This article will describe the phased configuration of the Cisco 2960. Essentially, this is a whole line of high-tech switches that are used to implement computer networks of the initial or intermediate levels of complexity. In the same review, we will consider a specific model of such a router - WS-C2960-24-S. It is through his example that the procedure for setting up such network nodes will be described.
Network Devices Overview
As previously noted, the Cisco 2960 is an entire line of routers. Moreover, their technical parameters allow you to create both an entry-level LAN and an intermediate one. It is in the latter case that their use is most justified. From one such device can be directly connected from 23 to 47 different computing systems. The power consumption of the basic models is limited to 30 watts, but the most functional such routers consume up to 140 watts.
Each switch has its own memory. The amount of RAM is 64 MB, and the capacity of the integrated drive is 32 MB. The specialized operating system Cisco IOS acts as a software shell. It is used only in various devices and is optimized specifically for this application.
Technical specifications
Communicator WS-C2960-24-S is one of the most affordable devices in this series. It has 24 ports. They can be programmatically configured for various operating modes, among which it is worth highlighting duplex and bidirectional. The information transfer rate in this device can be 10 or 100 Mbit / s. That is, this switch complies with Fast Ethernet specifications. The power consumption of the router is limited to 30 watts.
Among other features of this router, it should be noted the lack of support for PoE technology. That is, it is not suitable for the implementation of IP - telephony within the office.
The installation of this device can be performed both in the rack and on any horizontal surface. The only requirement is proper operating conditions. The temperature should not be higher than 45 ° C, and humidity should not exceed 85%. Also, obstruction of the ventilation holes of the switch case is not allowed. If this condition is not met, then overheating and damage to such a device is possible.
Specialization of the router in question
Configuring the Cisco 2960 is a rather complicated operation and requires the user to have certain knowledge and skills. Therefore, it must be carried out by a well-trained specialist who can afford the organization of the average level. The recommended number of PCs in such an office should be from 18 to 23 pieces. In this case, there should be no IP-telephony. This is the main case when the use of such a router is justified.
Equipment
The delivery list of this network device includes the following items:
- Switch.
- A set of mounts for various mounting options.
- Power cable for switching with power supply system.
- Console cable.
- A set of legs for desktop use of this network system.
- A set of documentation.
- Digital media with the necessary software to configure such a device. It also has an advanced user guide. It details the process of how to adjust the factory settings of the Cisco 2960 to work.
In addition to this, in the process of configuring such a network point, you will need a twisted pair cable and a personal computer. Since it is more convenient to configure such equipment using a laptop, it is precisely such PCs that are used in the implementation of this operation.
Mounting
Now we’ll look at how Cisco 2960 of this model is configured from scratch. In the case of desktop applications, it is enough to attach the legs to it and install it in place for future use.
If this device will be used in a 1U rack, then it is necessary to fix the corresponding fastenings on its case with the help of screws from the package. Next, the router itself is installed in the corresponding slot in the rack. After that, it is fixed.
Connection
The next step in configuring the Cisco 2960 model WS-C2960-24-S is to fully implement its switching. To do this, install the power wire connector in the corresponding socket on the router, and its plug - in the power outlet. Then you need to separate the ends of the twisted pair and connect them to the corresponding ports of the communicator. In this case, it is desirable to issue a card switching equipment. That is, you need to make a table in which the purpose of each connector will be indicated. It is important.
Program setting. Procedure
Software configuration of the Cisco 2960 switch consists of the following steps:
- At this stage, all external computing devices, except the laptop, should not be connected to the router. That is, disconnect all connectors from the communicator ports. It must be fully autonomous.
- Next, turn on the custom equipment and wait for the end of the process of its initialization. This usually takes a few minutes.
- Hold the Mode button for 3 seconds and after all the LED indicators above it begin to glow continuously, release. This means that this router is in Express setup mode.
- We connect the PC and the router using a twisted-pair cable of category 5 (it is not included in the delivery and you need to buy this wire separately). You also need to make sure that the LEDs on the computer’s network board and the corresponding router port are blinking at this time. After this, it is recommended that you wait 30 seconds for the electronic equipment to properly set up.
- We launch the browser and open the page in it at the address "10.0.0.1".
- In the opened interface we set all the necessary parameters. The network identifier is set to 1 by default. In the next two fields, set the subnet mask and device address. We also specify the parameters of the gateway. This is done in the following two input fields. At the end, indicate the new security password. We save the changes.
- In the next window of the setup menu we set additional parameters. These include the name of the network node, the administrator’s contact information and its location. If using Telnet or SNMP protocols, select the corresponding check box and enter the password to make the connection.
- We save the changes and exit the settings interface. In this case, the router will exit Express setup mode and the LAN will then be ready for operation.
This is the easiest way to configure such devices. In reality, specialists use more sophisticated software when configuring such network systems.
Health testing
After finishing the communicator shell, you need to check the correctness of the previously set values. To do this, on any PC that is part of this segment of the computer network, start the browser and check the ability to download sites on it. A comprehensive check is recommended. That is, check the operability of all personal computers connected to this device. All must have access to the "global web." If there are regular problems with obtaining information in this case, it is recommended to reset the Cisco 2960 settings of this modification and repeat the software setup again. Perhaps this will solve this problem.
Reset
If the device does not work normally or you need to transfer it from one place of operation to another, it is recommended to reset the Cisco 2960 with the marking WS-C2960-24-S. To do this, simply hold down the button labeled Mode for 3 seconds. As soon as the LEDs start flashing and the device performs a full software reset, you can release it. After that, the operating system of the communicator will return to its original state.
Conclusion
This article described how to configure the Cisco 2960 WS-C2960-24-S. This is one of the most affordable switches in this series to date. But at the same time, his technical specifications are sufficient and allow him to easily implement computer networks of medium complexity. Configuring such a router is a rather complicated operation and its implementation is best entrusted to a well-trained specialist of the appropriate profile. But it is quite difficult for a novice user to cope without outside help.