 196TN ship?
196TN orders placed before 3 pm ET ship the same business day from US warehouses. Delivery is next business day to most metro ZIPs via FedEx/UPS overnight; ground delivery covers remaining US in 1-4 business days.
What is the warranty on the 196TN?
New 196TN units carry the full Dell manufacturer warranty (typically 1 to 5 years depending on product line). Refurbished and bulk-OEM units include a Pro Disk Network advance-replacement warranty (90 days refurbished). DOA replacement is free within 30 days of receipt.
Do you offer bulk pricing for the 196TN?
Email sales@prodisknetwork.com with the quantity and target ship date for a quote within one business day.
Optic Coding, Vendor Lock-In, and Multi-Vendor Compatibility
For Cisco IOS, IOS-XE, and NX-OS switches, the 196TN works out-of-box if coded for Cisco; for Aruba ArubaOS-CX, code for HPE/Aruba; for Juniper Junos, code for Juniper. Pro Disk Network confirms the target vendor coding at order time and applies it before shipping. Misordered coding can be flashed in the field but the lead time is longer than ordering correctly the first time.
Bandwidth Sizing for Spine-Leaf, EVPN-VXLAN, and Hyperconverged Storage
Document optic types and bandwidth in your network drawings: SR-SR for intra-rack, LR-LR for inter-rack and DCI, ZR4 for long-haul coherent. Mismatched optic-distance ratings is the most common cause of intermittent link errors that look like cable problems but aren't.