How Can I Set Up a Dell Managed Switch?
Network switches play an integral role in setting up network infrastructure for businesses of all sizes. In general, there are two types of switches available, namely, unmanaged switches and managed switches. Based on the requirements and applications, their type is chosen and implemented accordingly.
As the name suggests, unmanaged switches come with little to no configuration options, and all the ports will “see” each other. All you need is to plug them in and they will start working without any programming.
On the other hand, managed switches are configurable. You can program them according to your specific needs and preferences, set them up for trunking or link aggregation, set up VLANs, configure spanning trees, set up switch matrices, check port status, send manual WOL commands, and do a lot more.
If you don’t need advanced functions and you just want to connect all your computers in the same subnet or workgroup, then the Dell unmanaged switch is best for you. In businesses, Dell managed switches are more desirable due to specific and detailed requirements.
Thus, in this blog, we will keep our focus on managed switches to help you learn more about them in detail.
What are Managed Switches?
Managed switches are programmable switches that you need to actively manage for optimum performance. They are built to deliver the Quality of Service. In other words, if you know what to do, you can fine-tune the settings of a managed switch to deliver the highest quality of service.
So, it is a must to know what you are doing and why you are doing it. Though it is easy to do a quick Internet search to learn the terms such as port speed, port mirroring, VLANs, redundancy, and traffic prioritization, knowing what and why you are doing will allow you to navigate your way through the practical implications of all these concepts.
For instance, in most cases, you might want to prioritize VoIP phones over printers. However, video streaming might pose a greater challenge. While you may think about reducing bandwidth for browsing the Internet during breaks, you don’t want to do the same for video presentations and video-based learning.
Thus, having all your concepts clear allow you to optimize the overall performance of your network and the right use of resources within budget.
Managed switches are more complex than unmanaged switches and are also more expensive to buy. Using a managed switch will allow you to use VoIP phones instead of traditional phones, gives you access to advanced call-handling features that are typically available to large enterprises, streamline business processes, improve efficiency, and reduce overall costs.
Are Dell Managed Switches good and reliable?
Dell offers high-quality unmanaged and managed switches for users with different needs. So, yes, you can rely on Dell managed switches.
Dell PowerConnect Switches have excellent network connection speeds, deliver great performance, and are considered extremely reliable. They provide stable connectivity across the organization, ensure less downtime, and are also affordable. These switches are used by mid-sized companies with more than 50 to 1,000 employees and the IT Service industry.
Similarly, the Dell EMC PowerSwitch N series delivers great overall performance and facilitate easy stacking. They are highly efficient 10G switches and simple to manage. They are best for access and aggregation switching for ensuring efficient connection. They work as they should and don’t need continuous attention as other switches may. They deliver low latency and high density with hardware and software redundancy.
Their great Power Over Ethernet capabilities allows users a large number of powered devices, including video surveillance cameras, building automation lighting systems, telephone systems, etc. to run off of the power that our switches offer. Their Open Technologies provide robust connectivity. Plus, they have enhanced capabilities, boosted downlink bandwidth, increased uplink bandwidth, and higher stacking bandwidth.
Dell Managed Switches enhance employee productivity by providing better connectivity and handling modern workloads in modernized existing campus networks. They facilitate workforce transformation by enabling the smooth use of immersive, bandwidth-intensive applications. They allow you to enjoy the benefits of IoT and automation with enhanced PoE capabilities that newer models of the N series come with.
Some of the Dell EMC PowerSwitch N series switches such as N2224PX-ON are ideal for medium to large enterprise campus networks and retail deployments that require a wide range of PoE devices.
If you are wondering how to set up a Dell managed switch, continue reading to learn more.
How to Set Up a Dell Managed Switch
The following steps are for Dell PowerConnect 2800 series switches. As per experts, the following steps will work for any switches that can be moved from unmanaged to managed mode.
- Step 1: Set up your system for the IP address 192.168.2.2 and Subnet 255.255.255.0. You don’t need a gateway for it. Plug your system to any open Ethernet port of the switch.
- Step 2: Take a paperclip and push in the little inset button for a few seconds so that the Managed Mode light gets on and then release the button.
- Step 3: Open the Embedded Web Server of the switch by going to 192.168.2.1. Enter the username ‘admin’ and keep the password blank. Check the box Restore Saved Config Apply to reboot the switch.
- Step 4: Now, log back into the switch again at 192.168.2.1 and make any changes or setup you need.
We hope these steps will help you set up Dell managed switches.
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