Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc.
is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell™, the DELL logo, PowerConnect™, OpenManage™,
ReadyRails™ , and
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this publication to refer to either the entities claiming
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Tor x™
are trademarks of Dell Inc. Microsoft®, Windows® are registered
Connecting a Switch to a Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Booting the Switch
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Performing the Initial Configuration
Initial Configuration Procedure
Example Session
Next Steps
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
. . . . . . . . . . . 21
. . . . . . . . . . . 22
4Contents
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.
Introduction5
Dell designed the PowerConnect 8100 Series for energy savings from the
power cord to the ports, starting with EEE-capable ports to reduce active and
passive port power consumption for all ports. In addition to redundant power
supplies that can operate efficiently in all modes, variable speed fans reduce
consumption by adjusting their speed for their environment through multiple
temperature monitors. Lastly, the PC8100 family includes Dell’s Lifetime
Limited Warranty with Basic Hardware Service (repair or replacement) for
life.
Hardware Overview
This section contains information about device characteristics and modular
hardware configurations for the PowerConnect 81xx switches.
PowerConnect 81xx has the following physical dimensions:
•440 x 460 x 44 mm (W x D x H).
•17.32 x 18.11 x 1.73 inches (W x D x H).
PowerConnect 81xx has a chassis design with four kinds of solutions and 640
Gbps and 320 Gbps switching bandwidth as listed below:
1
PC8132F - 24 port SFP+ 10G + 40G/80G extension module
The module slots can plug in three kinds of modules:
•SFP+
•10G Base-T
•QSFP+
The system also provides one RS-232 interface RJ45 type console port and a
dedicated Ethernet service port for OOB management functions.
The PC81xx has the following features:
•Support one USB port
•Forty-eight 10 Gbps ports for 1G/10G transceiver
6Hardware Overview
•Two fixed 40 Gbps QSFP ports for 40G transceiver
•One 80 Gbps expansion slots for SFP+, 10G Base-T and QSFP+ modules
•On board high performance CPU system with large memory.
XLP308H/256 MB NOR Flash/2GB DDR III RAM.
•Temperature monitoring (TMP75)
•Software readable thermal monitor
•RTC time clock support
•Hot plugging redundant power supply
•Current monitoring for Power management
•The fan is removable and can be managed
•Standard 1U chassis high
Front Panel
The following image shows the PowerConnect 81xx front panel:
Figure 1. PowerConnect 81xx Front Panel
The front panel includes:
•24/48 fixed 10G Base-T or SFP+ ports
•Management port
•USB 2.0 port
NOTE: LED display for System, fan and power status indicators are on the back
panel.
QSFP+ Ports
Hardware Overview7
Quad-Port SFP Uplink Fixed Ports
The PC8164 and PC8164F models feature two fixed QSFP ports, each
providing the following features:
•Four 10G ports with quad-breakout/QBO cable
•One 40G port supporting CR4, SR4 and LR4 transceivers
•Front panel port status LEDs
The QSFP connections can be used for stacking. Stacking is supported at
distances of up to 100M.
NOTE: The QSFP modules can be used only for the PowerConnect 81xx-
series switches.
Expansion Slot
The 80 Gbps expansion slot supports the following modules:
•SFP+ (four 10G ports)
•10G Base-T (four 10G ports)
•QSFP+ (may be configured as two 40G ports or up to 8 10G ports)
The modules are sold separately.
UART Interface
The UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) port is modeled
after the industry standard 16550 UART devices. The UART port provides
serial communication capabilities, which allows communication with the
model or other external devices using RS-232 protocol. A serial port provides
a direct connection to the switch and allows you to access the CLI from a
console terminal connected to the port through the provided serial cable
(with RJ45 YOST to female DB-9 connectors).
The UART port is separately configurable and can be run as an asynchronous
link from 1200 baud to 4M baud.
8Hardware Overview
The UART interface can be programmed with the following options:
•5, 6, 7, or 8 character bits
•1, 1.5, or 2 stop bits
•Parity option
•Even/odd parity (if parity option is enabled)
•Sticky parity (if parity option is enabled)
The defaults are 9600 baud rate, 8 data bits, No Parity, 1 Stop Bit, No Flow
Control.
System LEDs
The system contains light emitting diodes (LEDs) that provide indications
about the System, Temp, Diag, Fan, Stack, and Locator status of the
PowerConnect 81xx unit. Table 1 contains the status LED definitions:
Table 1. LED Definitions for System
FeatureDetailed DescriptionComment
System LED
Temp LED
Diag LED
• Solid blue - Normal
operation
• Blinking blue - Booting
• Solid red - Critical
system error
• Blinking red - Noncritical system error (fan
fail, power supply fail)
• Off - Normal
temperature
• Solid amber - Overtemp
• Off - Normal operating
• Blinking green Diagnostic test running
On front panel
On back panel
a
On back panel
Hardware Overview9
Table 1. LED Definitions for System (continued)
911151171375
owerConnect8164
FeatureDetailed DescriptionComment
Fan LED
• Solid green - Fan
On back panel
powered and at expected
RPM
• Solid red - Fan failed
Stack LED
• Solid blue - Switch in
On back panel
stacking mode
• Solid green - Switch in
stacking slave mode
• Off - Switch in stand
alone mode
Locator LED
• Blinking blue - Locator
On back panel
function is enabled
• Solid blue - Locator
function is disabled
a. The thermal sensors system temperature threshold is 75°C. When the threshold is exceeded, the
Temp LED lights up to Amber.
Figure 2. Port LEDs
FAN 1
Console
OOB
Locator
Stack
Temp
Dlag
System LED
1212121
2
10Hardware Overview
PowerConnect 8164
3
4
7
5
8
6
9
101112
15
13
14
17
16
20
18
23
21222319
24
Installation
Site Preparation
Before installing the switch or switches, make sure that the chosen
installation location meets the following site requirements:
•
Clearance
Allow clearance for cabling, power connections, and ventilation.
•
Cabling
radio transmitters, broadcast amplifiers, power lines, and fluorescent
lighting fixtures.
•
Ambient Temperature
is 10° to 35ºC (50° to 95ºF).
NOTE: Decrease the maximum temperature by 1°C (1.8°F) per 300 m (985 ft.) above
900 m (2955 ft.).
•
Relative Humidity
(noncondensing) with a maximum humidity gradation of 10% per hour.
Unpacking the Switch
Package Contents
When unpacking each switch, make sure that the following items are
included:
•One PowerConnect switch
•One RJ45-to-DB-9 female cable
•Two sets of rail kits (no tools required)
•Two PSUs (packed separately)
•Two AC power cords (country/region specific)
•Getting Started Guide
•Safety and Regulatory Information
•Warranty and Support Information
•Software License Agreement
—There is adequate front and rear clearance for operator access.
—The cabling is routed to avoid sources of electrical noise such as
—The ambient switch operating temperature range
—The operating relative humidity is 8% to 85%
Installation11
Unpacking Steps
NOTE: Before unpacking the switch, inspect the container and immediately report
any evidence of damage.
1
Place the container on a clean, flat surface and cut all straps securing the
container.
2
Open the container or remove the container top.
3
Carefully remove the switch from the container and place it on a secure
and clean surface.
4
Remove all packing material.
5
Inspect the product and accessories for damage.
Rack Mounting the Switch
You may either place the switch on the rack shelf or mount the switch directly
into a 19" wide, EIA-310-E compliant rack (four-post, two-post, or threaded
methods). The Dell ReadyRails™ system is provided for 1U front-rack, and
two-post installations. The ReadyRails system includes two separately
packaged rail assemblies and two rails that are shipped attached to the sides
of the switch.
WARNING: This is a condensed reference. Read the safety instructions in your
Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory information booklet before you begin.
NOTE: The illustrations in this document are not intended to represent a specific
switch.
Rack Mounting Safety Considerations
•Rack loading—Overloading or uneven loading of racks may result in shelf
or rack failure, causing damage to equipment and possible personal injury.
Stabilize racks in a permanent location before loading begins. Mount
components beginning at the bottom of the rack, then work to the top.
Do not exceed your rack load rating.
•Power considerations—Connect only to the power source specified on the
unit. When multiple electrical components are installed in a rack, ensure
that the total component power ratings do not exceed circuit capabilities.
Overloaded power sources and extension cords present fire and shock
hazards.
12Installation
•Elevated ambient temperature—If installed in a closed rack assembly, the
operating temperature of the rack environment may be greater than room
ambient. Use care not to exceed the 50 degrees C maximum ambient
temperature of the switch.
•Reduced air flow—Install the equipment in the rack so that the amount of
airflow required for safe operation of the equipment is not compromised.
•Reliable earthing—Maintain reliable earthing of rack-mounted
equipment. Pay particular attention to supply connections other than
direct connections to the branch circuit, for example: use of power strips.
•Product should not be mounted with the rear panel facing in the
downward position.
Installing the Dell ReadyRails System
The ReadyRails rack mounting system is provided to easily configure your
rack for installation of your switch. The ReadyRails system can be installed
using the 1U tool-less method or one of three possible 1U tooled methods
(two-post flush mount, two-post center mount, or four-post threaded).
Installation13
1U Tool-less Configuration (Four-post Square Hole or Unthreaded Round Hole)
1
With the ReadyRails flange ears facing outward, place one rail between the
left and right vertical posts. Align and seat the rear flange rail pegs in the
rear vertical post flange. In Figure 3, item 1 and its extractions illustrate
how the pegs appear in both the square and unthreaded round holes.
Figure 3. 1U Tool-less Configuration
2
Align and seat the front flange pegs in the holes on the front side of the
vertical post. See Figure 3, item 2.
3
Repeat this procedure for the second rail.
4
To remove each rail, pull on the latch release button on each flange ear and
unseat each rail. See Figure 3, item 3.
14Installation
Two-post Flush-mount Configuration
1
For this configuration, the castings must be removed from the front side of
each ReadyRails assembly. See Figure 4, item 1 on page 15. Use a Torx
driver to remove the two screws from each front flange ear (on the switch
side of the rail) and remove each casting. Retain the castings for future
rack requirements. It is not necessary to remove the rear flange castings.
Figure 4. Two-post Flush-mount Configuration
2
Attach one rail to the front post flange with two user-supplied screws.
See Figure 4, item 2.
Installation15
3
Slide the plunger bracket forward against the vertical post and secure the
plunger bracket to the post flange with two user-supplied screws.
See Figure 4, item 3.
4
Repeat this procedure for the second rail.
Two-post Center-mount Configuration
1
Slide the plunger bracket rearward until it clicks into place and secure the
bracket to the front post flange with two user-supplied screws.
See Figure 5, item 1.
Figure 5. Two-post Center-mount Configuration
2
Slide the back bracket towards the post and secure it to the post flange
with two user-supplied screws. See Figure 5, item 2.
3
Repeat this procedure for the second rail.
16Installation
Four-post Threaded Configuration
1
For this configuration, the flange ear castings must be removed from each
end of the ReadyRails assemblies. Use a Torx driver to remove the two
screws from each flange ear and remove each casting. See Figure 6, item 1
on page 17. Retain the castings for future rack requirements.
2
For each rail, attach the front and rear flanges to the post flanges with two
user-supplied screws at each end. See Figure 6, item 2 on page 17.
Figure 6. Four-post Threaded Configuration
Installation17
Installing the Switch
The switch may be mounted in the 1U front-rack and 1U two-post (flush and
center) configurations. The following is an example of 1U front-rack
configuration. The 1U two-post (flush and center) configurations, you can
slide the switch into the rails in the same manner as the four-post
configurations.
1U Front-rack Installation
The rails that are attached to the switch must be configured.
1
Attach the switch rails (inner chassis members) to the PC81xx switch.
Figure 7, item 1 shows the detail for the front standoff with locking tab.
Figure 7. Attaching the Switch Rails
2
After both switch rails are installed, line them up on Ready-Rails previously
mounted to the rack and slide the switch in until flush with front of rack.
About 3inches prior to full insertion, the rail locking feature will engage to
keep the switch from inadvertently sliding out of the rack and falling.
18Installation
Starting and Configuring the Switch
The following flow chart provides an overview of the steps you use to perform
the initial configuration after the switch is unpacked and mounted.
Figure 8. Installation and Configuration Flow Chart
Connect Power
and Console
Power On
Choose Option 2
Boot Menu
(Special Functions)
Reboot
Ye s
Enter Boot
Menu?
No
Loading Program
from Flash to RAM
Enter
Wizard?
No
Manual Initial
Configuration
Advanced
Configuration
Ye s
Easy Setup Wizard
Configuration
Starting and Configuring the Switch19
Connecting a Switch to a Terminal
After completing all external connections, connect a terminal to a switch to
configure the switch.
NOTE: Read the release notes for this product before proceeding. You can
download the release notes from the Dell Support website at
support.dell.com/support.
NOTE: We recommend that you obtain the most recent version of the user
documentation from the Dell Support website at support.dell.com/support.
To monitor and configure the switch via serial console, use the RJ45 console
port on the back panel of the switch to connect it to a VT100 terminal or to a
computer running VT100 terminal emulation software. The console port is
implemented as a data terminal equipment (DTE) connector.
The following equipment is required to use the console port:
•VT100-compatible terminal or a desktop or a portable computer with a
serial port running VT100 terminal emulation software,
HyperTerminal.
•A serial cable (provided) with a RJ45 connector for the console port and
DB-9 connector for the terminal.
Perform the following tasks to connect a terminal to the switch console port:
Connect the DB-9 connector on the serial cable to the terminal or
Configure the terminal emulation software as follows:
a
Select the appropriate serial port (for example, COM 1) to connect to
the console.
b
Set the data rate to 9600 baud.
c
Set the data format to 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity.
d
Set the flow control to none.
e
Set the terminal emulation mode to
f
Select Terminal keys for Function, Arrow, and Ctrl keys. Ensure that
VT100
.
the setting is for Terminal keys (not Microsoft Windows keys).
such as Microsoft
20Starting and Configuring the Switch
NOTE: When using HyperTerminal with Microsoft Windows 2000, make sure
that you have Windows 2000 Service Pack 2 or later installed. With Windows
2000 Service Pack 2, the arrow keys function properly in HyperTerminal's
VT100 emulation. Go to microsoft.com for more information about
Windows 2000 service packs.
3
Connect the RJ45 connector on the cable directly to the PowerConnect
81xx RJ45 console port located on the back of the switch.
Booting the Switch
When the power is turned on, the switch goes through a power-on self-test
(POST). POST runs every time the switch is initialized and checks hardware
components to determine if the switch is fully operational before completely
booting. If POST detects a critical problem, the program flow stops. If POST
passes successfully, valid firmware is loaded into RAM. POST messages are
displayed on the terminal and indicate test success or failure. The boot
process runs for approximately 60 seconds.
With local terminal connected, you can invoke the Boot menu after the first
part of the POST is completed. From the Boot menu, you can perform
configuration tasks such as resetting the system to factory defaults, activating
the backup image, or recovering a password. For more information about the
Boot menu functions, see the CLI Reference Guide.
Performing the Initial Configuration
The initial configuration procedure is based on the following assumptions:
•The PowerConnect switch was never configured before and is in the same
state as when you received it.
•The PowerConnect switch booted successfully.
•The console connection was established, and the
prompt appears on the screen of a VT100 terminal or terminal equivalent.
The initial switch configuration is performed through the console port. After
the initial configuration, you can manage the switch from the alreadyconnected console port or through a remote connection.
NOTE: The switch is not configured with a default user name, password, or
IP address.
Starting and Configuring the Switch21
Dell Easy Setup Wizard
Before setting up the initial configuration of the switch, obtain the following
information from your network administrator:
•The IP address to be assigned to the out-of-band (OOB) interface for
device management.
•The IP subnet mask for the OOB interface.
•The IP address of the OOB interface default gateway.
These settings are necessary to allow the remote management of the switch
through Telnet (Telnet client) or HTTP (Web browser).
Initial Configuration Procedure
You can perform the initial configuration by using the Dell Easy Setup
Wizard or by using the CLI. The wizard automatically starts when the switch
configuration file is empty. You can exit the wizard at any point by entering
[ctrl+z], but all configuration settings specified will be discarded, and the
switch will use the default values.
NOTE: If you do not run the Easy Setup Wizard or do not respond to the initial Easy
Setup Wizard prompt within 60 seconds, the switch enters CLI mode.
For more information about performing the initial configuration by using the
CLI, see the CLI Reference Guide. This Getting Started Guide shows how to
use the Easy Setup Wizard for initial switch configuration. The wizard sets up
the following configuration on the switch:
•Establishes the initial privileged user account with a valid password. The
wizard configures one privileged user account during the setup.
•Enables CLI login and HTTP access to use the local authentication setting
only.
•Sets up the IP address for the OOB interface.
•Sets up the SNMP community string to be used by the SNMP manager at
a given IP address. You may choose to skip this step if SNMP management
is not used for this switch.
22Starting and Configuring the Switch
Example Session
This section describes an Easy Setup Wizard session. The following values are
used by the example session:
NOTE: There is no username, password, or ip address when the switch is unboxed
or set to factory defaults.
•SNMP is not enabled.
•The default user name,
entered. The Wizard does not display the password as it is entered.
•The OOB management interface uses
assignment.
NOTE: In the example below, the possible user options or default values are
enclosed in [ ]. If you press <Enter> with no options defined, the default value is
accepted. Help text is in parentheses.
The following example contains the sequence of prompts and responses
associated with running an example Dell Easy Setup Wizard session, using
the input values listed above.
After the switch completes the POST and is booted, the following text is
displayed:
(Unit 1-Waiting to select management unit)>
Applying Global configuration, please wait ...
Welcome to Dell Easy Setup Wizard
root
, is accepted and a password of
192.168.2.1
admin123
for IP address
is
The Setup Wizard guides you through the initial switch
configuration, and gets you up and running as quickly
as possible. You can skip the setup wizard, and enter
CLI mode to manually configure the switch. You must
respond to the next question to run the setup wizard
within 60 seconds, otherwise the system will continue
with normal operation using the default system
configuration. Note: You can exit the setup wizard at
any point by entering [ctrl+z].
Would you like to run the setup wizard (you must
answer this question within 60 seconds)? [Y/N] y
Starting and Configuring the Switch23
First:
Do you want to select the operational mode as Simple
Mode? [Y/N] y
Step 1:
The system is not setup for SNMP management by
default. To manage the switch using SNMP (required for
Dell Network Manager) you can
. Set up the initial SNMP version 2 account now.
. Return later and setup other SNMP accounts. (For
more information on setting up an SNMP version 1
or 3 account, see the user documentation).
Would you like to setup the SNMP management interface
now? [Y/N] n
Step 2:
Now we need to setup your initial privilege (Level 15)
user account. This account is used to login to the CLI
and Web interface. You may setup other accounts and
change privilege levels later. For more information on
setting up user accounts and changing privilege
levels, see the user documentation.
To setup a user account:
Please enter the user name. [root]:
Please enter the user password:
Please reenter the user password:
Step 3:
Next, IP addresses are setup on the OOB (Out-Of-Band)
Interface and/or the VLAN1 routing interface.
You can use these IP addresses to access the CLI, Web
interface, or SNMP interface of the switch.
To access the switch through any Management Interface
you can
24Starting and Configuring the Switch
. Setup the IP address for the Management Interface.
. Setup the default gateway if IP address is
manually configured on both routing and OOB
interface.
Would you like to setup the Out-Of-Band interface now?
[Y/N] y
Please enter the IP address of the device (A.B.C.D) or
enter "DHCP" (without the quotes) to automatically
request an IP address from the network DHCP server.
[192.168.2.1]:
Please enter the IP subnet mask (A.B.C.D or /nn).
[255.255.255.0]:
This is the configuration information that has been
collected:
Operational Mode = Simple
User Account setup = root
Password = ********
Out-of-band IP address = 192.168.2.1 255.255.255.0
Final Step:
If the information is correct, please enter (Y) to
save the configuration, and copy the settings to the
start-up configuration file. If the information is
incorrect, enter (N) to discard the configuration and
restart the wizard: [Y/N] y
Thank you for using the Dell Easy Set up Wizard. You
will now enter CLI mode.
Applying Interface configuration, please wait ...
console>
Starting and Configuring the Switch25
Next Steps
After completing the initial configuration described in this section, you can
connect any of the front-panel switch ports to your production network for
in-band remote management.
If you specified DHCP for the OOB management interface IP address, the
interface will acquire its IP address from a DHCP server on the network. To
discover the dynamically-assigned IP address, use the console port connection
to issue the following command:
show ip interface out-of-band.
To access the Dell OpenManage Switch Administrator interface, enter the
OOB management interface IP address into the address field of a Web
browser. For remote management access to the CLI, enter the OOB
management interface IP address into a Telnet or SSH client. Alternatively,
you can continue to use the console port for local CLI access to the switch.
Your PowerConnect 81xx switch supports basic switching features such as
VLANs, 802.1X, RADIUS and TACACS+. For more information on the
features supported in Simple mode, see Simple Switch Mode: Port Aggregator Feature White Paper.
If the switch is configured to operate in Normal mode, it can also support
features such as spanning tree protocol, as well as advanced Layer 3 features
such as dynamic routing and multicast. Use the web-based management
interface or the CLI to configure the features your network requires. For
information about how to configure the switch features, see the User’s Configuration Guide or CLI Reference Guide available on the support site
support.dell.com/support.