CHAPTER 14

Configuring Switches

Switches can be used in all layers of the Cisco three-layer model—including the distribution and core layers when they operate as multilayer switches. However, this chapter covers switches operating in the access layer. In this role, they provide a connection point to the network for host devices such as computers, printers, network scanners, cameras, or any type of device that needs to be connected to the network. They can also be wired or wireless, as you saw in the discussion of wireless access points that are not routers, but acting as wireless switches (see Chapter 10, “Network Devices”).

In many ways, managing a switch is much like managing a router because they both use the Cisco IOS. The differences are most evident in the management of the interfaces and the functions that are possible with the interfaces (which are called switchports). Because many of the procedures are no different with a switch than with a router, many of the sections of this chapter are rather abbreviated. The exceptions are the sections on configuring the interfaces and on the features possible with the interfaces, because of the significant difference between router and switch interfaces

Specifically, this chapter covers the following topics:

• Cabling the switch
• Creating a session with the switch
• Configuring passwords
• Configuring interfaces
• Understanding advanced switch functions
• Cabling the Switch