Introduction - Cisco Catalyst 2000 Configuration Handbook

xviii Cisco LAN Switching Configuration Handbook

Introduction

Of the many sources of information and documentation about Cisco Catalyst switches,
few provide a quick and portable solution for networking professionals.
Cisco LAN Switching Configuration Handbook is designed to provide a quick and easy
reference guide for all the features that can be configured on Cisco Catalyst switches. In
essence, the subject matter from an entire bookshelf of Catalyst software documenta-
tion, along with other networking reference material, has been "squashed" into one handy
volume that you can take with you.
The idea for this book began as a follow-on to the router configuration book. In larger
switched network environments, it is common to see many different Catalyst platforms in
use—each might have a different feature set. We have found it difficult to remember the
configuration steps and commands when moving from one Catalyst platform to another.
Perhaps you have. too.
As with router configuration, the commands for switch configuration went into a note-
book of handwritten notes. This notebook began to travel with us into the field as a net-
work consultant and engineer. When you're on the job and someone requires you to con-
figure a feature that you're not too familiar with, it's nice to have your handy reference
notebook in your bag! Hopefully, this book will be that handy reference for you as well.
This book is based on the most current Cisco Catalyst software releases at press
Note
time—IOS switches according to the 12.2 major release. If you use an earlier version of
either software, you might find that the configuration commands differ slightly.
Features
This book is meant to be used as a tool in your day-to-day tasks as a network administra-
tor, engineer, consultant, or student. As such, we have avoided presenting a large amount
of instructional information or theory on the operation of features or commands. That is
better handled in other textbooks that are dedicated to a more limited subject matter.
Instead, the book is divided into chapters that present quick facts, configuration steps,
and explanations of configuration options for each Cisco Catalyst switch feature. The
chapters are as follows:
■ Chapter 1, "CLI Usage": Describes the IOS environment and command-line
interface
Chapter 2, "Switch Functionality": Describes LAN switches and how to implement
■
a switch campus network design
■ Chapter 3, "Supervisor Engine Configuration": Explains how to configure switch
prompts, IP addresses, passwords, switch modules, file management, and administra-
tive protocols