Cisco IE-3000-8TC Software Configuration Guide - Page 80

Assigning Switch Information Chapter 4 Assigning the Switch IP Address and Default Gateway The boot loader provides access to the flash file system before the operating system is loaded. Normally, the boot loader is used only to load, uncompress, and launch the operating system. After the boot loader gives the operating system control of the CPU, the boot loader is not active until the next system reset or power-on. The switch has a removable compact flash card that stores the Cisco IOS software image and configuration files. You can replace and upgrade the switch without reconfiguring the switch. Removing the compact flash card does not interrupt switch operation, unless you need to reload the Cisco IOS software due to a power cycle or user action. However, when the compact flash card is removed, you do not have access to the flash file system, and any attempt to access it generates an error message. The switch ships with the compact flash memory card installed and supports any size compact flash card. Use the show flash: privileged EXEC command to display the compact flash file settings. For more information about the command, go to this URL: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/ios/12_2/configfun/command/reference/frf009.html#wp1018357 For information about how to remove or replace the compact flash memory card on the switch, see the Cisco IE 3000 Hardware Installation Guide. The boot loader also provides trap-door access into the system if the operating system has problems serious enough that it cannot be used. The trap-door mechanism provides enough access to the system so that if it is necessary, you can format the flash file system, reinstall the operating system software image by using the Xmodem Protocol, recover from a lost or forgotten password, and finally restart the operating system. For more information, see the "Recovering from a Software Failure" section on page 39-2 and the "Recovering from a Lost or Forgotten Password" section on page 39-3. Note You can disable password recovery. For more information, see the "Disabling Password Recovery" section on page 11-5. Before you can assign switch information, make sure you have connected a PC or terminal to the console port, and configured the PC or terminal-emulation software baud rate and character format to match these of the switch console port: • Baud rate default is 9600. • Data bits default is 8. Note If the data bits option is set to 8, set the parity option to none. • Stop bits default is 1. • Parity settings default is none. Assigning Switch Information You can assign IP information through the switch setup program, through a DHCP server, or manually. Use the switch setup program if you want to be prompted for specific IP information. With this program, you can also configure a hostname and an enable secret password. It gives you the option of assigning a Telnet password (to provide security during remote management) and configuring your switch as a command or member switch of a cluster or as a standalone switch. For more information about the setup program, see the hardware installation guide. Cisco IE 3000 Switch Software Configuration Guide 4-2 OL-13018-03