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4
Starting and Configuring the Dell™ PowerConnect™ 27XX
NOTE: Before proceeding, read the release notes for this product. The release notes can be
downloaded from support.dell.com.
NOTE: It is recommended that the most recent revision of the user documentation is obtained from the
Dell Support Website at support.dell.com.

Viewing Switch Operation

The power-on self-test (POST) runs every time the switch is initialized, and checks hardware
components to determine if the device is fully operational before completely booting. If a critical
problem is detected, the program flow stops. The boot process runs approximately 10 seconds.
The Managed Mode LED indicates whether POST has passed successfully or failed. When POST
completes successfully, the Managed Mode LED indicator is off if in Unmanaged Mode, and solid
green if in Managed Mode. When a critical problem is detected, the POST process fails and the
Managed Mode LED indicator turns solid amber (PowerConnect 2748). If the process fails in the
PowerConnect 2708/2716/2724 switch the Managed Mode LED indicator turns solid red.

Initial Configuration

The switch is delivered from the factory in Unmanaged Mode. This section describes how to enter
Managed Mode and configure the switch. If the user wishes to use the switch as an unmanaged
switch, they can simply plug the switch in and start using it. No configuration is necessary.
The PowerConnect device provides you the flexibility of basic network connectivity without
significant effort or advanced network connectivity with web-managed features and funtionality. If
you require basic connectivity and do not want to manage these devices, once you have powered up
the device and connected your network cabling you may stop there. If you desire to manage the
device, you will need to follow the instructions detailed here in the remaining sections of this
chapter.
The initial configuration of the device uses the following assumptions:
• The PowerConnect device was never configured before and it is in the same state as when
received.
• The PowerConnect device booted successfully.