On the management side, Dell has delivered many features lacking in previous versions of the PowerConnect OS. Loopback interfaces are present. The file system has seen some updates, including the ability to add descriptions to firmware images. Dell also has souped up the SNMP functions significantly; the switch supports SNMP v1, v2, and v3, plus it delivers notification filters.

Also finally available is LLDP (Link-Layer Discovery Protocol), or 802.1ab, which permits LLDP-compliant switches to find each other on a network, ' la CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol).

Cisco also has updated the CLI, which now sports a command-completion feature. Not only does it recognize partial unique commands, but it completes the command for you without the customary Tab key. It's a nice feature, but takes some getting used to. Otherwise, the CLI remains an exercise in Cisco-style IOS with a few unique features.

Compared with the 6024, the 6248 is much easier to drive. The configuration-file syntax is far better; the 6024 seemed to arbitrarily scatter commands around within the file. The 6248 groups them together, so all commands pertaining to a single Ethernet port can be found under that port's header.

On the Web UI front, little has changed in terms of design and layout, but the problems with non-Microsoft browsers don't seem to be present. Earlier revisions of the Web UI for Dell PowerConnect switches would, at best, warn that the browser might not be compatible, or, at worst, completely prevent access.