Dell part number F5CFW identifies the F5CFW - Dell M5424 8Gb/s Fibre Channel Blade Switch For Dell Poweredge M1000E, an enterprise-grade Switch Modules unit appropriate for data-center, server-room, and workstation deployment. Technical specifications include capacity of 8 GB, interface of Fibre Channel, data rate of 8 Gb/s. 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 maintains the F5CFW in our enterprise inventory and verifies each unit against manufacturer datasheet specifications prior to listing. Listed compatibility: Dell Poweredge M1000. Cross-verify against the OEM compatibility matrix before deployment for production workloads. New stock ships factory-sealed where available; refurbished units are tested under load before dispatch and ship with a 90-day Pro Disk Network functional warranty. Same-day dispatch on in-stock orders placed before 3pm ET; free standard ground shipping on US orders over $150.
The F5CFW is a Dell switch modules component with capacity 8 GB, interface Fibre Channel, data rate 8 Gb/s. Pricing on the F5CFW is quote-based — email sales@prodisknetwork.com or use our live chat for a quote within one business day.
Quick Answer: Is the F5CFW compatible with my switch?
Pro Disk Network validates every F5CFW 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 F5CFW ship?
Pro Disk Network dispatches the F5CFW same-day on orders confirmed before 3 pm ET. Multi-pallet projects requiring crating ship within 2 business days. International shipping (Canada, Mexico, EU, APAC) takes 3-7 business days via DHL Express or FedEx International Priority.
The F5CFW 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.
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 F5CFW?
The F5CFW is a Dell enterprise networking device with capacity 8 GB and interface Fibre Channel, 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 F5CFW
Pros
Matched-pair option for redundant link orders
Cabling and DAC/AOC labels clearly mark optic class
Cons
Not for hyperscale ZR coherent — different SKU family
Some vendors deprecate firmware on EOL part numbers
Mismatched optic+switch firmware can require manual override
Frequently Asked Questions about F5CFW
Is the F5CFW a genuine Dell part?
Yes. Pro Disk Network sources every F5CFW 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 F5CFW compatible with my switch?
Pro Disk Network validates every F5CFW 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 F5CFW ship?
Pro Disk Network dispatches the F5CFW same-day on orders confirmed before 3 pm ET. Multi-pallet projects requiring crating ship within 2 business days. International shipping (Canada, Mexico, EU, APAC) takes 3-7 business days via DHL Express or FedEx International Priority.
What is the warranty on the F5CFW?
New F5CFW 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 F5CFW?
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
If you are running a multi-vendor leaf-spine architecture (Arista leaves and Cisco spines, for example), order optics coded for each endpoint separately. Optics in DAC and AOC cables are factory-coded to each end and cannot be flashed in-field. Plan the coding split at design time and document it in your network drawings.
Bandwidth Sizing for Spine-Leaf, EVPN-VXLAN, and Hyperconverged Storage
Sizing network bandwidth for a leaf-spine fabric using the F5CFW starts with the workload mix. For general-purpose virtualisation, plan 10G server-to-leaf, 25G or 40G leaf-to-spine; oversubscription up to 4:1 is acceptable. For hyperconverged storage (vSAN, Ceph, Storage Spaces Direct), plan 25G server-to-leaf at minimum, 100G leaf-to-spine, oversubscription 1.5:1 maximum. East-west traffic dominates in HCI clusters and starves on oversubscribed fabrics.