HP J3178A User Manual
Installation and
Reference Guide
HP J3178A
HP AdvanceStack Switch 208/224 Management Module
HP AdvanceStack Switch 208/224
Management Module
Installation and Reference Guide
© Copyright 1997 Hewlett-Packard Company
All Rights Reserved.
This document contains information which is protected by
copyright. Reproduction, adaptation, or translation without
prior permission is prohibited, except as allowed under the
copyright laws.
Publication N umber
5966-5228
Edition 1
March 19 9 7
Applicable Product
HP J3178A Switch 208/22 4 Management Module
Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is subject to
change with out notice .
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY MAKES NO WARRANTY
OF ANY KIND WITH REGARD TO
THIS MATERIAL, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MER CHANT ABILITY
AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. HewlettPackard shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for
incidenta l o r co ns equent ial da mages in conn ect io n wit h th e
furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
Hewlett-Packard assumes no responsibility for the use or
reliability of its software on equipment that is not furnished
by Hewlett-P a ck a r d.
Warrant y
A copy of the specific warr anty terms applicable t o your
Hewlett- Packard products and replacement parts can be
obtained from your H P Sales and Service Office or
authorized dealer.
Hewlett-Packard Company
8000 Foothills Boulevard, m/s 5551
Roseville, California 95747-5551
http://www.hp.com/go/network_city
HP Customer Support Services
How to get the latest software/agent firmware
You can download from the World Wide Web, HP FTP Library Service, CompuServe,
and HP BBS a compressed file (j3178xx.exe) containing the latest version of the HP
Switch 208/224 Management Module software and proprietary MIB. After you download the file, extract the file by typing
For example, j317801 [Enter].
World Wide Web
http://www.hp.com/go/network_city
Select the “Support” section.
From this web site, you can also download information on the HP networking prod-
ucts. If you have a growing network, download the Designing HP AdvanceStack
Workgroup Networks Guide or call 1-80 0-752-0900 in the U.S. to receive a copy through
the mail.
HP FTP Library Service
1. FTP to Internet IP Address — ftp ftp.hp.com.
2. Log in as anonymous and press [Return] at the passw or d pro m pt.
3. Enter bin to set the transfer type.
4. Enter cd /pub/networking/soft ware.
5. Enter get
filename
to transfer the file to your computer, then quit.
filename
and pressing [Enter].
CompuServe
1. Login to CompuServe.
2. Go to the “hp” service.
3. Select “HP Systems, Disks, Tapes, etc.”
4. Select “Networking Products” library.
5. Download
HP BBS
Set your modem to no par ity, eight bits, 1 st op bit, se t speed up to 14400 bps, and with
your telecommuni cation pr ogram (e. g. , Windows T ermina l) dial (208) 344 -1691 in the
U.S. to get the latest software for your HP networking product. For other countries,
see http://www.hp.com/cposupport/eschome.html.
(over for more services)
filename
and then quit.
✂
Obtain the latest console code (j3178xx.exe) from:
HP FTP Library: ftp ftp-boi.external.hp.com
World Wide Web: http://www.hp.c om /go/network_city
HP BBS: (208) 344-1691
(over)
HP FIRST Fax Retrieval Service
HP FIRST is an automated fax retrieva l servi ce that is avail able 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. HP FIRST provides information on the following topics:
■ Product information
■ Troubleshooting instructions
■ Technical reviews and ar ticles
■ Configuration information
To access HP FIRST, dial one of the following phone numbers:
Location Phone Number
U.S. and Canada Only Dial 1 (80 0) 33 3-1 917 with your fax m achi ne o r to uch -tone phon e
Outside the U.S. and Canada Dial 1 (208) 344-4809 from your fax machine and press 9.
To re c eiv e a li st of c urr e nt ly a va il ab le do cu me nt s, e nt er do cu me nt n u mbe r 1 994 1. The i nf orm at i o n
you requested will be sent to you by return fax. For other countries, see http://www.hp.com/
cposupport/eschome.html.
and press 1.
Additional HP Support Services
In addition to the above services, you can purchase various HP telephone support
services which provide you expert HP technical assistance:
■ Network Phone-In Support provides you support at an hourly rate. In the U.S.,
call 1-800-790-5544. In other countries, please contact your local HP Response
Center to see if this service is available in your country.
■ HP SupportPack Comprehensive Network Support provides complete prob-
lem resolution for medium to large interconnected local and wide area
networks. Contact your HP Authorized Reseller or the nearest HP Sales and
Support Office for more information.
HP offers other hardware support services. Please contact your reseller for more
information.
CompuServe: Go hpsys
Network Phone-In
Support (hourly):
Lib 7.
Download j3178xx.exe
1-800-790-5544
✂
Contents
1 Installin g th e Management Modu le
Included P a rts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Installa tion Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Removing the Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
2 Management Module Description
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Module Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
3 The Switch Console
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Connecting a Console to the S witch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Modem Cable Pin-Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 5
Starting and Ending a Console S ession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Main Menu Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 8
Screen Structur e and Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Using Password Secu ri ty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Rebooting the Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Advanced Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
4 Configuring the Switch From the Console
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- 1
Configurable Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- 3
System Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Port Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
IPX Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- 6
Internet (IP) Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Using Bootp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- 9
v
SNMP Communities
Trap Receivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Serial Link Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Console Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Spanning Tree Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
Network Monitoring Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19
Saving Confi gurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
5 Monitorin g Switch Operation Fro m the Console
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Status and Counters Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Switch Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Port Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Port Counters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Port Counters - Show Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5- 6
Address Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Port Address Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Spanning Tree (STP) Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Event Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
6 Using SNMP To Monitor and Manage the Switch
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
SNMP Management F eatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6- 2
SNMP Co nfi guration P rocess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Advanced Management: RMON and EASE Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
RMON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
EASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
7 Troubleshooting
Checking the Module LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Problem/Solution Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
IP Config uration Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
Diagnostic Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
vi
Testing the Switch and Management Module
Testing the Switch’s Ports and the Links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Resetting the Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
Clearing Passwords on the Switch Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
HP Customer Support Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
A Specificati o ns
Regulatory Statem en ts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
B Modem Configuration
C File Transfers
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Downloading an Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C- 1
Using TFTP To Downloa d the OS File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
Using the SNMP-Based HP Download Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4
Using the Switch -t o -S witch Download . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4
Using the Zmodem to Download the OS File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5
Troubleshooting TFTP Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C- 6
Transferring Switch Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8
D Spanning T r ee O per a t ion
Spanning Tree Protoc ol (STP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
vii
viii
Installing the Management Module
Installing the Mana gement Module
The HP J3178A Adva nceStack Switch 208/22 4 Management Module is inst alled
into the front of the HP AdvanceStack Switch 208T or 224T.
In this manual, this module will be called the Switch Management Module.
Active
Base MAC Address
Switch Management Module
1
Installing the Management
Module
Figure 1-1. The Switch 208/224 Management Module
When installed, the Switch Management Module adds these features to your
switch:
■ Access to the swit ch console fro m which you can configure, monitor, and
troubleshoot the switch
■ Access to the switch from SNMP network management programs, such
as HP AdvanceStack Assi stant, for controlling th e swit ch usin g an
advanced, graphics-based interface
■ Configurable full-duplex port operation
■ Configurable support for the Spanning Tree Protocol for switched
networks
■ Configurable MAC Address Table aging
This chapter shows you how to install your Switch Management Module.
1-1
Installing the Management
Installing the Management Module
Included Parts
Included Parts
Verify that these parts were included with the product:
Module
• Switch 208/224 Management Module
• HP AdvanceStack Switch 208/224 Management Module
Installation and Reference Guide (5966-5228), this manual
• Console cable (5182-479 4)
• HP AdvanceStack Assistant for Windows CD kit
• HP AdvanceStack Products CD kit
Installation Steps
Caution Anti-Static Precautions:
Static electrici ty can severel y damage the s ensitive electr onic components on
the module. When installing the module in your switch, follow these procedures to avoid damage from static electricity:
■ Handle the module by its edges and avoid touching the components and
the circuitry on the board.
■ Equalize any static ch arge difference betw een your body and the switch
by wearing a wrist static-protector strap and at tach in g it to the switch's
metal body, or by frequently touching the switch's metal body while you
are installing the module.
1-2
1. Before installing the Switch Management Module, unplug your switch
from the power source. This protects the module and switch from potential electrical damage.
2. Unscrew the two captured screws holding the cover plate to the switch's
Management Slot and r emove the cover , as shown i n fi gure 1-2. Note t hat
the screws will release outward when unscrewed far enough. Do not
unscrew them completely from the cover pl ate.
Installing the Management Module
Installation Steps
cover plate
Loosen these
screws
Figure 1-2. Remove the cover plate
3. Insert the Management Module into the switch. Line up the sides of the
module with the rails on the sides of the swit ch ’s slot, then push the
module into the slot until it is firmly seated in the connector in the back
of the slot.
Installing the Management
Module
Switch Management Module
Figure 1-3. Insert the Switch Management Module
4. Tighten the two screws that hold the module in place. Be careful not to
overtighten the screws.
1-3
Installing the Management Module
Removing the Module
5. Turn on the power to the switch by plugging in the power cord. During
power-on, the following occurs:
Installing the Management
At Power On The swit ch begi ns i ts powe r-o n self test foll owe d by t he m odule ’s self
Module
During Self Test All Swit ch and Mo dul e LEDs a re on f or ap proxi matel y 5 se conds, then
After Self Test The switch Fa ult LED a nd the mo dule LEDs (Self Test and Fault ) turn of f.
test. Ports are temporarily disab led until the Switch Manage m ent
Module configures the ports.
just the switch Power and Fault LEDs and the Management Module
Self Test and Fault LEDs are on for the remainder of the sel f t est. The
switch and m odule self tests require appr oximately 15 sec onds total.
If the module Fault LED stays on or flashes, refer to chapter 7, “Troubleshooting” in this guide.
You have now completed installation and verification of the module.
To configure IP/IPXcommunication for the Switch Management Module, see
chapter 4, “Configuring the Switch From the Console”.
Removing the Module
The module is removed from the switch by reversing the installation steps
described earlier in this document. When handling the module, be sure to
follow the anti-static p recautions described on page 1-2.
To remove the module, follow these steps:
1. Remove power from the switch by unpluggi ng the power cord.
2. Unscrew the two captured screws holding the modul e in t he switch .
3. Pull the module out of the slot.
4. Replace the Management S lot co ver plate.
Caution Replace the cover pla te over the slot using the two screws th at hold it in place.
Be careful not to overtighten the screws. When using the switch, the cover
plate must always be ins talled. This is requ ired for safety and to ens ure proper
switch cooling.
1-4
Management Module Description
Overview
The HP AdvanceStack Switch 2 08/2 24 Management Module is ins talled i n the
Management Slot in the front of either the HP Switch 208T or HP Switch 224T.
The Switch Management Module has the physical el ements shown in the figure
below.
2
■ Reset Button - used to reboot the Management Module and the
switch in which it is installed. This cl ears any tempor ary error conditions that may have occurred, executes the module and switch self
tests, and returns all network activity counters to zero. The counters
are displayed in the switch co n sole interface and through network
management applications.
■ Clear Button - used for these purposes:
• When pressed by itself for at least one second, deletes any switch
console access password s that you may have configured. Use this
feature if you have misplaced the password and need console
access.
This but t on is provided for your convenience, but i t s presence
means tha t if you are conce rned wi th the se curit y of the switch
configuration and operation, you should make sure the switch
with the mana gement module is ins talle d in a se cure loc ation,
such as a lo ck ed wiring closet.
2-1
Management Module Description
Overview
Description
• When pressed with the Reset button in a specific pattern, clears
any configuration changes you may have made through the
switch console and SNMP management, and restor es the factory
default configuration to the switch and the module. See “Restoring the Factory Default Configuration” in chapter 7, “ Troubleshooting” for the specific method to restore the factory default
configuration.
■ Self Test LED - When lit, indicates that the Management Module or
the switch in which the module is installed is undergoing its self test,
which occurs every tim e the switch is plugged into a power source,
or as a result of pressi ng the Reset button on the Management Module,
or from rebooting or resetting the switch from the switch console or
from network management.
■ Fault LED - When lit with the Self Test LED, indicates that the
Management Modul e is executing its s e lf test. The self test normally
takes approximately 10 seconds. If the Self Test and Fault LEDs stay
on for longer than this, or if the Fault LED is flashing at an y time, an
error has occurred on the module. See chapter 7, “Troubleshooting”
for more information on the LED and error recovery procedures.
Management Module
■ Console RS-232 Port - This port is used to connect a console to the
switch, either directly using the serial cable supplied with the
Management Module, or through a modem connection. These connections are described in chapter 3, “The Switch Console”. The console
can be either a PC running a VT-100 terminal emulator, or a VT-100
termi n a l it self.
■ MAC Address - Thi s is the unique hardware identity of the manag e-
ment module. It is also used to identify the switch into which the
module is installed, and can be used in network connectivity tests
between the switch and other network devices. In an IPX network,
this address is also used as the Node Address part of the IPX network
address.
2-2
Management M odule Descript ion
Module Features
Module Feat ure s
When you install the Switch 208/224 Managem ent Module in your Switch 208T
or 224T, you get these enhanced sw itch cap ab ilities:
■ Full-duplex port operation. By default, the 10 Mbit/s and
100 Mbit/s ports on the S wi tch 208/224 operate in half-duplex mode.
With the Switch Management Module insta lled, these ports can be
configured to operate in full-duplex mode.
■ Address Aging. The Switch 208/224 au to mati cally learns the MAC
address of the devices connected to its ports and stores those addresses in an 8000-entry address table. When a device is moved, it s new
location is automatically learned and kept in the table so proper
communication is maintained with the device. With the Management
Module installed, the additional benefit is that inacti ve addresses are
aged out of the table -- the table is kept up to date with the addresses
of active nodes only.
■ Spanning Tree Support. The Switch 208/224 uses th e IEEE 802.1d
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to ensure that only one path at a time
is active between any two nodes in the network, thus preventing loops
that cause broadcast storms from occurring in the network topology.
Management Module
Description
By default, STP is disabled on the switch. You can use the switch console
to enable STP operati on; see chapter 4, “Config uring the Switch F rom the
Console” for those configuration procedures. For more information on
how STP works, see appendix D, “Spanning Tree Operation”.
■ Switch Console. The Management Module has an RS-232 port to
which you can connect a console that can be used to configur e,
monitor, and troubleshoot the switch and its ports. The console
interface can be used “out-of-band” from a PC or terminal directly
connected to the port or remotely through a modem connection, or
“in-band” through a Telnet session. For more information on the
switch consol e, see the se ction “Switch Co nsole Featur es” in chap ter
3, “The Switch Cons ol e”.
■ Networ k Management. The Management Module has firmware
agents on board that provid e SNMP Network Management control of
the switch, support for RMON (four groups) and HP Embedded
Advanced Sampling Environment (EASE) agen ts to diagnose network problems to help optimize network performance. For more
information t he n etw ork management feature s pr o vid ed by the Management Module and how to configure those features, see chapter 6,
“Using SNMP to Monitor and Manage the Switch”.
2-3
The Switch Console
Overview
About the Console Inter face. The console in terface enab les you to reco nfigure the switch and to monitor the switch status and performance. It consists of a series of management screens accessed through a menu-driven screen structure that begin s at the Main Menu.
The switch console in terface enables you to use a PC or a terminal to do the
following:
■ Modify the switch’s configuration, or provide configuration for Telnet or
network management acc ess from an SNMP-based manage ment program
such as Hewlett-Packard’s AdvanceStack Assistant (ASA)
■ Monitor the switch and port status and network activity counters
■ Control console security by configuring passwords
■ Use the switch’s event log and some advanced commands to help in
troubleshooting
■ Download new software
3
The Switch Console
Note The Switch 208/224 and its Management Module are shipped with a factory
default configuration that enables operation as a multiport learning bridge
when installed in a network. All ports are enabled, Spanning Tree Protocol
support is disabl ed, and SNMP network management i s enabled over IP X and
IP (by way of Bootp). For this operation, co nnec tin g a co nso le device is
unnecessary. How ever, for s ome of the o ther u ses listed a bove , yo u will need
to use the switch console.
This chapter descri b es the fo llowing features:
■ Connecting a console to the switch (page 3-2)
■ Starting and ending a console session (page 3-6)
■ The Main Menu Features (page 3-8)
■ Screen structure and nav igation (page 3-9)
■ Using password security (page 3-11)
■ Rebooting the switch (page 3-15)
3-1
The Switch Console
Connecti ng a Console to the Switch
Connecting a Console to the Sw it ch
The Switch 208/224 Management Module offe rs t wo methods of acc ess to the
console interface:
■ Out-of-band console access:
• Directly connected to the Console RS-232 port, using a serial cable
• Remotely connected to the Console RS-232 port, using modems an d
■ In-Band access using Telnet from a PC or UNIX station on the network,
and a VT-100 terminal emulator. This method requires that you first
configure an IP address and subnet mask by using either out-of-band
console access or Bootp. The Management Module allows one outbound
and one inbound Telnet session to be running simultaneously. It can also
simultaneously support one console session through the Console RS-232
port and one Telnet console session.
and a PC running a VT-100 termina l emulator or an actual VT-100
terminal
a PC running a terminal emulator or an actual terminal
You can put sec urity restrictions o n console access by setting Manager-level
and Operator-level passwords. See “Using Password Security” later in this
chapter.
Default Serial Communication Settings
The default communication settings on the Switch Management Module are:
• 9600 baud
The Switch Console
• 8 data bits
• 1 stop bit
• XON/XOFF
• For Windows Terminal program, also disable (uncheck) the “Use
Function, Arrow, and Ctrl
Configure your PC or terminal to operate with these settings. If you want to
operate the terminal using a different configuration, make sure you change
with settings on both the terminal an d on the switch . Chan ge th e switch
settings first, then change the terminal settings, and reestablish the console
session.
Keys for Windows” option.
3-2
Connecting a Console to the Switch
The Switch Console
Direct Console Connection, Using A Serial Cable and a PC
Terminal Emulator or Terminal
You can use either a PC emulating a VT-100 terminal (such as the terminal
application included with Microsoft Windows 3.1) or a VT-100 terminal.
To directly connect a PC or terminal to a Managem en t Modul e, follow these
steps:
1. Connect the PC or terminal to the switch’s Console RS-232 port, on the
Management Module, using an RS-232 -C console cable (included wit h the
Management Module). (If your PC or terminal has a 25-pin connector, first
attach a 9-pin to 25-pin “straight-through” adapter at one end of the
console cable.)
Console RS-2 3 2 Po r t
Figure 3-1. Connecting a PC or Terminal to the Console RS- 232 Port
2. Turn on the terminal or PC’s power (and, if using a PC, start th e PC
terminal emulation program).
3. When you see this message:
Waiting for speed sense. Press enter to continue.
Press [Enter]. You wil l then see the switch con sole Main Menu. See “ Starting
and Ending a Console Sess ion” on page 3-6.
4. If you want to continue with console managem en t of the switch at this
time, refer to the rest of this chapter f or gener al console procedures, to
chapter 4, “Configurin g the S wi t ch From the Co n sole”, and to chapter 5,
“Monitoring Switch Operation From the Console”.
The Switch Console
3-3
The Switch Console
Connecti ng a Console to the Switch
Remote Console Connection Using a Modem and a PC
Terminal Emulator or Terminal
Note For remote console management, use a pair of full-duplex, asynchronous
(character-mode) modem s as shown in figure 3-2.
1. Before installing the modems, make sure they are both correctly initial-
ized. Refer to appendix B, “Modem Configuration” for the correct initialization strings.
2. At the site where the Switch 208/224 is installed:
a. Connect the modem to the Switch Management Module’s consol e port
using a standard “straight-through” RS-232-C modem cable. (For
modem cable pin-outs, refer to “Modem Cable Pin-Out” on next page.)
b. If necessary, co nfigure t he PC or terminal to operate with the c urrent
serial link configuration of the Switch Management Module.
3. At the site where the console is to be located, conn ect th e PC emul ating
a terminal, or a term inal to the modem using a stand ard RS-232-C mod em
cable. Make s ure the t erminal and modems are fu nctioning proper ly, then
establish the link between the terminal’s modem and the switch’s modem
according to the modem instructions.
“straight-through”
RJ-11 telephone
cable
The Switch Console
“straight-through”
modem cable
RJ-11 telephone
cable
Exter nal modem
(You can al so use an internal modem.)
modem cable
Switch with
Management Module
External modem
PC running
a VT-100 terminal program
or a VT-100 terminal
Figure 3-2. Example of Remote Access through a Modem Connection
3-4
Connecting a Console to the Switch
The Switch Console
4. When you see this message:
Waiting for speed sense. Press enter to continue.
Press [Enter]. You wil l then see the switch con sole Main Menu. See “ Starting
and Ending a Console Sess ion” on page 3-6.
5. If you want to continue with console managem en t of the switch at this
time, refer to the rest of this chapter f or gener al console procedures, to
chapter 4, “Configurin g the S wi t ch From the Co n sole”, and to chapter 5,
“Monitoring Switch Operation From the Console”.
Modem Cable Pin-Out
Modem end
25-pin male
23Tx
32Rx
47RTS
58CTS
66DSR
75GND
81CD OR DCD
20 4 DTR
22 9 RI
23 DRS –typically on V.24 (European) modems
Switch end
9-pin male Signal
(not connected)
The Switch Console
3-5
The Switch Console
Starting and Ending a Console Session
Starting and Ending a Console Session
Note This section assumes that you have already configure d and co nnected a
terminal device to your switch (as described earlier in this chapte r) o r that
you have already enabled Telnet access to the switch. (To enabl e Telnet
access, refer to “Cons ol e Co n f igu ration” on page 4-16.)
How To Start a Console Session:
1. Start your PC terminal emulator, terminal, or Telnet session on a remote
terminal device.
2. Do one of the following:
• If you are using Telnet, go to the next step.
• If you are using a PC terminal emulator or a terminal, you should then
see the following prom pt:
Waiting for speed sense. Press <Enter> to continue.
Note: If the console displays a series of random and/or unread-
able characters instead of the above prompt, the Baud Rate
setting for the terminal may be different from that of the console
interface. The switch’s autosensing feature remedies this prob-
lem when you press any key. You may have to press the key a
few times.
Press [Enter] and go to the next step.
3. A message indicatin g the baud rate at which the serial inter face (Console
The Switch Console
3-6
RS-232 port) is operatin g is br iefly displayed, followed by the copyright
screen. Do one of the following:
• If a password has been set, the Password prompt appears. Type the
password and press [Enter] to display the Main Menu (figure 3-3).
• If no password has been set, you will see this prompt:
Press any key to continue.
Press [Enter] to display the Main Menu (figur e 3-3).
If there is any system-down information to report, the switch displays it
in this step and in the Event Log.
Starting and Ending a Cons ole Session
The Switch Console
Figure 3-3. The Main Menu
For a description of Main Menu features, refer to “Main Menu Features” on
page 3-8.
How To End a Cons ole Session:.
1. If you have not made configuration changes in the current session, return
to the Main Menu, highlight LOGOUT , and press [Enter].
2. Configuration changes requiring a reboot of the switch are indicated by
an asterisk (*) next to the configured item in the Configuration menu. (See
“Rebooting To Activate Configuration Changes” on page 3-16 .) If you have
made configuration ch an ges that require a reboot of the switch in ord er
to take effect:
a. Return to the Main Menu.
b. Us e the arrow keys ( [<] , [>] , [v] , and [^] ) to highlight Reboot Switch
in the Main Menu and press [Enter] to reboot.
c. When the reboot completes, the switch automatically reestablishes
the console connection, and you can restart your console session, as
described on the previous page. Or, if you have finished using th e
console, you can cl ose the terminal emula tion program before res tarting the console session.
3-7
The Switch Console
The Switch Console
The Switch Console
Main Menu Features
Main Menu Features
The Main Menu (figure 3-3 on page 3-7) gives you access to these console
interface features:
• Status and Counters: Displays information on the switch,
individual ports, the address tables, and Spanning Tree Protocol
settings. (Refer to chapter 5, “Monitoring Switch Operation From the
Console”.)
• Event Log: Enables you to read progress and error messages that
are useful for checking and troubleshooting switch operation. A
listing of Event Log messages is included on the CD shipped with your
Switch Management Module. (Refer to “Event Log” on page 5-12.)
• Configuration: Enables you to display the current configuration
settings and to reconfigure individual parameters. (Refer to chapter
4, “Configuring the Switch From the Console”.)
• LOGOUT: Disconnects Telnet or modem access to the switch. (Refer
to “How To End a Console Session” on page 3-7.)
• Advanced Commands: Provides access to a set of system manage-
ment, monitoring, and troubleshooting commands that generally
require greater knowledge of networking. These commands are listed
at the end of this chapter under “Advanced Commands”, and they are
described from the command prompt by entering Help .
• Set Passwords: Enables you to set Operator and Manager pass-
words to help restrict who has access to the console interface. (Refer
to “Using Password Security” on page 3-11.)
• Download OS: Enables you to download new software to the
M a n a g e m e n t M o d u l e . ( R e f e r t o a p p e n d i x C , “ F i l e T r a n s f e r s ” . )
• Reboot Switch: Performs a software reboot, which is required (in
some cases) to activate configuration changes that have been made.
(Refer to “Rebooting To Activate Configuration Changes” on page
3-16.)
3-8
Screen St ructure and Navigation
The Switch Console
Screen Structure and Navigation
Console screens in clu d e th ese three elements:
■ Parameter fields and/or read-only information such as statistics
■ Navigation and configuration actions, such as Save, Edit, and Cancel
■ Help line to describe navigation options, individual parameters, and read-
only data
For example, in the System configur ation screen:
system name
actions line
Help line
describing the
selected action
or selected
parameter field
(in thi s case, t he
Cancel option)
param eter fields
Help descri bing each of the
items in the paramet er m enu
The Switch Console
navigat ion instructions
Figure 3-4. Elements of Screen Structure
“Form s ” Design. The configuration screens, in particular, operate similarly
to a number of PC applications that use forms for data entry. When you first
enter these screens, you see the curren t co n f igu r ation for the item you have
selected. To change the configu ration, the basic operation is to:
1. press [E] to select the Edit action
2. navigate through the screen making ALL the necessary configuration
changes, then
3. press [Enter] to return to the action line. F r om there you can select to save
the configuratio n changes or to cancel the changes. Cancel returns the
configuration to the val ue s you saw when you first entered the screen.
See the next page for specific instructions on using the console screens.
3-9
The Switch Console
Screen St ructure and Navigation
Table 3-1. How To Navigate in the Console
Task: Actions:
Execute an acti on fr om an
“Actions-[>] list:
Use either of the followi ng methods:
■ Use the arrow keys ( [<] ,or [>] ) to highl ight the actio n you
want to execute, then press [Enter].
■ Press the key correspondi ng to the capital letter in the
action name . For example, in a configu ration menu, press
[E] to select Edit and begin editi ng paramet er values.
Reconfigure (edit) a
parameter setting or a
field:
1. Select a confi guration i tem, such as System. (See figur e 3-
4.)
2. Press [E] (for E
dit on the Actions line).
3. Use [Tab] or the arrow keys to highlight the item or field.
4. Do one of the following:
• If the par amet er has pr eco nfigu red va lues, us e the Spac e
bar to select a new option (the help line instructs you to
“Sel ect” a val u e)
• If there are no preconfigured values, type in a value (the
help line instructs you to “Enter” a value)
5. If y ou want to ch ange an other pa ramete r val ue, ret urn t o ste p
3.
6. If you are finished editing parameters in the displayed screen,
press [Enter] and do one of the following:
• To save any configuration changes you have made (or if
you have made no changes), press [S] (for the Save action).
• To exit from the screen without saving any changes that
you ha v e m ade, pr e ss [C] (for Cancel).
Note:
Some parame ter changes are activat ed w hen you
execute Sav e, and i t is t her efor e not necessa ry to r eboot t he
switch after making the se changes. But if an asteri sk appears
next to any menu item you reconfigure, it is necess ary to
The Switch Console
reboot th e switch to implement the change. In this case,
rebooting should be done after you have made all desi red
changes and t hen returned to the Main Menu.
7. When y ou are fi nished editing paramet ers, re turn t o the Mai n
Menu.
8. If nece ssary, reb oot the switch by hi ghlightin g Reboot Switch
and pressing [Enter]. (Refer to t he
Note
, above.)
3-10
The Switch Console
Using Password Security
Using Password Security
There are two levels of console access: Man ager and Operator. For security,
you can set a password on each of these leve ls.
Level Actio n s P er m it ted
Manager: Access to all console interface areas.
This is the defaul t level .
to starting the current console session, then anyone using the console can
access any ar ea of the console interf ace.
Operator: Access to the Status and Counters, Event Log, and minimal Configuration.
Use of the LOGOUT command.
On the Operator level, the Advanced Commands, Set Passwords, Download
OS, and Reboot options are no t available in the Main Menu.
That is, if a Manager password h as
not
been set prior
To use password security:
1. Set a Manager password (and an Operator password, if applicable for your
situation).
2. Activate the passwor d(s ) by exiting from the current console session.
If you do steps 1 and 2, above, then the next time a console session is started,
the console interface will prompt you for a password. Assuming that both a
Manager password and an Operator password hav e been set, the level of
access to the console interface will be determined by which password is
entered in response to the prompt.
If you set a Manager password, you may also want to configure the
Connection Inactivity Time parameter in the Serial Link configuration
screen (page 4-15 ). This caus es the consol e session to end after the speci fied
period of inactivity, thus giving you added security against unauthorized
console access. (Once a Manager password is set and the console ses sion is
ended, access to the full cons o le in ter f ace for any subsequent sessio n s
requires the Manager password t o be entered .)
The Switch Console
3-11
The Switch Console
Using Pas sw ord Security
Note If there is only a Manager password set (with no Operator password), and the
Manager password is not entered co rrectly when the co nsole sess ion begin s,
the switch console operates on the Operator level.
If there is both a Manager password and an Operator password, but neither is
entered correctly, access to the console will be denied.
If a Manager password is not set, anyone having access to the console
interface can operate the console with full manager privileges, regardless of
whether an Operator password is set. It is recommended that if you want
to restrict access to the console, you should always set at least a Manager
password. Then, if you also want to restrict access to the minimal Operator
capabilities, also set an Operator password.
Passwords are case-sensitive.
The rest of this section covers how to:
■ Set a Password
■ Delete a Password
■ Recover from a Lost Password
To set Manager and Operator pass w ords:.
1. From the Main Menu select Set Passwords. This screen appears:
The Switch Console
Figure 3-5. The Set Password Screen
3-12
Loading...