Switch Login Levels - IBM RackSwitch G8000 Application Manual

Switch Login Levels

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2011
To enable better switch management and user accountability, three levels or classes
of user access have been implemented on the G8000. Levels of access to CLI, Web
management functions, and screens increase as needed to perform various switch
management tasks. Conceptually, access classes are defined as follows:
• User interaction with the switch is completely passive—nothing can be changed
on the G8000. Users may display information that has no security or privacy
implications, such as switch statistics and current operational state information.
• Operators can only effect temporary changes on the G8000. These changes will
be lost when the switch is rebooted/reset. Operators have access to the switch
management features used for daily switch operations. Because any changes an
operator makes are undone by a reset of the switch, operators cannot severely
impact switch operation.
• Administrators are the only ones that may make permanent changes to the
switch configuration—changes that are persistent across a reboot/reset of the
switch. Administrators can access switch functions to configure and troubleshoot
problems on the G8000. Because administrators can also make temporary
(operator-level) changes as well, they must be aware of the interactions between
temporary and permanent changes.
Access to switch functions is controlled through the use of unique surnames and
passwords. Once you are connected to the switch via local Telnet, remote Telnet, or
SSH, you are prompted to enter a password. The default user names/password for
each access level are listed in the following table.
Note: It is recommended that you change default switch passwords after initial
configuration and as regularly as required under your network security
policies.
Table 2. User Access Levels
User Account Password
user user
oper oper
admin admin
Note: With the exception of the "admin" user, access to each user level can be
disabled by setting the password to an empty value.
Description and Tasks Performed
The User has no direct responsibility for switch
management. He or she can view all switch status
information and statistics, but cannot make any
configuration changes to the switch.
The Operator manages all functions of the switch.
The Operator can reset ports, except the
management ports.
The superuser Administrator has complete access to
all menus, information, and configuration commands
on the G8000, including the ability to change both the
user and administrator passwords.
Chapter 1. Switch Administration
33