Cisco switches go through a boot process similar to that of your computer or smartphone. Ethernet switches in small networks usually do not require any configuration. They are designed to work out of the box.
Power Up the Switch (17.2.1)
Cisco switches, like most switches, are preconfigured to operate in a LAN as soon as they are powered on. All of the interface ports on the switch are active and will begin forwarding traffic immediately after devices are plugged into them. It is important to remember that no security settings are enabled by default. You need to configure the basic security settings before connecting the switch to the network.
The three basic steps for powering up a switch are as follows:
Step 1. Check the components.
Step 2. Connect the cables to the switch.
Step 3. Power up the switch.
When the switch is powered on, the power-on self-test (POST) begins. During POST, the LEDs blink while a series of tests determines whether the switch is functioning properly.
Note
You can also attach cables after power is applied.
POST is completed when the SYST LED rapidly blinks green. If the switch fails POST, the SYST LED turns amber. If a switch fails POST, you need to return the switch for repairs.
When all startup procedures are finished, the Cisco switch is ready to configure.
Step 1. Check the components. Ensure all the components that came with the switch are available (see Figure 17-8). These components could include a console cable, power cord, Ethernet cable, and switch documentation.
Figure 17-8 Components for Connecting to a Switch
Step 2. Connect the cables to the switch. Connect the PC to the switch with a console cable and start a terminal emulation session, as shown in Figure 17-9. Connect the AC power cord to the switch and to a grounded AC outlet.
Figure 17-9 Switch to Laptop Console Connection
Step 3. Power up the switch. Some Cisco switch models do not have an on/off switch, like the Cisco Catalyst 9300 48S switch shown in Figure 17-10. To power on the switch, plug one end of the AC power cord into the switch‛s AC power connector, and plug the other end into an AC power outlet.
Figure 17-10 Back Panel of the Cisco Catalyst 9300 48S
Note
The Cisco Catalyst 9300 switch in Figure 17-10 has redundant power supplies in case one fails.
Video—In-Band and Out-of-Band Device Management (17.2.2)
Refer to the online course to view this video.