Features; General Features - Dell PowerConnect 5424 User Manual

Features

This section describes the device user-configured features. For a complete list of all updated device
features, refer to the latest software version Release Notes.

General Features

IP Version 6 (IPv6) Support
The device functions as an IPv6 compliant Host, as well as an IPv4 Host (also known as dual stack).
This allows device operation in a pure IPv6 network as well as in a combined IPv4/IPv6 network.
Head of Line Blocking
Head of Line (HOL) blocking results in traffic delays and frame loss caused by traffic competing for the
same egress port resources. HOL blocking queues packets, and the packets at the head of the queue are
forwarded before packets at the end of the queue.
Virtual Cable Testing (VCT)
VCT detects and reports copper link cabling occurrences, such as open cables and cable shorts.
Jumbo Frames Support
Jumbo frames enables transporting the identical data in fewer frames. Ensuring less overhead, lower
processing time, and fewer interrupts.
For information on enabling Jumbo Frames, see "Defining General Device Information" on page 67.
MDI/MDIX Support
The device supports auto-detection between crossed and straight-through cables.
Standard wiring for end stations is Media-Dependent Interface (MDI) and the standard wiring for hubs
and switches is known as Media-Dependent Interface with Crossover (MDIX).
For information on configuring MDI/MDI for ports or Link Aggregate Groups (LAGs), see "Defining
Port Parameters" on page 278 or "Configuring Load Balancing" on page 284.
Flow Control Support (IEEE 802.3X)
Flow control enables lower speed devices to communicate with higher speed devices, by requesting that
the higher speed device refrains from sending packets. Transmissions are temporarily halted to prevent
buffer overflows.
For information on configuring Flow Control for ports or LAGs, see "Defining Port Parameters" on
page 278 or "Configuring Load Balancing" on page 284.
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Introduction