Production networks consist of one or more Ethernet switches that carry production traffic data from end to end. Administrators must be able to access the production switches to manage them. For small networks with switches that are physically accessible in the same room, it is easier for the administrator to access and connect to each switch using the console port. This method is used when the initial configuration is performed and may be used for continued management of the switch. In most instances, however, production networks are too large to configure and manage one switch at a time through the console port. These larger networks contain many switches that are scattered across multiple rooms, buildings, cities, and beyond. In these situations, a management network that is separate from the production network is preferred and offers many benefits.

Management networks allow administrators to configure, manage, and monitor all devices in the network including switches and servers. There are three types of management networks that are widely used with Dell Technologies networked devices. This document provides the pros and cons of each management network type and assists you in selecting one or more methods to suit your needs.