Which I/O module(s) supports Full Switch and SmartFabric operating modes?

Question

Options

• AMX9116n and MX5108n
• BMX5108 and MX5016s
• CMX9116n only
• DMX9116 and MX7116n

• A
  93% (37)
• C
  3% (1)
• D
  5% (2)

Explanation

Option A is correct because both the MX9116n (Fabric Expander Module) and the MX5108n (25GbE switch) are the Dell EMC PowerEdge MX I/O modules designed to support both Full Switch mode (traditional managed switch with full L2/L3 control) and SmartFabric mode (automated, policy-driven fabric management via OpenManage Enterprise).

Why the distractors are wrong:

• B (MX5108 and MX5016s): The MX5016s is a pass-through module with no switching intelligence - it cannot operate in either mode. Also note "MX5108" without the "n" is an imprecise reference.
• C (MX9116n only): This is a partial truth trap - the MX9116n does support both modes, but so does the MX5108n, making C incomplete.
• D (MX9116 and MX7116n): The MX7116n is a Fabric Expander Module (FEM) that operates in Fabric Expander mode only - it extends fabric from a spine switch and does not independently support Full Switch or SmartFabric modes.

Memory tip: Think "n = network intelligence" - the two modules with an "n" suffix that are actual switches (MX9116n + MX5108n) are your mode-capable pair. The MX7116n looks similar but is a FEM (expander), not a standalone switch, so it doesn't qualify.

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