the switch 8108fl is an 8-slot chassis; the switch 8118fl is a 16-slot chassis.

    console ports

    the top of the chassis contains two rj-45 serial console ports—one for management module a (primary management module), and one for management module b (secondary management module). these ports are used to directly connect a management console to the switch by using the rj-45 to db-9 adapter and straight-through cable supplied with the switch. you can use the console port only for out-of-band management. it cannot be used for a telnet connection. for network connections, use the 10/100 base-t port on the management module, as shown in.

    slot covers

    all procurve switch 8100fl slots must have an installed module or be covered by a slot cover any time the switch is powered on. slot covers are included in your shipment as needed, and are half-height size, except for the full-height slot cover for the 8116fl switch fabric module. half-height slot covers have different widths—switch fabric modules are wider than interface modules.

    failure to cover empty slots while the system is running degrades the forced air cooling system and can cause the system to overheat.

    backplane

    the backplane is installed at the factory and occupies the rear of the chassis. it is designed to be completely passive to ensure high availability of the system. the power supplies use the backplane to supply power to the system. interface modules and the primary management module use the backplane to exchange control information and packets.