You should have no issues connecting the X-series switch to the HP switch, or really any other switch. I think really the only issue you might run into is if the HP is using a proprietary feature that would not be compatible with the X-series switch. An example of this is Cisco using VTP, where the Dell switches support GVRP but not VTP, as VTP is Cisco proprietary. In this situation the two switches can still be connected with one another and will pass traffic between the two, just that one feature won't work.   These switches can absolutely be used at the distribution level. Each network can be a bit unique in the type and amount of traffic. I would reference the spec sheet with current network demands and projected growth. This will help ensure one of these switches is not placed in a location it cannot keep up with.   The X1052 do not have an unmanaged mode. The X1008/X1008P, X1018/X1018P, X1026/X1026P have an unmanaged mode. The switch defaults to access mode for VLAN 1 on all ports, and has an IP address of 192.168.2.1. Without any configuration, the switch will begin passing untagged traffic. [URL]
Hi Dell Tech Support, we are expanding our office to accommodate more staffs. We plan to add switches (with POE) as to power the desk phone at each workstations as well.   Proposed POE Switch (Access Switch): Dell Networking X1052P [URL] Existing Switch (Distribution): HP V1810-48G [URL] Existing POE Injector (for Distribution Switch): [URL]#overview   Our questions are:   Many thanks for your help!
X1052P Compatibility & Usability