Overview

The Dell PowerConnect 2716 is part of Dell’s PowerConnect 27xx series of web‑managed Gigabit Ethernet switches. It provides affordable Gigabit connectivity with basic management features for small to medium businesses. Unlike fully managed switches, the 2716 offers a web-based interface for configuration, allowing easy deployment without advanced networking expertise.

Technical Specifications

Key Features

• 16 Gigabit ports for high-speed LAN connectivity.

• Web-based management simplifies configuration without CLI knowledge.

• VLAN support for network segmentation and traffic isolation.

• QoS prioritization to optimize VoIP and multimedia performance.

• Rack-mountable design for integration into server/network racks.

• Affordable SMB solution compared to enterprise-grade managed switches.

Typical Applications

• Small to medium business networks needing Gigabit connectivity.

• Departmental LANs requiring VLAN segmentation.

• VoIP and multimedia networks benefiting from QoS prioritization.

• Lab or test environments where simple web management is sufficient.

FAQ

Q1: Is the PowerConnect 2716 still sold new?
A1: No, it is discontinued, but refurbished units are available.

Q2: Does it support VLANs?
A2: Yes, it supports up to 64 VLANs using IEEE 802.1Q tagging.

Q3: How is it managed?
A3: Through a web-based GUI or SNMP v1/v2c.

Q4: Is it suitable for enterprise core networks?
A4: No, it is intended for SMB or departmental use, not large enterprise cores.

Q5: What is its switching capacity?
A5: It supports 32 Gbps switching capacity with 23.8 Mpps forwarding rate.