Switch Configuration

Switch configuration
By the end of this session, you will be able to: • • Describe basic switch configuration methods. Configure a switch.

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SESSION OVERVIEW ...................................................... 2 MANAGEMENT OPTIONS ............................................... 3 WHY CONFIGURE SWITCHES? ....................................... 4 CONSOLE PORT............................................................. 5 HYPERTERMINAL ......................................................... 6 TROUBLESHOOTING...................................................... 7 QUIZ ............................................................................. 8 EXERCISE ..................................................................... 9

Switch configuration

Chapter 4: Switchconfiguration
By the end of this session you will be able to:
Describe basic switch configuration methods. Configure a switch.

Systems & Network Training

Session overview
• • • • • • We have reviewed the theory of Ethernet and looked at the theory of how bridges, and therefore switches, operate. In this session we will start using switches to reinforce the theory. At this stage we will focus onretrieving information from the switches rather than their actual configuration. Later chapters will concentrate on changing configurations. Cisco switches will be used for the hands on exercise – however this is not a Cisco course. Therefore don’t concentrate so much on the commands but rather concentrate on the output of commands.

Introduction to Ethernet switching v1.2
© 2001 - 2003 Systems &Network Training Ltd

4-2

Switch configuration

5 ways to manage switches
Console Console port

Network ports

telnet
Systems & Network Training

SNMP

HTTP

TFTP

Management options
• • • • After the hardware has been installed and cabled it is likely that at least a minimal additional configuration would be required. Until an IP address has been assigned configuration isperformed using the console port (usually at the rear of the switch). Most switch management options require network access and a valid IP address for the switch. If and when the switch has a network connection and a valid IP address, then a number of options for switch management are possible: telnet Accesses the command line – similar to console port access but over the network. SNMP (SimpleNetwork Management Protocol) For management using network management systems such as HP OpenView. HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) Web based management. The switch acts as a web server, the administrator just points the browser at the switch. TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) Used to download configurations.
Introduction to Ethernet switching v1.2
© 2001 - 2003 Systems & Network Training Ltd4-3

Switch configuration

Why configure switches?
Console Console port

1. Passwords 2. Management 3. Performance
Systems & Network Training

SNMP

telnet

Why configure switches?
• • • Switches are layer 2 devices and are therefore relatively easy to configure in comparison to routers. In most cases, the default configuration of switches will enable the switch to connect PCsand servers together with ease - plug and play. Further configuration of switches is advisable for the following reasons: Security Adding passwords to the switch to prevent unauthorised access. Management An IP address is advisable to enable management of the switch and should be configured. Performance With an “out of the box” configuration, convergence times of 50+ seconds would not be uncommon.With a little bit of effort these times can be reduced to 0-8 seconds. Extra configuration can also make the network more stable and less prone to issues, such as broadcast storms.

Introduction to Ethernet switching v1.2
© 2001 - 2003 Systems & Network Training Ltd

4-4

Switch configuration

Console port
Console port
Cisco 2900

Extreme Summit24

Foundry BigIron 4000
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