Organization of Product Documentation

Read Me First

The “Read Me First” document includes software release information, a brief “Getting Started” section, an accessory parts list, troubleshooting tips, operating notes, and other information that is not included elsewhere in the product documentation.

NOTE: HP periodically updates Read Me First. The latest version is available at

http://www.hp.com/go/hpprocurve. (Click on Technical Support, then Manuals.)

Main Product Coverage

The main product documentation for your switch or routing switch includes:

•Book 1: Installation and Getting Started Guide. Book 1 contains the product Safety and EMC Regulatory statements as well as installation, security, and basic configuration information. A printed copy of this guide is included with your HP product. An electronic copy is also included as a PDF (Portable Document Format) file on the CD shipped with your HP product.

•Book 2: Advanced Configuration and Management Guide. Book 2 contains advanced configuration information for routing protocols, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Quality of Service (QoS), and Virtual LANs (VLANs). In addition, appendixes in this guide contain reference information for network monitoring, policies and filters, and software and hardware specifications. This manual is included in a PDF (Portable Document Format) file on the CD shipped with your HP product.

•Book 3: Command Line Interface Reference. Book 3 (this manual) provides a dictionary of CLI commands and syntax. An electronic copy of this reference is included as a PDF (Portable Document Format) file on the CD shipped with your HP product.

These documents also are available in PDF file format on HP's ProCurve website.

NOTE: In Book 2, most of the chapters apply only to the HP 9304M, HP 9308M, and HP 6308M-SX routing switches (and not the HP 6208M-SX switch). However, the QoS, ACL, STP, and VLAN chapters, and appendixes A and B apply to the HP 6208M-SX switch as well as the routing switches.

Product CD: A Tool for Finding Specific Information and/or Printing Selected Pages

This CD is shipped with your HP product and provides the following:

•A README.txt file (or README.pdf file) describing the CD contents and use, including easy instructions on how to search the book files for specific information

•A contents.pdf file to give you easy access to Book 1, Book 2, and the CLI Reference on the CD

•Separate PDF files of the individual chapters and appendixes in Book 1 and Book 2, enabling you to easily print individual chapters, appendixes, and selected pages

•Single PDF files for each of the books, enabling you to use the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to easily search for detailed information

•An Adobe Acrobat Reader (in case you don't already have a reader installed on your PC)

•Additional files. These may include such items as a copy of the device software (OS), additional Readme files, and updates to network management software (HP TopTools for Hubs & Switches).

Supplements and Release Notes

These documents describe features that became available between revisions of the main product documentation. Depending on when new features are released, you may or may not receive any supplements or release notes with your HP product. New releases of such documents will be available on HP's ProCurve website. To register to receive email notice from HP when a new software release is available, go to http://www.hp.com/go/hpprocurve and click on Technical Support, then Software.

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Routing 6208M-SX, Routing 6308M-SX, Routing 9304M, Routing 9308M specifications

The HP Routing series, particularly the Routing 9304M, Routing 9308M, Routing 6308M-SX, and Routing 6208M-SX, represent a robust set of networking solutions aimed at delivering reliable and high-performance routing capabilities for enterprises. Each model offers unique features and characteristics tailored to different network requirements.

The HP Routing 9304M is designed for high-density environments and provides an exceptional level of performance for demanding applications. With its advanced Layer 3 features, it supports IP routing protocols, enabling efficient data processing and exchange. One key advantage of the 9304M is its scalability, supporting up to 200,000 routes, which is critical for organizations experiencing rapid growth. Additionally, the device incorporates enhanced security features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs) and Virtual Private Network (VPN) support to safeguard sensitive data.

In contrast, the Routing 9308M offers more advanced capabilities for larger enterprises. It is equipped with eight slots for line modules, allowing for flexible configurations to accommodate various connectivity types and network designs. The Routing 9308M supports advanced Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and low latency. Its high availability features, including redundancy in power supplies and cooling, make it a preferred choice for mission-critical environments.

The Routing 6308M-SX is tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, striking a balance between performance and affordability. It utilizes cutting-edge technology such as Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) to streamline operations and enhance the efficiency of data traffic management. The device supports both IPv4 and IPv6 routing protocols, future-proofing the network as organizations transition to newer standards. This model is particularly valued for its user-friendly interface and simplified management features, making it accessible for organizations without extensive IT resources.

On the other hand, the Routing 6208M-SX is designed for environments requiring a compact and cost-effective routing solution. It excels in edge routing applications, where space is at a premium. Despite its smaller form factor, it doesn't compromise on performance, supporting high throughput and robust security features. The device also incorporates software features to optimize traffic handling and enable seamless integration with existing network infrastructure.

In summary, the HP Routing series, including the 9304M, 9308M, 6308M-SX, and 6208M-SX, offers a range of features and technologies that cater to various networking needs. From high-density routing capabilities to compact and cost-effective solutions, each device is engineered to enhance network performance, reliability, and security, making them suitable choices for enterprises of all sizes.