The switch stacks with one or two gigabit modules in the expansion slot on the rear panel. M an attractive buy for many large sites. Although of more marginal interest, IGMP filtering is also available. However, protocol filtering is not implemented on this device, so networks with lots of AppleTalk or other packet types should consider switches that handle a larger range of protocols. Link fault tolerance features are a little weak, with the 2424M supporting only HP's proprietary method of port trunking.
Remote management is supported using telnet and the unit's built-in Web interface.
Shops that already run a Microsoft IIS 4.0 server can also install HP's TopTools for Hubs and Switches utility, which runs on a Web server and interacts with the switch using SNMP-2. While we were impressed with the look and functionality of the built-in Web management interface, we experienced the same kind of compatibility problems with some browsers that we reported in our review of the ProCurve Switch 8000. When we opened the same page using IE 4.01 SP1, it took under 14 seconds. With Navigator 4.04 running under Windows 95, the page took 9.3 seconds. Clearly some users will love the Web interface for the level of control it affords, while those unlucky enough to use a poorly supported browser might not be so enthusiastic.