Dell N2224X-ON-RA 24 Ports Managed Rack-mountable Networking Switch

Dell N2224X-ON-RA 24 Ports Managed Rack-Mountable Networking Switch Overview

The Dell N2224X-ON-RA is a high-performance 24-port managed networking switch designed for rack-mount deployment in enterprise, data center, and large-scale network environments. As a part of the Dell Networking N2000 series, this switch provides a cost-effective yet robust solution for businesses looking to enhance network efficiency and scalability. It combines advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features with excellent power efficiency, making it ideal for various networking applications, including server farms, branch offices, and high-traffic networks.

Engineered for ease of use, the N2224X-ON-RA offers intuitive management features such as the Dell Networking Operating System (DNOS) and robust security functionalities, allowing IT administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the network with minimal effort. With its 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports and additional advanced capabilities, it supports both small businesses and large enterprises looking for a reliable solution to optimize their network performance.

Key Features of the Dell N2224X-ON-RA Switch

High-Port Density with 24 Gigabit Ethernet Ports

The Dell N2224X-ON-RA switch comes with 24 Gigabit Ethernet (GE) ports, offering ample connectivity for a variety of devices such as servers, workstations, and IP-based cameras. This high port density ensures that businesses with growing networking demands can connect a significant number of endpoints without needing multiple switches. The ability to connect numerous devices over high-speed ports reduces the need for additional hardware, streamlining network deployment and reducing costs.

With Gigabit speeds, each port provides excellent bandwidth for data transfer, supporting demanding applications such as video conferencing, file-sharing, and VoIP. The 24-port configuration enables the switch to handle high volumes of network traffic while maintaining low latency, making it suitable for both small-to-medium-sized businesses and larger enterprises with more intensive networking requirements.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switching Capabilities

One of the distinguishing features of the Dell N2224X-ON-RA switch is its support for both Layer 2 (L2) and Layer 3 (L3) switching. This dual functionality allows the switch to perform advanced networking tasks such as routing between different VLANs, improving overall network efficiency and performance.

In Layer 2 mode, the N2224X-ON-RA operates as a traditional Ethernet switch, forwarding frames based on MAC addresses and enabling the segmentation of network traffic across VLANs. It supports advanced Layer 2 features such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), and Virtual LAN (VLAN) tagging.

In Layer 3 mode, the switch can perform IP routing, allowing it to route traffic between different subnets and networks. This is particularly useful in larger network topologies where routing between multiple VLANs is required. The inclusion of Layer 3 functionality makes the N2224X-ON-RA switch more flexible and scalable, allowing for better integration within complex network infrastructures.

Advanced Security Features

Security is a critical aspect of modern networking, and the Dell N2224X-ON-RA switch offers a range of features designed to protect your network from unauthorized access and potential threats. It includes several built-in security functionalities that ensure the integrity and confidentiality of network communications.

Port Security

Port security features enable administrators to control which devices can connect to each port on the switch. By limiting the number of MAC addresses that can be associated with each port, the switch prevents unauthorized devices from accessing the network. This is especially important in high-security environments where controlling network access is paramount.

Access Control Lists (ACLs)

Access Control Lists allow administrators to define which devices or users are authorized to access specific resources on the network. The N2224X-ON-RA switch supports ACLs at both Layer 2 and Layer 3, enabling granular control over network traffic and enhancing overall network security by filtering unwanted or malicious traffic.

IEEE 802.1X Authentication

The switch also supports IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication, which ensures that only authorized devices can access the network. This feature uses RADIUS or TACACS+ servers to authenticate devices attempting to connect, ensuring that all devices meet security policies before they are allowed to transmit data.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support

The Dell N2224X-ON-RA switch supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), which allows it to deliver both data and power over the same Ethernet cables. This feature is especially beneficial for powering devices like IP phones, wireless access points (WAPs), and security cameras, all of which require both power and data connectivity.

By providing power directly through the Ethernet connection, PoE reduces the need for additional power supplies and cables, simplifying installation and reducing costs. This functionality makes the N2224X-ON-RA switch a cost-effective solution for businesses that need to power multiple devices without investing in separate power infrastructure.

Scalability and Expansion

For businesses with expanding networking requirements, scalability is a key consideration. The Dell N2224X-ON-RA switch offers a range of features designed to make network expansion straightforward and efficient. With its stackable design, it supports stacking of up to 12 switches, allowing for increased port density and network throughput as the business grows.

Using stacking, administrators can manage multiple switches as a single logical unit, simplifying configuration and monitoring. This functionality makes the N2224X-ON-RA ideal for growing businesses that anticipate expanding their network infrastructure in the future. The ability to add more switches and manage them centrally ensures that the network remains flexible and scalable without significant administrative overhead.

Management and Monitoring Features

Dell Networking Operating System (DNOS)

The Dell N2224X-ON-RA switch is powered by the Dell Networking Operating System (DNOS), which provides an intuitive, user-friendly interface for managing and configuring the switch. The DNOS supports a range of management protocols, including SNMP, Telnet, and SSH, which allow administrators to monitor the network and make configuration changes remotely.

Additionally, DNOS features a web-based management interface that simplifies the process of configuring the switch. Administrators can quickly access key settings, perform troubleshooting tasks, and monitor network performance from a centralized dashboard. The operating system also supports network automation, enabling administrators to implement automated configuration changes and updates across the network, improving efficiency and reducing the potential for human error.

Remote Management Capabilities

The Dell N2224X-ON-RA switch includes remote management capabilities that allow IT staff to monitor and manage the device from virtually anywhere. The switch supports Secure Shell (SSH) and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for remote command-line interface access and performance monitoring. Additionally, the switch’s web-based interface allows administrators to make configuration changes and access diagnostic tools remotely, increasing flexibility in network management.

Real-Time Monitoring and Analytics

Real-time monitoring and analytics features provide insight into network traffic patterns, port utilization, and overall system health. With SNMP support, administrators can integrate the Dell N2224X-ON-RA into their existing network monitoring tools for comprehensive visibility into network performance. This enables proactive management and early detection of potential issues, reducing downtime and improving overall network reliability.