Dell PowerConnect 8100 Series User Manual - Page 7

Introduction This document provides basic information about the Dell PowerConnect 81xx series of switches, PC8132, PC8132F, PC8164, PC8164F, including how to install a switch and perform the initial configuration. For information about how to configure and monitor switch features, see the User's Configuration Guide, which is available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com/support for the latest updates on documentation and firmware. This document contains the following sections: • Hardware Overview • Installation • Starting and Configuring the Switch Features The PowerConnect 8100 Series are highly scalable, non-stop networking switches for campus aggregation and core switching 10 GbE deployments. The family of Layer 3 switches delivers 10/40 GbE wire-speed performance required to power demanding Enterprise and business infrastructures, while enabling scalability and high density 10 GbE operation with simplified management. PC8100 Series delivers high availability and redundancy for small core and aggregation deployments that helps grow your network to high density 10 GbE operation and to 40 GbE for the Enterprise core. The family delivers high density stacking with either 10GbE or 40GbE ports, manageable as a single logical unit, as well as redundancy with power supplies, fans and firmware images. Simplified management also includes a USB Rapid Deployment feature to expedite network addressing at bootup, as well as streamline firmware image installs across the entire stack. Flexible management options include an industry-standard CLI, remote management using the embedded web server, and support for SNMP-based management applications including Dell OpenManage Network Manager. The PC8100 family includes storage networking support and iSCSI optimization. To simplify connectivity with Dell EqualLogic arrays, the iSCSI Auto-Configuration feature in all 8100 Series switches automatically detects the arrays and configures the switch for optimal throughput. This feature is enabled by default, streamlining the process to just connecting a cable. Connectivity with Dell Compellent arrays is also simplified with a single command configuration. Introduction 5