Netgear FSM726S FSM726S User Manual - Page 26

CHAPTER 5: SWITCH MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW This chapter gives an overview of switch management, including the methods you can use to manage your NETGEAR Model FSM726S Managed Stackable Switch. Topics include: Management Access Overview SNMP Access Protocols Software Upgrade Procedure Management Access Overview Your NETGEAR Model FSM726S Managed Stackable Switch gives you the flexibility to access and manage the switch using any or all of the following methods: An administration console Web browser interface External SNMP-based network-management application The administration console and Web browser interface support are embedded in the switch's firmware and available for immediate use. Each of these management methods has advantages. Table 5-1 compares the three management methods. Table 5-1. Comparing Switch Management Methods Management Method Administration console Web browser SNMP Agent Advantages Out-of-band access via direct cable connection means network bottlenecks, crashes, and downtime do not slow or prevent access No IP address or subnet needed Menu-based HyperTerminal access to full functionality (HyperTerminal are built into Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT/2000 operating systems) Secure - MAKE SURE THE AREA WHERE THE SWITCH IS INSTALLED IS A SECURE AREA. Can be accessed from any location via the switch's IP address Ideal for configuring the switch remotely Compatible with Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator Web browsers Familiar browser interface Graphical data available Most visually appealing Communicates with switch functions at the Management Information Base (MIB) level Based on open standards Disadvantages Must be near switch or use dial-up connection Not convenient for remote users Not graphical Security can be compromised (hackers need only know IP address and subnet mask) May encounter lag times on poor connections Displaying graphical objects over a browser interface may slow navigation Requires SNMP manager software Least visually appealing of all three methods Limited amount of information available Some settings require calculations Security can be compromised (hackers need only know the community name) For a more detailed discussion of the Administration Console, see chapter 6. For a more detailed discussion of the Web Browser Interface, see chapter 7. SNMP Access With this access method, you can use an external Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) -based application to manage your NETGEAR Model FSM726S Managed Stackable Switch. Figure 5-1 shows an example of this management method. This management method requires the SNMP agent on the switch and the SNMP Network Management Station to use the same community string. This management method, in fact, uses two community strings: the GET community string and the SET community string. If the SNMP Network Page 26 of 110