If you are new to the technology, it can be difficult to understand how to set up a network switch. It is recommended to hire professionals who are skilled in network configuration and management. Before we get into the details of how to use it, let’s briefly discuss what a network switch looks like.
How to configure a Cisco network switch?
What is a Network Switch?
An official MAC bridge is a network switch. It can also be called a switching hub, bridging hub, or switching hub. First, you must understand the basic definition of a network switch before you can configure it.
This device connects all components of a computer network using packet switching. It allows data to be received, processed or forwarded to its intended destination. It is a multiport network link that processes and forwards data at the OSI layer 2 (layer 2) using hardware addresses. Some network switches can also do the same at layer 3 (layer 3) by adding routing functionality. These network switches are known as layer-3 (or multilayer) switches. The network switch is different than other switches in that it only forwards data to devices that are required to receive it. This is what you need to know How to set up a network switch This is only one skill you should learn in order to understand how your network can reach its highest level.
Types of network switches
Before we get into how to configure a network switching device, let’s first define the two types of switches. The managed and unmanaged network switch
Unmanaged network switches are for easy plug-in and they will work immediately. If you are using an unmanaged network switch, there is no need to know how to set it up. This is the common switch we find in our home network, our desk, in a lab or even in a conference room, for as long as a few more ports are needed.
In contrast, the managed network switch offers the flexibility, security and features you require in exchange for the responsibility of configuring a switch. You can control and customize it to protect your network and ensure that your network is always up-to-date.
You might not be using network switches for all your network management needs. It is a good idea to learn about the basics of network switches so you can prepare for any changes in your network setup. You can also opt for a trusted company to outsource the maintenance of your system and keep the stress at bay.
How to configure a Cisco Network Switch and make it work?
The Cisco network switch is a popular switch, so people are looking for reliable guides on how to set up a Cisco switch. Its versatility, reliability and flexibility, as well as its features, may help to explain this. How do you configure a Cisco network switch and make it work? Follow these steps:
1: Connect the device to the console
Connect to the console using terminal emulator software like PuTTY. The initial prompt for command “Switch>” will appear.
Enter “enable” in the search box and hit enter. Enter “enable” and hit enter to go into privileged mode (“Switch#”)
Go to Global Configuration Mode now
Switch# configure terminalSwitch(config)#
2: Create a hostname to identify the switch in your network
Switch(config)# hostname Access-Switch1
access-switch1(config)#
3. Configure an administrator password (enable secret pass)
access-switch1(config)# enable secret somestrongpass
4: Create a password to Telnet access
access-switch1(config)# line vty 0 15
access-switch1(config-line)# password strongtelnetpass
access-switch1(config-line)# login
access-switch1(config-line)# exit
access-switch1(config)#
5: Define the IP addresses that can access the switch via Telnet
access-switch1(config)# ip access-list standard TELNET-ACCESS
access-switch1(config-std-nacl)# permit 10.1.1.100
access-switch1(config-std-nacl)# permit 10.1.1.101
access-switch1(config-std-nacl)# exit
Apply the Telnet VTY Lines Access List
access-switch1(config)# line vty 0 15
access-switch1(config-line)# access-class TELNET-ACCESS in
access-switch1(config-line)# exit
access-switch1(config)#
6: Assign an IP address to the switch’s management
Vlan 1 is assigned a Management IP by default
access-switch1(config)# interface vlan 1
access-switch1(config-if)# ip address 10.1.1.200 255.255.255.0
access-switch1(config-if)# exit
access-switch1(config)#
7: Assign the default gateway to your switch
access-switch1(config)# ip default-gateway 10.1.1.254
8: Disable any ports that are not needed on the switch
This step is optional, but it enhances security
Let’s say we have a 48 port switch. We don’t need ports 25-48.
access-switch1(config)# interface range fe 0/25-48
access-switch1(config-if-range)# shutdown
access-switch1(config-if-range)# exit
access-switch1(config)#
9: Save the configuration
access-switch1(config)# wr
This is only one way to learn how you can set up a network switch. These are the steps to follow for basic configuration of Cisco switches. Other items can be configured differently depending on each network’s requirements.
