Dell Active Fabric Manager
Dell Active Fabric Manager: A focused lifecycle tool for designing, deploying, and monitoring Dell VLT fabrics. Ranked #6 of 20 in Data Center Fabric Software by our editors (8.7/10); pricing: Pricing on request; best for teams deploying Dell VLT fabrics.
At a glance
- Editor score8.7 / 10
- PricingPricing on request
- Best forTeams deploying Dell VLT fabrics
- Fabric automationYes
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Designs Layer 2 VLT and two Layer 3 fabric types
- Discovers fabrics, deploys switch configurations, and validates changes
- Monitors health and performance through network, fabric, switch, and port views
Where it doesn't
- Management is limited to Dell Networking switches
- On-premises, self-hosted deployment requires local infrastructure
- Pricing is handled through sales
Our verdict on Dell Active Fabric Manager
Dell Active Fabric Manager (AFM) is a network automation and orchestration tool for administrators managing Dell data center fabrics. It designs Layer 2 VLT, Layer 3 Routed VLT, and Layer 3 distributed-core fabrics, with discovery and deployment workflows for Dell Networking switches. Its fit is clearest for mid-market and enterprise teams standardizing on Dell equipment and seeking a lifecycle tool rather than a multi-vendor fabric manager.
AFM covers design through day-to-day operations: it discovers existing fabrics and network elements, generates design and deployment configurations, then deploys and validates switch configurations. Monitoring includes network, fabric, switch, and port health and performance, alongside remote configuration management and system health alerts. Backup and restore, switch software upgrades, and audit trails extend the workflow beyond initial rollout. These capabilities make it relevant when fabric changes and ongoing upkeep need to sit in the same operational process; the scope remains focused on the supported Dell fabric types and switches.
The product is delivered as a self-hosted virtual appliance for on-premises deployment and integrates with Dell OpenManage Network Manager. Pricing follows a contact-sales model. The documented support channel is documentation. Teams evaluating a cross-vendor environment should consider another option, since AFM's management scope is Dell-specific. For organizations already running Dell fabrics, it offers a concentrated set of design, deployment, validation, monitoring, upgrade, and backup functions; those seeking a broad vendor-neutral fabric platform are less likely to find the right fit here.
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Dell Active Fabric Manager pricing
Dell Active Fabric Manager fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Fabric automation | Yes |
| Supported fabrics | Layer 2 VLT; Layer 3 distributed core; Layer 3 Routed VLT |
| Multi-vendor management | No |
| Fabric assurance | Yes |
| Deployment model | On-premises |
| API access | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 1 integrations: Dell OpenManage Network Manager |
| Pricing | Pricing on request |
| Website | dell.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Dell Active Fabric Manager integrations
Dell Active Fabric Manager lists 1 integrations on its own site.
- Dell OpenManage Network Manager
Alternatives to Dell Active Fabric Manager
- Arista CloudVisionA broad operations suite for visibility, configuration control and fabric automation.9.3
- Huawei iMaster NCE-FabricA self-hosted fabric controller for teams building Huawei-based VXLAN data-center networks.9.2
- ExtremeCloud OrchestratorA self-hosted control point for automating Extreme IP fabric deployment and operations.9.0
See all Dell Active Fabric Manager alternatives →
Dell Active Fabric Manager vs the competition
- Dell Active Fabric Manager vs Arista CloudVision
- Dell Active Fabric Manager vs Huawei iMaster NCE-Fabric
- Dell Active Fabric Manager vs ExtremeCloud Orchestrator
- Dell Active Fabric Manager vs Nokia Fabric Services System
- Dell Active Fabric Manager vs Dell SmartFabric Manager
- Dell Active Fabric Manager vs NVIDIA NetQ
Compare Dell Active Fabric Manager with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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