Basic Networking Technologie

Networking Terminology
The following tabs illustrate the terms and vocabulary that is typically found in
the networking environment:

NIC - Network Interface Card. A network adapter on a circuit board that plugs into
a computer's internal bus architecture.

10base-T - Similar to the standard telephone cabling and also known as Twisted Pair
Ethernet, 10BASE-T is a 10 MBps CSMA/CD (carrier sense multiple access with
collision detection) Ethernet LAN that works on Category 3 or better twisted-pair
cables. 10BASE-T cables can be up to 100 m in length.

1GbaseT - 1GbaseT is also known as 1000BASE-T or 802.3z/802.3ab. It is a later

Ethernet technology that utilizes all four copper wires in a Category 5 (Cat 5 and
Cat 5e) capable of transferring 1 Gbps.

10GbaseT - 10GbaseT is also known as 802.3ae. It is a new standard that was

published in 2002 and supports up to 10 Gbps transmissions. 10 GbE defines only
full-duplex point-to-point links that are connected by network switches, unlike
previous Ethernet standards. Half-duplex operation, CSMA/CD (carrier sense multiple
access with collision detection), and hubs do not exist in 10GbE.

RJ-45 - An RJ-45 is an 8-pin connection used for Ethernet network adapters.

This connector is most commonly connected to the end of Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable, which
is connected between a computer network card and a network device such as a network
router.

SFP - Small form-factor pluggable (SFP) is a specification for a new generation of

optical modular transceivers. The devices are designed for use with small form
factor (SFF) connectors, and offer high speed and physical compactness. They are
hot-swappable.

SFP+ - SFP+ is an enhanced version of the SFP that supports data rates up to 10
Gbps. SFP+ supports 8 Gbps Fibre Channel, 10 GbE, and Optical Transport Network
standard OTU2. It is a popular industry format supported by many network component
vendors.

QSFP - Quad SFP (QSFP) is a compact, hot-pluggable transceiver also used for data
communications applications.

QSFP+ - QSFP+ evolved as the standard to support 4x10Gbps or 40 Gbps data rates per
SFF-8436. Compared with QSFP+, QSFP products support Quad Small Form-factor
Pluggable with the different data rate so that there is no change in the product
solution. Nowadays, QSFP+ gradually replaces QSFP and is widely used by people as
it can provide higher bandwidth.

Broadcast - A broadcast describes a message or data sent to more than one person or
device.

Broadcast Domain - A broadcast domain is a logical division of a computer network,

in which all nodes can reach each other by broadcast at the data link layer. A
broadcast domain can be within the same LAN segment, or it can be bridged or
switched to other LAN segments.

Collision - An instance when one or more networking devices attempt to send a

carrier signal at the same time onto a shared network. When collisions are
encountered, the network device will stop sending, wait and then try again.
Collision Domain - A collision domain is a section of a network connected by a
shared medium or through repeaters where data packets can collide with one another
when being sent, particularly when using early versions of Ethernet.

Hub - A common connection point for devices in a network. Hubs are commonly used to
connect segments of a LAN. A hub contains multiple ports. When a packet arrives at
one port, it is copied to the other ports so that all segments of the LAN can see
all packets.

Switch - In networks, a switch is a device that filters and forwards packets

between LAN segments. Switches operate at the data link layer (layer 2) and
sometimes the network layer (layer 3) of the OSI Reference Model, and therefore
support any packet protocol. LANs that use switches to join segments are called
switched LANs or, in the case of Ethernet networks, switched Ethernet LANs.

Layer 2 Switch (MAC) - An L2 switch does switching only. This means that it uses
MAC addresses to switch the packets from the incoming port to the destination port
(and only the destination port). It maintains a MAC address table so that it can
remember which ports have which MAC address associated.

Layer 3 Switch (IP) - An L3 switch also does switching exactly like a L2 switch.
The L3 means that it has an identity from the L3 layer. Practically this means that
an L3 switch is capable of having IP addresses and routing. For intra-VLAN
communication, it uses the MAC address table. For extra-VLAN communication, it uses
the IP routing table.

Wireless Access Point - A wireless access point (WAP) is a networking hardware

device that allows a WiFi-compliant device to connect to a wired network. The WAP
usually connects to a router (via a wired network) as a stand-alone device, but it
can also be an integral component of the router itself.

MAC - A medium access control (MAC) address is a physical address and hardware
address whose number is uniquely formatted in hexadecimal format and given to each
network interface device on a computer network. The addresses are usually assigned
by the hardware manufacturer, and these IDs are considered burned into the firmware
of the network access hardware.

MAC Table - A MAC address table, sometimes called a Content Addressable Memory
(CAM) table, is used on Ethernet switches to determine where to forward traffic on
a LAN.

IP Address - A unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each

computer using the Internet Protocol (IP) to communicate over a network.

Subnet Mask - Short for subnetwork mask, a subnet mask is data used for bitwise
operations on a network of IP addresses that has been divided into two or more
groups. This process, know as subnetting, enables each device within a subnetwork
to communicate, while still allowing the exchange of information between subnets
via the use of a network router. Dividing a network into subnets can improve
security and balance overall network traffic.

Gateway Address - A gateway address is an address used as an entry point into

another network. For example, 192.168.0.1 could be used as a gateway. The gateway
is commonly the address of a network device such as a network router.

Firewall - A firewall is a software utility or hardware device that limits outside

network access to a computer or local network by blocking or restricting network
ports. Firewalls are a great step for helping prevent unauthorized access to a
company or home network.

Proxy Host - A proxy host is a computer that offers a computer network service to
allow clients to make indirect network connections to other network services. A
client connects to the proxy host, and then requests a connection, file, or other
resource available on a different server. The proxy provides the resource either by
connecting to the specified server or by serving it from a cache.

Multi-Homed - Multi-homed describes a computer host that has multiple IP addresses

to connected networks. A multi-homed host is physically connected to multiple data
links that can be on the same or different networks. For example, a computer with a
Windows Server and multiple IP addresses can be referred to as "multi-homed" and
may serve as an IP router.

Computer Network
Devices - Communication devices - Transmission media

A computer network is a collection of computers and devices that are connected

together through communication devices and transmission media.
Usually, the connections between computers in a network are made using physical
wires or cables.
However, some connections are wireless, using radio waves or infrared signals.

Types of Rack Installations

The various types of rack installations are listed below:

-Brackets or ears
-Rapid Rails
-Chassis switch
-Optional modules installation

Install Switch with Ears in a Rack

Switch Rack Installation Using Rails

Chassis Switch Rack Installation

Installing Optional M1000e Modules

Installing MX7000 Modules

Cable Labeling
Where possible, use the customer's cable labeling standards.

If there are no cable labeling standards in place:

-Label option 1 (preferred):
Use sequential numbers, with unique numbers per cable. For example 0001,
0002,….
Ensure that the numbering system does not conflict with any currently
existing cable numbering.
Using a Prefix can help clarify, for example: Dell.0001or Rack6.0001.
Benefits of this option:
-Flexibility: The cable can be moved between ports without relabeling.
-It is quick to create the labels.
Label option 2:
-Include the devices and ports where the port is connected on both ends. For
example, Switch01 Gi1/0/20 or Server02 Onboard NIC1.
Drawbacks of this option:
-The label can be outdated if cable is moved.
-The label can cause operational errors, as a port may be disconnected without
verifying the other end of the cable.

Cable Installation Considerations

To install the cables, follow these considerations:

-Cables should not obstruct airflow.
-Cables should be clearly labeled.
-Use cable ties to create bundles that are neatly tied to the side of the rack.
-Alleviate stress on the connectors by leaving some slack in the cables

Initial Switch Connection

Initial Switch Connection

SSH - Telnet - Serial Console - Web Interface
When performing any type of configuration on a switch, you must be familiar with
the different methods that are used to connect to them. A connection to a switch
can be established through the serial console, Telnet, SSH, or Web interface.

With some exceptions, initially you are required to connect to a switch through a
serial console to configure it for other connection methods.

Serial Port Connection Steps

The steps for serial port connection are:
1.Identify Switch console port.
-Select and connect a serial console cable from the switch to the management
console. Use a USB to Serial adapter if needed.
-Install USB to serial adapter drivers on the computer that is used as the console.
-Start the terminal emulator software and configure it to point to the correct
serial COM port.
5.For the correct COM port, enter the speed, data bits, parity, and stop bits into
the terminal emulator-specific settings.

Switch Serial Connector Types

PIC IN CP

Console Cable Types

PIC IN CP

Terminal Applications
After connecting to the switch through the serial port, use a terminal application
to enter CLI commands.

Tera Term
Putty
PIC IN CP

Tip: For instructions on how to use the Terminal Applications, there are many
videos available on video sharing sites.
CLI Overview
-CLI is a basic command-line interpreter similar to the UNIX C Shell.
-The CLI on switches is used to control and define the device parameters and
features.
-The CLI has a hierarchical and modular structure providing the user better control
and insight into the commands and levels of configuration. It uses:
-Keywords — mandatory used to compose the command until the first parameter.
Keywords state a command.
-Parameters — mandatory or optional based on context Parameters specify
configuration options.
switch hostnamesignifies a change modeCLI modekeywordparameters
Parameter options are:
-Positional, where the position of the parameter matters
-Key, where the position does not matter
Example
In the command snmp-server community dellpvt rw:
-snmp-server and community are keywords
-dellpvt rw are key parameters
dellpvt specifies the community string
rw specifies the SNMP permissions

CLI Modes
Three CLI modes, each with specific types of commands, are available to users.

Exec Mode

-Initial default mode

-Prompt ends with >
-Only supports basic commands such as:
show
monitor
SSH
traceroute
ping

Privileged Exec Mode

-Type enable to access and exit to return to Exec mode

-Prompt changes to #
-Mode can be password protected
-Enables privileged commands such as:
clear
copy
debug
upgrade

CLI Config Mode

-Type configure to enter this mode and type exit to leave this mode
-Prompt changes to (config)#
-Provides access to global and interface configuration commands such as:
ip
logging
interface gi 1/0/1
interface VLAN 1
interface port channel 1
CLI Keyboard Shortcuts
The table below lists the basic keyboard shortcuts in CLI:

Shortcut
Description

< Delete, Backspace >

Delete previous character.

<Ctrl>+<P>
Go to previous line history buffer.

<Ctrl>+<A>
Go to beginning of line.

<Ctrl>+<R>
Rewrites or pastes the line.

<Ctrl>+<E>
Go to end of line.

<Ctrl>+<N> or Up/Down arrow

Go to next line in history buffer.

<Ctrl>+<F>
Go forward one character.

<Ctrl>+<Y>
Print last deleted character.

<Ctrl>+<B>
Go backward one character.

<Ctrl>+<Q>
Pauses screen output.

<Ctrl>+<D>
Delete current character.

<Ctrl>+<S>
Resumes screen output.

<Ctrl>+<U>
Delete to beginning of line.

<Ctrl>+<Z>
Return to root command prompt.

<Ctrl>+<K>
Delete to the end of the line.

< Tab, SPACE >

Command-line completion.

<Ctrl>+<W>
Delete previous word.
end
Return to the root command prompt.

<Ctrl>+<T>
Transpose previous character.

exit
Go to next lower command prompt.

The question mark (?) has three uses:

1.Use the ? by itself, it is used just like the help command.
Enter help at the prompt to obtain a list of keywords and a brief functional
description of those keywords.
- console(config)# ?
2.Use the ? directly behind a character or characters without a space.
Enter ? after a keyword to display a list of possible keywords containing the
character or letter.
- console(config)# i?
interface
ip
ipv6
3.Leave one space between the ? and a keyword or keywords.
Enter a keyword, then a space and ? to obtain a list of keywords that can be used
in the CLI. There must be a space before the ? for this to work.
- console#ipv6 ?
access-list named access-list
neighbor add an IPv6 static neighbor
prefix-list Build a prefix list
route establish static routes
router enable an IPV6routing process

- console#ipv6 route ?
X:X:X:X::X IPV6 prefix x:x:::y

Common Configuration Commands

Managing IP Address
There is no default IP address on most Dell Networking switches.
--An IP address must be assigned to a switch port, LAG, VLAN, management interface.
For management access, the subnet mask must be specified (can use CIDR notation).
OS 9 VLAN_Example:
- console#config
- console(config)#interface vlan 1
- console(config-if)#ip address 172.16.0.20 /16
- console(config-if)#exit
- console(config)#

OS 9 Management Example:
- console#config
- console(config)#interface management 0/0
- console(config-if)#ip address 192.16.0.21 /24
- console(config-if)#exit
- console(config)#
OS 10 VLAN_Example:
-OS10(config)# interface vlan 10
-OS10(conf-if-vl-10)# ip address 1.1.1.2/24

OS 6 Management Example:
- console#config
- console(config)#interface OOB
- console(config-if)#ip address 192.168.0.21 /24
- console(config-if)#exit
- console(config)#

-Use the show ip interface command to view the IP address you configured.
-Use the show ip interface OOB to view the IP address that is assigned to the Out-
of-Band (OOB) interface.
-Switches can be configured to pull a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
address.

Enable Password
After the switch initially boots, the first time you try to run the enable command
it gives the following messages:
-enable
-Dell#00:00:54 %STKUNIT0-M:CP %SEC-4-ENABLE_PASSW_NOT_Configured: Enable password
is required for authentication but not configured
-00:00:54: %STKUNIT)-M:CP %SEC-3-AUTHENTICATION_ENABLE_SUCCESS: Enable password
authentication success on console

You must enter config mode and add an enable password:

-Dell#config
-Dell (config)#enable password P@ssw0rd
-Note: "P@ssw0rd" is just an example, not the required password.

Username and Password

An access profile is required for login via management interface (except the
console). This example sets up an admin level username and password at level 15,
which is the highest level available.
Example (legacy):
- console#configure
- console(config)#username admin password - password level 15
- console(config)#exit
- console#

Example (latest models): Create a user name and password and assign a privilege
level.
- OS10#configure
- OS10(config)# username user07 password paSsw0$d role netadmin priv-lvl 10
- OS10(config)#exit
- OS10#

-To view accounts, use the show users accounts command.

-Upon access via telnet, user is prompted for login credentials.

Switch Name
Run this command to change the hostname. Type "configure" to enter this mode and
type "exit" to leave this mode.
In this example, the hostname is being changed to "text."
-Prompt changes to (config)#
-Provides access to global and interface configuration commands:
Dell(config)# hostname text
Prompt is changed to the hostname
text(config)#
text(config)#do copy run start

OS9 Reload-type normal reload

When booting a switch OS9 for the first time, the switch is in jump-start reload
type mode. This causes problems saving the configuration and will cause the
following message to appear on the console screen. Change the reload-type to
normal-reload.
-2w6d21h: %STKUNIT0-M:CP %JUMPSTART-5-JUMPSTART_DISCOVER: DHCP DISCOVER sent on Ma
0/0. - repeated 5 times
2w6d21h: %STKUNIT0-M:CP %JUMPSTART-5-JUMPSTART_DISCOVER: DHCP DISCOVER sent on Ma
0/0. - repeated 5 times
2w6d21h: %STKUNIT0-M:CP %JUMPSTART-5-JUMPSTART_DISCOVER: DHCP DISCOVER sent on Ma
0/0. - repeated 4 times
2w6d21h: %STKUNIT0-M:CP %JUMPSTART-5-JUMPSTART_DISCOVER: DHCP DISCOVER sent on Ma
0/0. - repeated 4 times
2w6d21h: %STKUNIT0-M:CP %JUMPSTART-5-JUMPSTART_DISCOVER: DHCP DISCOVER sent on Ma
0/0. - repeated 5 times
2w6d21h: %STKUNIT0-M:CP %JUMPSTART-5-JUMPSTART_DISCOVER: DHCP DISCOVER sent on Ma
0/0. - repeated 5 times
2w6d21h: %STKUNIT0-M:CP %JUMPSTART-5-JUMPSTART_DISCOVER: DHCP DISCOVER sent on Ma
0/0. - repeated 4 times
2w6d21h: %STKUNIT0-M:CP %JUMPSTART-5-JUMPSTART_DISCOVER: DHCP DISCOVER sent on Ma
0/0. - repeated 4 times
2w6d21h: %STKUNIT0-M:CP %JUMPSTART-5-JUMPSTART_DISCOVER: DHCP DISCOVER sent on Ma
0/0. - repeated 5 times
2w6d21h: %STKUNIT0-M:CP %JUMPSTART-5-JUMPSTART_DISCOVER: DHCP DISCOVER sent on Ma
0/0. - repeated 5 times
Dell#

-Press the Enter key to stop the continuous jumpstart error message and return to a
command prompt.

-OS9(config)#reload-type ?
jump-start Reload with the default jump start config
normal-reload Reload with the normal reload

-OS9(config)#reload-type normal-reload

-OS9#show reload-type
Reload-Type : jump-start [Next boot : normal-reload]
config-download : enable
dhcp-timeout : Infinity

-OS9#reload

OS10 Reload
Reboot the system manually using the reload command in EXEC mode. You are prompted
to confirm the operation.

OS10# reload
Proceed to reboot the system? [confirm yes/no]:yes
Saving system configuration
Proceed to reboot the system? [confirm yes/no]:yes
Types of Configuration Files

1. Running-configuration is the current configuration of the device, which is

created by copying the startup-configuration on boot.
2. Startup-configuration contains the configuration that is applied at device
startup.
3. After a switch is booted, the order of application changes: Running-
Configuration --> Startup-Configuration

Common Save and Restore Configuration Commands

These are the commands that are used for OS3, OS6 and OS9 to Save, Revert and Copy
the configuration.

Save a Configuration
Changes made to the configuration only affect the running-config and are not
applied to the startup-config. When the switch is rebooted, all changes are lost.
To save the configuration changes to the startup-config, run this command.

Dell#copy running-config startup-config

File with same name already exists.
Proceed to copy the file [confirm yes/no]: yes
!
4154 bytes successfully copied
1d1h30m: %STKUNIT0-M:CP %FILEMGR-5-FILESAVED: Copied running-config to startup-
config in flash by default
Dell#

A common shortcut for the copy running-config startup-config command is Dell#copy

run start.

Revert to the Previous Configuration

If changes are saved to the startup-config, running this command reverts it to the
initial startup state.

Dell#copy startup-config running-config

!
4154 bytes successfully copied
1d1h31m: %STKUNIT0-M:CP %SYS-5-CONFIG_LOAD: Loading configuration file
1d1h31m: %STKUNIT0-M:CP %SYS-5-CONFIG_I: Configured from console by console
Dell>1d1h31m: %STKUNIT0-M:CP %SEC-5-LOGIN_SUCCESS: Login successful for user on
line console
Dell>

Copy a Configuration
The running configuration contains the current OS system configuration and consists
of a series of commands. Copy the running configuration to a remote server or local
directory(USB) as a backup or for viewing and editing. The running configuration is
copied as a text file that you can view and edit with a text editor. The copy can
be given any name and can be brought to another machine and applied to the new
machine.

Dell#copy startup-config usbflash://startupconfig

Do not remove usbflash, copy operation is in progress!!

4154 bytes successfully copied

Dell#

To copy the specified file from the USB flash device to the specified file in
internal flash use the following command:

Dell#copy usb://filename{backup-config | image | running-config | script filename|

startup-config | filename

Back Up a Configuration
The following command format only is applicable for the Dell Networking OS
versions. If you are using third-party OS software, refer to the configuration
guides provided with those releases.
If the original switch is still functioning and the customer has not backed up a
copy, connect a laptop to the management port of the switch. Ensure that the laptop
has a functioning TFTP server installed.

To back up the configuration:

1.Assign the laptop an IP address on the switch's network to enable communication.
2.Establish a console connection to the switch's command-line interface (CLI).
3.In the console session, use the copy running-config tftp://hostip/filepath
command to back up the configuration to the laptop TFTP server.
Note:If the defective switch does not power on and the customer has not made a
backup, the configuration is lost and it cannot be retrieved.

Restore Configuration
The following command format only is applicable for the Dell Networking OS
versions. If you are using third party OS software, refer to the configuration
guides provided with those releases.
To restore the backup configuration:
1.Move the laptop to the replacement switch, and establish a console session and an
Ethernet connection.
2.Place the config file in the root directory of a TFTP server on a directly
connected laptop.
3.Use the command copy tftp://hostip/filepath running-config to copy the
configuration to the replacement switch.
4.Verify that everything has been registered in the running configuration of the
replacement system. You can run a diff command between the output of show running-
configuration and the customer-given configuration.
5.Save the configuration with the command copy run start.

OS10 Configuration and Save Commands

The following tabs show the list of configuration and save commands that are used
in OS10. To learn more, click tabs.

OS10 Configuration
Candidate-configuration stores configuration changes prior to committing them to
running-configuration.

Running-configuration is the current configuration of the device, which is created

by copying Startup-configuration on boot.

Startup-configuration contains the configuration that is applied at device startup.

Once the switch is booted, the order of application changes:

Candidate-Configuration --> Running-Configuration --> Startup-Configuration

Candidate-Configuration
The Candidate-Configuration file:
-Tracks all changes made on the switch in real time
-Can be applied at any level in the CLI
-Enables all changes at all configuration levels to be made at once
-Can be locked to avoid modifications from other users

Commands include:
-The commit command applies changes from candidate-configuration to the running-
configuration
-The discard command removes all changes made to the candidate-configuration
-The show candidate-configuration command shows contents of the candidate-
configuration

show candidate-configuration
This is an example of the show candidate-configuration command output.
PIC IN CP

show candidate differences

Before committing the changes to the running-config, check to see the differences
between the candidate-configuration and the running-configuration.
-The first command shows the candidate-configuration.
-The second command shows the running-configuration.
-The third command shows the difference between the candidate-configuration and the
running-configuration. When committed, this is what the new running-configuration
will be.
PIC IN CP

config directory
The config directory holds the startup.xml file.
-Startup.xml is the same as startup-configuration file.
-To make a backup of the startup-configuration file, make a copy of the startup.xml
file (as done on the previous page).
-If the startup.xml is deleted and the switch is rebooted, the default startup.xml
file is copied back to the directory.
PIC IN CP

Common Validation Commands

The following tab shows common validation commands that are used in OS6, OS9, and
OS10. To learn more, click each tab.

show running-config
The show running-configuration command shows the commands in the running-
configuration configured on the switch. Use the spacebar to show another page and
the Enter key to show just one more line.

show startup-config
The show startup-configuration command shows the commands saved to the startup-
configuration, which will be used on the next reboot of the switch. Use the
spacebar to show another page and the Enter key to show just one more line.

Testing the management connection

To test the ability to communicate between IP devices, ping is a good
troubleshooting command to use.

Verifying Interface Status in OS6, OS9 and OS10

The following tab shows how to verify interface status in OS6, OS9, and OS10. To
learn more, click each tab.

OS6 show interface

Like in OS 9, if the status is Down/Down, make sure the port is administratively
enabled by entering the no shutdown command on the interface. If the port status is
Up/Down, check the port and cables. if it is Up/Up, everything is good.

OS9 show Interface

Looking at the interface status is a good troubleshooting tool. If the status is
Down/Down, make sure the port is administratively enabled by entering the no
shutdown command on the interface. If the port status is Up/Down, check the port
and cables. If it is Up/Up, everything is good.

OS9 show status of all interfaces

The show interface status command is a good way to view the status of all the ports
in an easy-to-read format.

OS10 show interface

To view basic interface information, use the show interface, show running-
configuration, and show interface status commands. Stop scrolling output from a
show command by entering CTRL+C. Display information about a physical or virtual
interface in EXEC mode, including up/down status, MAC and IP addresses, and
input/output traffic counters.

Switch Firmware
Firmware Updates

When a device boots, it decompresses the system image from flash memory and runs
it. When a new image is downloaded, it is saved in the area that is allocated for a
secondary system image copy.
Image Upgrade Methods:
Trivial File transfer protocol (TFTP)
Serial with XMODEM- (only used in emergency situations when it is the only option
available)
USB (only applicable to some models)

Updating the Firmware and Boot Code

Instructions for upgrading firmware are in the release notes for each specific
revision and model. Make sure the release notes for the version upgrade being
attempted are used, as there are differences between upgrade procedures.
Specific instructions are not included on this page because of the criticality of
following the release notes of the firmware being installed.

High-level generic firmware upgrade instructions:

1.View the currently running version of code using the command show version.
2.For OS 3 and OS 6, search for the switch model on dell.com/support
3.For OS 9 and OS 10 firmware, the customer typically has an account on Dell
Digital Locker for updates.
4.Copy files to the TFTP server. Note that the customer controls whether or not you
may add your TFTP server to their environment and may require you to use their TFTP
server.
5.Locate the release notes: The upgrade instructions are part of the release notes.
Follow the upgrade procedure for the unit type you have, either single switch or
stack upgrade. If there is new boot code, it is typically upgraded first.
6.Upgrade the nonactive partition first. Mark as active. Reboot the switch.
7.Validate that the switch is running the new firmware and if valid, upgrade the
other partition. If invalid, redirect to the old version code and contact Tech
Support to investigate the issue.

You may not always be responsible for this activity. However, you are required to
understand the information and process on this page. Refer to local policy and
procedure for your specific responsibilities.

Stack Firmware Synchronization

Always verify the firmware version before adding a unit to the stack. It is a best
practice to have the same version of code on the new unit as the stack version.
Why is this important? When you add a new switch to a stack, the Stack Firmware
Synchronization feature automatically synchronizes with the version running on the
stack master. If the new switch becomes the master, it could change the version of
the entire stack if it is not already the same as the stack. This would also be a
disruption to all the other switches if a new switch joins and starts updating and
rebooting the other switches.
The synchronization operation may result in either an upgrade or a downgrade of
firmware on the mismatched stack member.
Every unit in a stack conforms to the configuration of the master unit, only one
firmware download is required for the whole stack.

Upgrading Switch Stack Firmware

Because every unit in a stack conforms to the configuration of the master unit,
only one firmware download is required for the whole stack.

This is the command line to push the firmware from master unit to stack unit:

copy image unit {1-12 | all}

For example, if you were to update stack unit 3 only:
console# copy image unit 3
To push firmware from the master unit to all the stack units simultaneously:
console# copy image unit all

The update operation can take some time. Expect 3 to 5 minutes per stack unit.

Replacing Switch Components

Replaceable Units

Commonly replaced switch parts include:

-Chassis fans
-Power supply units (PSUs)
-Add-on modules and mezzanine cards

About replaceable parts:

-Fans are always hot-swappable (replaced without requiring an outage) on switches
with removable fan packs.
-If the switch has redundant PSUs, they are hot-swappable.

When parts are not replaceable:

-Some Dell switches do not have replaceable parts, in these cases, a replacement
switch will be sent.
-Aerohive® wireless switches and access points that are sold by Dell have no
replaceable parts. For more information about these products, go to
http://www.aerohiveworks.com.
-Ruckus® products also have no replaceable parts. For more information, go to
https://www.ruckuswireless.com.

Part Replacement Best Practices

-Determine if the unit is hot-swappable:
Check the documentation for the product. See Module 6: Additional Support.
If the part is not hot-swappable, or if you are not sure, arrange an
acceptable downtime with the customer. Turn off the switch, and disconnect power
cables.
-Always use an Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) strap when handling internal parts.
-If you are replacing an internal unit or an entire switch, back up the switch
configuration.
-Wireless switches are supplied by Dell partners. Usually, they send a replacement
switch if there are any problems.

Replacing a Fan Module

Complete the following steps within one minute or the switch temperature could rise
above safe thresholds, and the switch could shut down:
1.Pinch the orange release tab as shown on the video, and pull out the fan module.
2.Insert the new fan module until it locks into place.

To play the video, click the Play button. To enlarge the video, click the Full
Screen button on the lower right.
Important: This video shows fan replacement on S4200 Series switches. Other
switches use similar procedures. Always check the documentation at the site listed
in the Additional Support module.

Caution: Do not mix airflow directions. All fans must use the same airflow
direction—reverse or normal. Mixed directions must be corrected to avoid
overheating the switch.
Keep an eye on the clock and work quickly to avoid overheating.

Reversing Fan Airflow

switches have reversible fans. If the new fan for an H-Series switch has the
incorrect airflow, follow these steps:
1.Attach the Wrist Strap.
2.Disconnect power.
3.Remove the four thumbscrews from the back of the switch.
4.Slide the back cover off.
5.Rotate the fan units to the correct direction.
6.Replace the cover so the arrow shows through the hole in the cover.
7.Tighten the thumbscrews.
8.Reconnect the power.
To show the video, click the Play button. To enlarge the video, click the Full
Screen button on the lower right.
Note: This video shows the H10XX. Other switch models may have different airflows
and corresponding part numbers.

How to Determine if a PSU is AC or DC

The customer's rack configuration determines the correct current—AC or DC.
Verify that the replacement PSU is the correct type.
-Physical Inspection:
Model number of the PSU shows if it is AC or DC.
Differentiate AC from DC by looking at PSU connector pins.
-Using CLI:
To determine all fan directions:
show inventory
To determine if a PSU is not working:
show environment pem

Replacing a PSU
example describes S4200-ON Series switches. Other switches use similar procedures.
Always check the documentation.
-The S4200-ON Series—S4248FB-ON and S4248FBL-ON—switch ships with two AC or DC
PSUs.
-The S4200-ON Series switch supports AC or DC power supplies with two air-flow
directions, normal and reverse. Normal direction is from the I/O to the PSU side.
Reverse direction is from the PSU side to the I/O side.
-Full redundancy requires two PSUs, but the switch can operate with a single PSU.
Steps:
1.Verify which PSU has failed.
2.Remove the power cable from the failed PSU.
3.Release the thumbscrew or pinch the clip, and pull out the unit.
4.Insert the new PSU until it locks. If it has thumbscrews, tighten them.
5.Attach the power cable to the new PSU.

Replacing the Route Processing Module

Route processing modules are used in MX7000 modular chassis. To learn how to
replace the route processing module, click each tab.

Guidelines
To replace a route processing module, follow these guidelines:

-The procedure on the Steps tab shows an example of replacing an internal module.
Other switches use similar procedures. Always check the documentation
-Install the fan modules before you install RPMs in a C9010 switch.
-RPMs are hot-swappable.
-Although the C9010 switch can operate with one RPM, Dell Networking recommends two
RPMs for redundancy and to provide more bandwidth to each line card.
-If the system uses two RPMs, both RPMs must have the same software image.
-If the C9010 operates with only one RPM, install it in slot 10—the top RPM slot
labeled R0—or slot 11—the bottom RPM slot labeled R1.
-If the system uses two RPMs, the RPM in slot 10 is master and the RPM in slot 11
is standby by default.
-To control airflow for adequate system cooling and ensure personal safety and
electromagnetic interference (EMI) containment during operation, install a blank in
an empty RPM slot. Always replace an RPM or a blank panel immediately.

Warning: Always wear an ESD-preventive wrist strap when handling a Route Processing
Module (RPM) or a line card. Always place RPMs and line cards on an antistatic
surface or in an antistatic bag when not in use or when carrying them. ESD damage
can occur when components are mishandled.
Do not use the ejector handle to carry an RPM or line card.

Caution: Unlock the levers before inserting an RPM or line card into the chassis.
After you insert the RPM or line card, fully engage the locking mechanism. Without
the locking mechanism engaged, you can damage a lower line card when you insert it.

Steps
To replace a route processing module, follow these steps:
1.See Figure 1. Open the left and right ejector levers—item 1—on an RPM by pressing
in the orange tab—item 2. Rotate both levers to the right, so that they snap into
the open position.
2.See Figure 2. Hold the new card assembly by the metal carrier edges. Avoid
touching the printed circuit board and connector pins.
3.The arrow in slot 10—item 2 in the Figure 2, labelled R0 on the chassis—
identifies the slot in which you insert the first RPM. Align the card with the
guide and gently slide it into the slot by holding the two ejector levers in the
fully open position and pushing the card forward. You should feel the backplane
connectors on the RPM engage with the chassis backplane.
4.Push in the levers—item 3 in Figure 2—until the thumb tabs pop-up and the card is
fully inserted in the slot. The ejector levers hide under the card.
5.If the C9010 uses two RPMs, insert the second RPM into slot 11—labelled R1 on the
chassis—below the first RPM by following Steps 1 through 4.
6.If the C9010 uses only one RPM, install a blank panel to cover slot 11. To
install the panel, hold the levers and insert the blank to cover the open slot.
Push in the lever to secure the blank in place.

Replacing a Line Card

Line cards are used in C9000 Series Switches. To learn how to replace a line card.
Click each tab.

Guidelines
To replace a line card, follow these guidelines:

-In a C9010 switch, install the fan modules before you install line cards.
-On the C9010, line card slots are labeled 0 through 9. You can insert any line
card type into any line card slot.
-Install an operational line card module or a line card blank in each line card
slot. Line card blanks are smaller than the blank panels for RPMs.
-Always replace a line card or blank panel immediately.
-C9010 line cards are hot-swappable.
-When you install a line card, do not press on the port connectors.

Steps
Figure 1Figure 2
To replace a line card, follow these steps:
1.On a full-width line card, open the left and right ejector levers by pressing the
orange thumb tabs. The two ejector levers spring open. On a half-width line card,
there is only one ejector lever. Open the left lever in the same way by pressing
the orange thumb tab so that the lever pops out.
2.Hold the card assembly by the metal carrier edges. Avoid touching the printed
circuit board and connector pins.
3.Align the card with the guide in the chassis slot. While holding the ejector
lever, press the edge of the front panel to slide the card until the backplane
connectors engage the chassis backplane.
4.Push in the lever until the thumb tab pops up and the card is fully inserted in
the slot.
5.To install more line cards in the chassis, repeat Steps 1 through 4.
6.Install a blank panel in all slots that do not have a line card. Press the orange
tab on a blank to open the ejector lever. Holding the lever, insert the blank to
cover the open slot. Push in the lever to secure the blank in place.

Important: Not all switches have replaceable line cards. This section applies to a
C9010 switch; other switches may have similar procedures. Always check the
documentation.

Switch Replacements
Unit Insertion and Removal

The most troublesome part of replacing a switch is if it is part of a stack;

replacing a stand-alone unit is less complicated.
Use the stacking menus to set the stacking characteristics of the device. The
changes to these attributes are applied only after the device is reset.
If needed, the new stack unit participates in a Master Unit election to resolve any
unit number conflict.
You can insert and remove switches to/from the current stack without cycling the
power. A new Master Switch will only be re-elected if the Master Switch was removed
from the stack. The entire network might be affected when a topology change occurs,
because a stack reconfiguration takes place.

Preparing for Switch Replacement

-On the existing switch, label the cables with port information to represent which
cable goes to which port. Refer to the Physical Setup section for the correct
procedure.
-Ensure that the current configuration is backed up as described in the Initial
Switch Configuration section. Many customers prefer to do this themselves, but
others may ask you to do it.
-If the replacement switch is a different model from the original, you may not be
able to restore the backup file to the new switch. Sometimes, an engineer must
design a new configuration to support the same features. Contact Dell EMC Support
for assistance.

Stage Replacement Switch

1.Unpack the replacement switch onto an ESD-safe surface.
2.Connect a cable from the serial port of the laptop to the console port of the
chassis. Use a DB9 converter if the laptop does not have a serial port.
Alternatively, if the switch shipped with a USB cable for the initial
configuration, you can use that instead of a serial cable.
3.Start a PuTTY or HyperTerminal program on the laptop.
4.Enable the program to log all output to a file on the laptop
5.Turn on the replacement switch, still not racked up.
6.Check if the software version of the replacement switch is the same as what the
defective switch was running. Use the show os-version command.
a.If the versions do not match, follow the upgrade procedure in the Switch
Firmware section.
b.If the version is correct, restore the configuration or have the customer
do it. If the new switch requires a different configuration, contact Dell EMC
Support.
7.Turn off the switch. Take it to the rack to replace the defective switch.

Rack Placement
Follow these steps for rack placement:
-Usually, you should place the new switch in the same slot as the existing one.
-Sometimes, the existing switch may be blocked by a Power Distribution Unit (PDU)
or some other device. If so, discuss the problem with the customer before beginning
work.
-If there is an empty slot in the rack that is next to the old switch, consider
using it for the new switch. This enables you to plug each cable into the new
switch after removing it from the old switch.
-Placing the new switch in a rack that is not next to the existing one depends on
whether the cables can reach the new location.

Physically Replacing Switch

1.Remove all labeled cables from the .
2.Unrack the defective switch.
3.Remove the rails or ears from the defective switch.
4.Attach the rails or ears to the new switch as shown in the Physical Setup section
of this course.
5.Mount the replacement switch.
6.Reconnect the cables according to the labels.
7.Turn on the new switch.
8.Restore the original configuration as described in the Initial Switch
Configuration section. Many customers prefer to do this themselves, but others may
ask you to do it.
9.Instruct the customer to verify network functionality using show commands, pings,
and so on.

Additional Support

Web and Telephone support

1.If you need additional support, contact Dell EMC support services.
2.If you cannot reach Dell EMC using the assigned telephone number, go to
http://www.dell.com/support.

Educate Dell site

For external EducateDell users,
go to https://educate.dell.com/Saba/Web/Field

For TechDirect users,

go to https

Dell EMC Networking 2019

Physical Setup