Dell PowerConnect 2848 Help

Hi Daniel, I have a DB9 cable (Serial to RJ45) that came with the switch I am using. It is a blue cable with a serial connector at one end, and ethernet on the other end. This is then plugged into an RJ45 to USB-c adapter I plug into my laptop. 

Does that sound correct? Are the settings I put into putty correct? 

Also, this switches IP address was changed to something on our 192.168.125.xxx network, but it is not coming up in the network scan Using advanced IP scanner. Would this be a result of it being in secure/un-managed mode?

The switch usea a DB9 console cable (Null modem cable, Dell Part# PD378).

The getting started guide details the process of making a console connection on page 13: https://dell.to/2wivCad

Usually, when I see things not working, it is because of an incompatible cable is being used.

If the unit never had it's default IP address changed, then you might try accessing it through: 192.168.2.1/255.255.255.0

Those settings look fine for putty. If the switch is not in managed mode, then you will not be able to connect to HTTP. 

The original cable was a DB-9 to DB-9 cable. I am not sure if the cable you have will work. Here is a KB article detailing the different cables and their pinouts.

https://dell.to/2MJqh68

Daniel,

I went to the switch, using a paper clip, I pushed in the mode button until I saw the managed light turn Solid green. Based on what you said, this will allow me to manage it via HTTP, but I don't have the IP address of the switch. I am trying to get it. I perform a network scan and the IP address does not show up. It does for my other Dell switches (5548, x1052), but the 2848 will not. What am I missing?

If you can get that console connection and get the running config, it would provide some insight and troubleshooting guidance. Without access to the switch, it becomes a guessing game.

Do you have a backup of the config by chance?

Daniel,

I managed to get into the switch's web GUI. I had to take a laptop out, plug an Ethernet cable into it, assign my laptop a static IP address on the switch's network which was 192.168.2.xxx. This is why I was not able to find it in my scan on our regular network. Based on it being a 192.168.2.1 IP address, I assume it was never configured? I changed the mode to managed mode (LED is lit solid green), and the switch is functioning. 

The issue I have now is when I navigate to 192.168.2.1, I sign in with admin and no password which is the defult, and after signing in it brings up a page that discusses Restore saved configuration. 

If I check the box "Restore Saved Configuration", it allows me to enter a server IP address and a file name, but I don't know what it is asking for exactly. The "Use Saved IP" is set to 192.168.2.1, and is bubbled, and "User Saved User Name/Password" is bubbled in. I cannot get to the screen that actually lets me view the switch OMSA properties such as System, Switch, Statistics/RMON, QoS etc. 

How can I get past this "Restore Saved Configuration" screen? Screen shot is below. 

Great to hear about the progress you have made. You should just be able to click on apply changes, without selecting to restore a config. I think doing this may cause a reset of the switch, if so, it will prompt you to confirm. 

I agree with your assessment. Just to confirm, are you able to click apply changes without check marking restore config?

Another management option would be telnet, I believe it is enabled by default. Can you test a telnet connection?

Daniel,

After the reboot, the switch is still in managed mode, but when I navigate to 192.168.2.1 and type in the username, it takes me right back to the Restore saved configuration page. I am trying to get into the switch options that allow me to allocate it a valid IP on our network, instead of its default 192.168.2.xxx IP. 

I don't have a saved configuration file stored anywhere (I did not initially set up this switch), but from what I can tell, whoever did set it up, just took the switch out without configuration and plugged it in. 

Can you provide more insight? Thank you. 

Are you able to schedule a time to click ok on the reset button and let the switch reboot itself? Once that is done it should let you log in.

Daniel,

Thank you for your reply. I am able to click apply changes without restore saved configuration check. It then gives me a confirm box saying The device will reset. 

Regarding Telnet, I am using Putty, and I can Telnet to the device, however when I do that it gives me 4 options upon opening a session. It says Unknown parameter May be one from the following list:

debug                 help                      logout                     mcli

I am not sure what to do at this screen. 

Daniel,

The reset button on the switch? I did not see an actual reset button on the front of the switch. Do you mean apply the settings in web config to reboot? FYI, the settings in the web config are just the default 192.168.2.1. I am trying to get past the restore auto config screen. 

Daniel,

Thanks for all your help. I will try that after hours since it is a production switch and let you know. 

Daniel,

Thanks again for all the help. I now have a proper IP address, time set, default username and pw changed on the switch. I can telnet and web interface into it successfully. Once again appreciate the help.