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Catalyst 2950 Desktop Switch Software Configuration Guide
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Chapter 1 Overview
Management Options
Management Options
The switches are designed for plug-and-play operation: you only need to assign basic IP information to
the switch and connect it to the other devices in your network. If you have specific network needs, you
can configure and monitor the switch—on an individual basis or as part of a switch cluster—through its
various management interfaces.
This section discusses these topics:
• Management Interface Options, page 1-7
• Advantages of Using CMS and Clustering Switches, page 1-7
Management Interface Options
You can configure and monitor individual switches and switch clusters by using these interfaces:
• CMS—CMS is a graphical user interface that can be launched from anywhere in your network
through a web browser such as Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer. CMS is
already installed on the switch. Using CMS, you can configure and monitor a standalone switch, a
specific cluster member, or an entire switch cluster. You can also display network topologies to
gather link information and display switch images to modify switch and port level settings.
For more information about CMS, see Chapter 3, “Getting Started with CMS.”
• CLI—The switch IOS CLI software is enhanced to support desktop-switching features. You can
configure and monitor the switch and switch cluster members from the CLI. You can access the CLI
either by connecting your management station directly to the switch console port or by using Telnet
from a remote management station.
For more information about the CLI, see Chapter 2, “Using the Command-Line Interface.”
• IE2100—Cisco Intelligence Engine 2100 Series Configuration Registrar is a network management
device that works with embedded CNS Agents in the switch software. You can automate initial
configurations and configuration updates by generating switch-specific configuration changes,
sending them to the switch, executing the configuration change, and logging the results.
For more information about IE2100, see Chapter 5, “Configuring IE2100 CNS Agents.”
• SNMP—SNMP provides a means to monitor and control the switch and switch cluster members.
You can manage switch configuration settings, performance, and security and collect statistics by
using SNMP management applications such as CiscoWorks2000 LAN Management Suite (LMS)
and HP OpenView.
You can manage the switch from an SNMP-compatible management station that is running
platforms such as HP OpenView or SunNet Manager. The switch supports a comprehensive set of
MIB extensions and four RMON groups.
For more information about using SNMP, see the Chapter 24, “Configuring SNMP.”
Advantages of Using CMS and Clustering Switches
Using CMS and switch clusters can simplify and minimize your configuration and monitoring tasks. You
can use Cisco switch clustering technology to manage up to 16 interconnected and supported Catalyst
switches through one IP address as if they were a single entity. This can conserve IP addresses if you
have a limited number of them. CMS is the easiest interface to use and makes switch and switch cluster
management accessible to authorized users from any PC on your network.